Cooking for family isn’t always simple. Between selective eaters and dietary restrictions, making everyone happy at the dinner table can feel like an uphill battle. One reader recently found herself in a tough spot when her mother-in-law criticized her cooking habits, sparking a household conflict that now has her seeking advice on how to move forward without escalating tensions.

“My mother-in-law stayed with us for a week.

She’s vegan and lactose intolerant, so I offered to either order food for her or let her use the kitchen. Her response? ‘You’re the host, so you cook!’”

But things quickly took a turn. “The next day, I came home and was stunned—she had replaced all our groceries with vegan alternatives. When I tried to intervene, she yelled, ‘I’m doing this for your health!’ Our fridge was packed with tofu, oat milk, and plant-based spreads. Everything I’d originally bought was gone.”

To make matters more difficult, her husband is staying on the sidelines.

“He doesn’t want to get involved and thinks I’m overreacting. But I don’t know—am I? I’m not trying to ban her from our home, but I also can’t let this keep happening.”

Dealing with a challenging mother-in-law can be emotionally exhausting, but that doesn’t mean the situation is hopeless. With some compassion and clear boundaries, it’s possible to improve the dynamic—and we’re here to help you navigate that path.