My husband’s widowed mum moved in with us and won’t let us spend time alone
DEAR DEIDRE: MY husband’s widowed mum treats him as if he’s her husband. I can’t take it any longer.
She is 64 and moved into our house a year ago. I’m 42 and my husband is 43.
She is always making him his favourite treats, including biscuits and cakes, and can’t wait for him to finish work. He laps up all the attention.
She has her own room and en-suite but is always knocking on our door when we are trying to chill. She moans about us cuddling and asks the most ridiculous questions to get his attention.
I have tried talking to my husband but he won’t hear anything negative about her. I’m at the end of my tether.
Get in touch with Deidre today
Got a problem?
My team and I are working safely from home but we are here to help you as always.
Send an email to [email protected].
Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays.
You can also send a private message on the Facebook page.
Follow me on Twitter
DEIDRE SAYS: You will need to insist the two of you have proper time alone to talk. Say you need to make a plan to help his mum enjoy life more.
She sounds lonely and may be still grieving. Try bereavement counselling through Cruse (, 0808 808 1677). And The Silver Line (the silverline.org.uk, 08004 70 80 90) offers a be-friending phone service.
Together, tell her you need some privacy but balance that by inviting her to join you two or three specific evenings a week.