NBR: Stupid MIL Problem

LandK

Yes, this is stupid.  I know it is.

So I rarely talk to my MIL.  She lives really far away, and any time she wants to talk to DH, she just calls his cell phone.  I haven't spoken to her for at least a few months, although she occasionally sends me emails.  I like her and consider myself lucky to have a MIL like her, but she and I are not close.  We barely have anything in common, and it's usually awkward to try to think of stuff to talk about.  Anyway, lately when she sends me an email, she says "I love you" at the end.  It's sweet and all, but it's weird!  I don't know what to say back, so I usually just end the email without signing my name or anything so that I avoid having to use some awkward closing like "take care" when she's telling me she loves me!  Like I said, I like her, I love that she raised a great son, but I don't "love" her. 

Am I being a b!tch ignore all the lovey dovey stuff?  I don't want to say it back, but I also don't want to hurt her feelings.  WWYD?

wifeypooh

I'm kind of in the same boat. My MIL lives really close to us and we see her often, but we aren't close nor do we have anything in common. We went out to dinner a few weeks ago for DHs birthday and after we dropped her off, she said "I love you guys". I never say it back.

I don't think its bad to ignore the lovey dovey stuff.

Irishgatorstar

UGh.  My FIL and his wife do this all the time.  It doesn't help that DH and I both HATE the wife.  It's just an "Ok, bye." thing for me.  There is no way I'm going to say it back.

lia2878

No your not being a b if you're not comfortable then don;t say it.

Vitsky

that is weird especially since you two are not very close...maybe its her way of trying to connect with you now that your having her grand baby??

LandK

Oh, I'm glad I'm not the only one in this boat!  I was getting ready to be flamed for having a little problem like this when some of the ladies here have the MIL from hell to deal with!

Seriously, though, this makes me uber uncomfortable!  I know she means well, so I don't want to shoot her down, but it does seem like a bit much considering that we barely even know eachother.  *sigh*

LoriLockhart

meh...i'd go on not saying anything. its better than saying it and not feeling it. my mil lives way too close. everytime i leave their house she kisses me. so nasty. i dont even like hugs!!! she also insists that i call her "mom". i mostly avoid it and dont call her anything.

LandK

Vitsky:

that is weird especially since you two are not very close...maybe its her way of trying to connect with you now that your having her grand baby??

I think that has something to do with it.  She has said it before, but that was usually just if DH and I were together and it was like, "Bye guys, love you!"  Those times I just smiled and said goodbye, but it's a little different when it's in an email and I'm expected to type it out!  LOL

paula62776

She's probably starting to feel more affection toward you because you're carrying her grandchild.  I can seriously tell that my parents like my husband better now since he got me pregnant.  People are weird.

Ash07

I think alot of times babies bring family's together and she will tell your little one she loves him/her when they arrive so she may just be starting with you to. 

My MIL says it, and I say it back because I love my husband and she made him so there is a love there, just diff level or diff kind of love.  I guess some people just use the word differently. 

nuttybunch

I wouldn't say it, either. I don't even say that to my parents, but only because we're not mushy, emotional people. I would feel weird about saying it to her.