A 28-year-old woman sought advice on Reddit after a Thanksgiving dinner turned awkward at her mother-in-law’s house. Upon arrival, all seats were occupied, and the woman had to sit on her husband’s lap. Beside him was his ex-girlfriend, with whom the mother-in-law had a good relationship.

The woman had a strained relationship with her mother-in-law, who was passive-aggressive and critical. Despite this, she didn’t mind Shaun’s ex attending family events. However, during Thanksgiving dinner, the woman found no available seats due to her granddaughter joining at the last minute.

When the woman gestured toward Julissa, Shaun’s ex, questioning why she wasn’t given a seat, her mother-in-law claimed Julissa was as much family as the daughter-in-law. The woman, feeling upset, sat on her husband’s lap, leading to awkward moments at the table.

Despite compliments on the food, the atmosphere remained uncomfortable. After dinner, the mother-in-law and Julissa went to the washroom, leaving the woman feeling criticized. Later, the mother-in-law messaged her, accusing her of being inappropriate and ruining Thanksgiving.

Reddit users were divided in their opinions, with some supporting the woman and others criticizing her husband for not intervening. The situation raised questions about managing family dynamics and communication within the family.

The story highlights the complexities of daughter-in-law and mother-in-law relationships, especially when an ex-girlfriend is involved. Ultimately, the Reddit community debated the appropriateness of the woman’s actions and suggested various ways the husband could have handled the situation better.