She’s a clean freak

Q

Every time we stay at my mother-in-law’s, I panic. It’s like a show home, you can’t relax. She won’t allow shoes indoors, and she stands outside the bathroom so she can tidy after you! We’re going over Christmas for a few days. I don’t think I’ll cope! Sarah, 37

A

This sounds like OCD to me. Your husband needs to sit Mum down for a chat. It could be a mental-health issue she needs help with.

If you cancelled Christmas at hers, she might be relieved! It can’t feel nice for her, either.

You need to tell her you feel uncomfortable, and she can air how she feels. The issue needs to be addressed, rather than ignored.