Navigating Family Tensions: In-Laws and Alcoholism

A mother is upset that her son and daughter-in-law invited her daughter-in-law's parents to stay at their family cabin, feeling uncomfortable with strangers in the house. In response, the son and daughter-in-law decide to skip the visit altogether and go to the wife's family instead. The columnist advises the mother to apologize and welcome the daughter-in-law's parents, as her reaction has deeply insulted her son's extended family. In another question, a mother expresses hurt over not receiving gifts or cards on special occasions from her adult children, while she faithfully acknowledges their birthdays and partners. The columnist suggests having a conversation with her children about their different perspectives on gift-giving and valuing the phone calls they do make.