I swear sometimes people don't believe me when I talk about them, but it's all unfortunately true!

JAM, when they come to Maryland to visit us they don't stay with us. They stay in a hotel. We have two terriers and they don't want to be around them, and I refuse to keep them pent up in the basement for the weekend :rolleyes:

Killarny...

Either you're the lost sister I never knew about, OR, your inlaws and my parents are related somehow.

My advice, based on 12 years of marriage - STAY AWAY, STAY FAR AWAY. The nonverbal message will work.

My parent were such control freaks (I'm an only child too boot) - that my wife rebelled. Rebelled to such a point that I didn't speak to my parents for almost 4 years. We're still trying to reestablish ties, but very cautiously - they tried to run EVERYTHING in our marriage, and I damn near lost my wife in the process.

I think you should nominate your Father In Law to be on Dr. Phil.

OK, so I'm not sure if I prefer 33girl's, aggieAXO's, or CutiePie's suggestion... y'all are mean :D

I'm so sorry that you have to deal with the in-laws from hell, Tracy. Mine are no picnic either... I've found that the best way of dealing with my mother-in-law when she's in one of her moods, is not to. Unfortunately this isn't always possible... but fortunately, the stick up her you-know-where only manifests itself from time to time.

I like JAM's suggestion of having your husband talk to his parents and put it on those terms. If it comes from you, then you're the bad guy. I also second the suggestion that you not open the door to a family conflict, by not going to the beach house.

Take care. :)

KillarneyRose, does your father-in-law have a long-lost brother who acts just like him? If he does, it's gotta be my stepdad. He's *exactly* like your description. Now that I'm home for the summer, I will have to stock up on Pepcids because the man literally gives me heartburn.

I second whoever said give the kids lots of sugar and let 'em loose at the in-laws house...at worst, they won't ask you back. Which wouldn't be all that bad, right? ;)

In more ways than one.

I would stay elsewhere -- ask mom and dad to join us for dinner, the beach, whatever. But (kindly) let Dad know that it's just too much stress on everyone to visit their home -- unless he can lighten up.

HIJACK...
 

I MUST use this line! LOL...I think I need to catch this! Sorry, I think I am coming down with a case of 'I don't give-a-phuck-ness'" OH...you have no idea what you have started!