How do I do this for the rest of my life?
My mother in law is constantly critical and negative. against everything I say if I’m the one saying it but the idea or thought is great if anyone else says it. Everything I do is heavily questioned and criticized even when it has absolutely nothing to do with her. I’m sure if you’re in this subreddit a lot of you have definitely experienced this behaviour but tonight takes the cake. We were at their house to celebrate my MILs bday and she pats my belly and says “you’re putting on a belly aren’t ya” and then her and FIL just giggled while I sat there shocked. I am in no way obese. I am 5’6 and around 130 lbs. how do I interact with her and put up with this for the rest of my life? She does not take any criticism or boundaries and I don’t think going no contact is an option my partner would be open to at least right now. In his eyes she’s horrible but she just doesn’t understand/isn’t coming from a bad place. I am just so upset right now I don’t even know what to say so I’m sorry if this post is chaotic or grammatically incorrect lol
Edited for context, I have never retaliated and been nothing but nice to her. I always wanted a close relationship with my in-laws and have always been a bit too close with my own family so this is devastating.