I decide to distance myself from my financially demanding mother-in-law

As the author of the article “My mother-in-law lies about being sick to get money from us,” I’ve received various comments from readers. Consequently, my husband and I have chosen to distance ourselves from her, without feelings of remorse, regret, or unfilial guilt.

At over 50, my mother-in-law refuses to engage in physical work, claiming to be too old, yet she maintains an active social life, including affairs, frequent drinking, and parties. She has also committed fraud by selling properties belonging to my father-in-law and stealing wedding money from my husband.

Despite claiming to need money for health reasons, her lifestyle included plastic surgeries and extensive travel for religious events, the funding of which remains unclear. While she often claimed illness to solicit money, we ceased giving her a monthly allowance, providing funds only during genuine hospitalizations. We continued to visit her with our children and gifts out of respect but were met with constant demands for money, followed by curses if we did not acquiesce.

Before marrying, I was only aware that my parents-in-law were divorced, living separately within the same house. My mother-in-law appeared devout, frequently attending church, which seemed to indicate a moral endeavor. However, it wasn’t until two years into our marriage that I fully grasped the extent of her deceit and manipulation after my husband, overwhelmed by her relentless insults, confided in me about her past thefts and fraud.

Despite these revelations, I initially tried to foster a better relationship between her and my husband, hoping to build good karma for our family, particularly for our child, by emphasizing the importance of family ties. This effort continued even after learning from my father-in-law about the resentment she harbored towards us, possibly fearing that we would claim family assets.

However, the situation escalated when I discovered the abusive messages she continuously sent to my husband, which he had kept hidden from me. This has profoundly changed my perception, and now, knowing she includes me in her vitriolic messages, I too have lost all desire to maintain a connection with her.

Are my thoughts justified?