HOW TO DEAL WITH A CON ARTIST MOTHER IN LAW

 

STEP #1

TELL HER SHE'S

A BLABBER MOUTH

 &THROW HER OUT

OF YOUR HOUSE!

STEP #2

UTILIZE THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES

A con artist mother-in-law often displays patterns of manipulation, deception, and boundary-pushing to gain control, money, or sympathy. Unlike simple family drama, these actions are typically calculating and self-serving, with a history of preying on others. 

Here are red flags to help you identify and recognize a con artist mother-in-law.

Money and finances

• Constant money troubles. She frequently has "emergencies" that only you can solve, and her financial situations are often vague or confusing. When questioned, she may become evasive.
• Borrowing with no intention to repay. She might ask to borrow money for a series of misfortunes but offers inconsistent or changing explanations about her need for funds.
• Exploiting crises. She uses family emergencies or personal crises as an opportunity to ask for money, counting on your immediate, emotional reaction to prevent you from thinking clearly.
• Insisting on specific payment methods. She might demand money via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—methods that are harder to trace.
• Targeting vulnerable family members. She may attempt to scam other family members, particularly those who are elderly or who recently experienced a personal crisis, such as the death of a spouse. 

Manipulative and controlling behavior

• Guilt trips. She uses guilt to control your actions, making you feel responsible for her feelings or problems. If you refuse her request, she might frame it as a sign that you don't love or care about her.
• Blame-shifting. She refuses to take responsibility for her actions and instead twists situations to portray herself as the victim, making you feel like the aggressor.
• Disrespecting boundaries. A manipulator will ignore your clear and repeated "no" and push boundaries until you give in. When confronted, she may act confused or indignant.
• Gaslighting. She denies past events or conversations that you know happened, causing you to doubt your own memory and sanity.
• Love bombing and flattery. Early in the relationship, she may have overwhelmed you with excessive praise, gifts, or attention to win your trust. Once she has what she wants, the affection dwindles.
• Bringing out your worst traits. Skilled manipulators exploit your vulnerabilities like greed, fear, or insecurity to get what they want. 

Deceptive and unreliable patterns

• Inconsistent stories. Her stories are elaborate but often contain strange inconsistencies or details that don't add up. When you ask questions, she may have trouble keeping her lies straight.
• Charm and smooth talk. Con artists are often charming and professional on the surface. They work hard to sound and look impressive, which helps them gain trust.
• Elaborate backstories. She may offer a story about her wealth or success that sounds too good to be true, but there is no proof to back it up.
• A transient history. An inability to maintain long-term friendships or jobs can be a red flag. Manipulators often leave situations once their true nature is exposed.
• A "fair-weather" friend. She may seem very friendly when she wants something from you, but contact becomes sparse or disappears entirely once she has it. 

How to protect yourself

• Trust your gut. Your intuition is a powerful tool. If an interaction with her leaves you feeling confused, drained, or guilty, pay attention to that feeling.
• Document everything. Keep a detailed record of manipulative behavior, including dates, specific requests, and your interactions. This can help you recognize patterns and provide clarity.
• Create distance. A con artist thrives on constant interaction to manipulate you. Create emotional or physical distance by limiting how often you see her and how much information you share.
• Establish and enforce boundaries. Clearly communicate your boundaries to your mother-in-law and your spouse. Do not give in when she inevitably tests them.
• Maintain a united front with your spouse. It's essential that you and your partner are on the same page. If she tries to create division by badmouthing you or triangulating, talk it through with your partner so you can stand together.
• Seek professional guidance. A therapist or counselor can provide valuable support and coping strategies for dealing with manipulative family members. 

3RD & FINAL STEP

INSTALL A PAD LOCK

TO YOUR FRONT DOOR

AND A WARNING SIGN