Some people just can’t seem to empathize with others, no matter how hard they try. They’re probably only concerned with themselves and don’t realize how other folks arefeeling. This makes it much harder for the people in their lives, especially if they’re already dealing with a difficult situation.

The mother-in-law in this story fits the bill exactly. Rather than empathizing with herdaughter-in-law, who was going through an incredibly tough time, she chose to put the woman down and make everything about herself.

More info:Reddit

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A woman looking frustrated, expressing distress

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The woman had a miscarriage while on their family vacation, and even though she was in terrible pain, her mother-in-law was more concerned about not being able to go out

Woman relaxing on a beach lounge under the sun, wearing sunglasses.

Image credits:user32601828 / Freepik (not the actual photo)

Rather than enjoying the vacation on her own, the mom-in-law sat around the house all day and complained, so her son eventually confronted her about it and put her in her place

Text about a husband defending against a MIL who ruined a vacation after a miscarriage, emphasizing setting boundaries.

Text about a grandmother’s love for grandchildren despite family issues related to vacation and miscarriage.

Text about overcoming a hurtful relationship with mother-in-law, discussing support from husband.

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The poster explained that her mother-in-law was actually a good grandmother to their kids but sometimes had the tendency to say outrageous and hurtful things

To understand the actual physical and emotional toll this situation must have taken on the OP,Bored Pandareached out toDr. Sarah Allen. She is a psychotherapist in Chicago, IL, and she has over 25 years of experience working with reproductive mental health issues.

She told us that “the physical effects of miscarriage vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and the individual, but bleeding, cramps, and pain can all be very uncomfortable to manage. The rapid hormonal levels drop can cause some physical symptoms, mood swings, sadness, anxiety, and postpartumdepression-like symptoms.”

Unfortunately for the OP, her mother-in-law didn’t understand the depths of pain that she was dealing with. Since the woman was extremelycodependent, she didn’t want to go out anywhere without her son or daughter-in-law around. So, she stayed at home and kept complaining about her vacation being ruined rather than comforting the poster.

We asked Dr. Sarah why some folks are sounsympathetictoward those who’ve had a miscarriage. She said that “because it often happens behind closed doors, individuals who have never personally experienced it or known someone who has may be unaware of its emotional impact.”

A grieving couple holding hands at a cemetery.

Image credits:RDNE Stock project / Pexels (not the actual photo)

“Other women may just need to know you care. Different women need different things, or the type of support they need may change as they go through the grieving process. However, genuinely expressing empathy to those going through a miscarriage really helps,” she added.

How would you have reacted if you were faced with a heartless in-law like this?

Discussion about a mother-in-law ruining a vacation, emphasizing husband support in a stressful situation.

Discussion about emotional and physical pain of miscarriage and inappropriate MIL reaction.

MIL’s comment about miscarriage affecting family relationship, with humorous response.

Reddit conversation about a partner’s response to a conflict involving vacation and family tensions.

Reddit user discusses MIL’s negative impact on vacation after a miscarriage.

Reddit comments about in-laws' behavior after miscarriage affecting vacation.

Comments discussing vacation with a difficult family member following a miscarriage.

Woman sitting against a wall, looking distressed, with hands in her hair, symbolizing stress from a vacation situation.

Image credits:Pablo Merchán Montes / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

Reddit conversation about miscarriage support, involving MIL issues affecting vacation.

Comment expressing sympathy and criticizing MIL on a miscarriage.

Reddit comment expressing frustration over MIL ruining vacation.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a MIL ruining a vacation over a miscarriage.

Online comment discussing a vacation being ruined by a mother-in-law after a miscarriage.

Text discussing MIL’s impact on vacation plans after a miscarriage, suggesting low contact and addressing the husband’s role.

Text expressing sympathy for miscarriage and advice to avoid MIL due to insensitivity.

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