Q My parents tend to treat my wife as an unwelcome intruder in the family. My dad usually just ignores my wife and my mom is critical/passive-aggressive with her. We all moved closer to one another recently and I hoped the closeness would breed better relationships, but, alas.

After growing up in a house where problems are best left ignored until they blow over, I generally try to confront them head-on. But I know my parents will deny that anything is the matter. And it’s hard to tell my wife she just has to be calloused to get over my parents’ barbs. — Dealing With My Mom

A Well, then, I guess you can’t do anything!

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