I Refuse to Be My MIL’s Servant Just Because I Live Under Her Roof

Being newlyweds is difficult, especially when a baby lives with your in-laws. Rain, 19, finds herself in this very situation, constantly disagreeing with her mother-in-law over household rules. Rain feels overwhelmed, and the situation worsens when she finally expresses her concerns. She sought advice and looked to us for assistance.

This is Rain’s letter

I live with my in-laws because we’re 21 and can’t afford our own place while raising our baby. My mother-in-law expects me to clean up their mess and even do the family laundry. I told my husband, “Show some backbone and defend me! I’m not your mom’s maid!”

Later, I came home and was surprised to see that all of my belongings were gone from our room; my closet was empty. My mother-in-law had prepared my suitcase and placed it next to the door. She said, “If you can’t respect my rules in my house, then you’re no longer welcome.”

The worst part was that my husband just shrugged and said, “Maybe it’s better if you go to your parents’ house for a while with the baby until things calm down.”

I reminded him that I had left everything and moved miles away to be with him, then I left. I feel completely helpless.

Now, I’m back at the house, but things are even more tense than before. What should I do?