Ask Rene: My Mother-In-Law’s Meals STINK!

Ask Rene:
My Mother-In-Law’s Meals STINK!

Hey Rene:

I hope you can help me. We just got back from my mother-in-law’s house for the holidays and, as usual, it was dreadful!

My mother-in-law is a TERRIBLE cook! Saying she’s awful doesn’t even begin to cover it. Each year she has to call that turkey hotline because something’s gone wrong with the bird. When it is presented, it’s either under or overcooked; with each bite I worry if this is the year I (or one of the kids) is going to end up in the hospital with food poisoning.

Sadie is on a fixed income yet she insists on hosting us, even though the food (it’s all she can afford) leaves a bit to be desired. It would be so much easier if she would just let us cook or take her out for the holidays.

I think I have an idea about what you’re going to say but I had to get this off my chest.

Any ideas?

Always Dreading Dinner in Delaware:

Dear Triple D:

Wow, where to start with this one? So you don’t want your mother-in-law’s crappy cooking? Try this on for size. Keep your ungrateful behind at home during the next holiday.. how’s that?

Of course I do think you should go but only if you adjust your attitude. But if you do decide to go, here are a few things you can try.

EAT BEFORE YOU GO

Creative Commons/STeFou

You know how fitness pros always tell you when you’re dieting you should eat before you get to the party so as not to be tempted by the bad stuff? This applies to you, too. Eat at home so you won’t be ravenous (and miserable) around a bunch of food you hate. If you are seriously worried about the safety of the food, you might feed the kids before you go, too.

EAT THE STUFF YOU LIKE

Creative Commons/Sakurako Kitsa

While you’re at your mother-in-law’s house, eat only the things you feel comfortable eating. Look, not every.single.thing is contaminated or questionable (and poor food preparation is something that needs to be taken very seriously). Stick with the stuff that’s safe, like saltine crackers or anything else that comes from a box. Feign loss of appetite if you must, but be polite.

REMEMBER WHAT THE
HOLIDAYS ARE ABOUT

Creative Commons/daviddoo

Stand by as I lower the boom: it actually sounds like you need less antacid and more attitude adjustment. For God’s sake woman, Sadie gave birth to the man you married! Love and appreciate her for who she is. She’s doing what she can and why? Because she loves YOU! On her fixed income she is sacrificing so she can make something nice for you. I think the least you can do is suck it up for a day, eat what you can and put a sock in it.

Seriously though, I hope you’ll see this situation for what it is, not for what you want it to be.

Good luck to you.

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