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A young Nigerian woman, just two months into her marriage, has raised concerns over what she describes as an uncomfortable situation involving her mother-in-law who has been living with her and her husband since shortly after their wedding.
In a heartfelt and honest message she shared anonymously, the lady expressed frustration about her inability to bond with her husband freely due to her mother-in-law's constant presence and interference.
According to her, her husband is an only child and was raised by his mother alone. Now, as a newlywed, she's finding it hard to settle into married life because her mother-in-law has “taken over” the kitchen, controlling what she cooks and how she cooks it—even telling her which spices to use.
“It’s like I have to take permission before I cook for my husband,” she wrote. “Whenever I’m in the kitchen, she’ll rush in to monitor or correct me. I barely feel like the woman of the house.”
The lady also mentioned how uncomfortable she feels when trying to enjoy time with her husband. Even simple moments like watching TV or having light-hearted physical affection in the living room are constantly interrupted.
“She once came into the living room and told us to go inside the bedroom if we wanted to kiss or touch. We weren’t even doing anything serious,” she explained.
Another issue she raised is how her mother-in-law always takes the front seat beside her husband anytime they go out, leaving her to sit at the back like a guest.
“It may seem small, but it really hurts,” she added. “I feel like I’m being pushed aside in my own marriage.”
The young woman admitted she’s emotionally drained and unsure how to ask her mother-in-law to leave without creating conflict. Although she’s been tempted to invite her own mother to come stay too, she doesn’t want to escalate things.
She concluded her message with a simple plea:
“Please, I’m tired. I need advice. I don’t know how to politely ask my mother-in-law to leave. I just want to enjoy my new marriage in peace.”
