Dealing with people you hate during the holidays

[Gharrissc]

Why was he so worried about what you and your husband had in your house? Everyone who comes over here knows that we keep our animals inside,and they respect that whether they like it or not. I do have a few family members who are a little leary of dogs and will put them in crates or let them go outside for a while depending on the wheather. I will not tolerate snide remarks in my house.

Originally Posted by lhczth

dptduke, if you love your sister you deal with the jerk. We used to celebrate Christmas here, but my husband's father hated the fact that we had dogs in the house. I would put them in crates so his parents would be comfortable here and because I loved my husband. Eventually it just became easier to have Christmas at their house and we brought the roast beef with us. When my husband's father would say things about the dogs in his all knowing way I would just smile and move on. Often not raising to the bait is a much stronger insult than reacting.

[cptduke]

Originally Posted by lhczth

dptduke, if you love your sister you deal with the jerk.

I'm trying so hard! I'm not the only one who hates him. In fact, no one in my family likes him. We are all kind to him, but only because we have to be. Last night he was incredibly rude, only when my sister was out of ear shot. I hate him more for the way he manipulates my sister than for the way he treats the rest of my family.
Her first husband is a good man, they were never good together though. We all told her that, she ignored it, now they are divorced and hate each other. She knows we hate the current guy, but we are not allowed to voice our opinion because she will take her kids away from us. So he is allowed to be rude, but we are not allowed to defend ourselves from him. And if I don't let him in my house, I don't see the children.

[lhczth]

Unfortunately it sounds like you have more problems than just the boy friend. It is sad when children are used as leverage.

[MichaelE]

I like most dogs better than I did my in-laws. Exceptions made for my SIL and FIL. Good and decent people.

[KZoppa]

OP i hope you are able to figure things out or a light comes on and the offending party is ditched.

[k9carrie]

Just be glad you don't have relatives who hound you for advise on "what's wrong with our chiu-weenie who eats towels & is presently running around the room like no where is safe". Any opinion, no matter how politely given, crushes their feelings!
When will I learn to keep quiet!