They say the honeymoon phase is the sweetest time of a marriage. Cocktails on the beach, sunset strolls, maybe some romance under the stars. But what happens when your honeymoon gets hijacked by your mother-in-law?
Some parents just don’t get the memo that adulthood means their kid has, you know, a life now. They treat every milestone like a group project, and yes, that includes honeymoons.
That’s exactly what happened to one newlywed Redditor who shared her slightly horrifying experience of her overbearing in-laws turning her dream honeymoon into a telethon. Not for charity, though, but for drama.
More info: Reddit
Some honeymoons come with champagne and roses, while others come with intrusive in-laws and grandbaby questions
Image credits: OlcayErtem / Pixabay (not the actual photo)
Needy in-laws ruin couple’s dream honeymoon with daily calls, baby questions, and constant update demands
Image credits: Jae Park / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
While on honeymoon, the woman’s in-laws call every day to ask for updates, demand photos, rant about drama, and ask about grandbabies
Image credits: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels (not the actual photo)
The couple are forced to remove the SIM cards from their phones to stop the calls, but the mother-in-law calls them at the hotel
Image credits: tinyballerina23
The woman is frustrated with her husband, who can’t set boundaries with his overbearing parents, causing them to ruin their honeymoon
Our newlywed OP (original poster) and her husband just tied the knot after six years of dating. With stars in their eyes and sand in their toes, they set off on their romantic honeymoon getaway. But instead of peaceful beach naps and breakfast in bed, they found themselves answering the phone, again, and again, and again.
The OP’s in-laws weren’t just calling to say "hope you're having fun." Oh no. They were ringing multiple times a day to deliver rants about family drama, make requests for errands post-vacation, demand photos, and ask when the grandbabies were coming. Yes, you read that right. Grandbaby interrogations during the honeymoon.
And you know it’s bad when you have to physically remove your SIM card just to escape the madness. But did that stop the mother-in-law? Of course not. This woman called the couple’s hotel when they dared not answer her calls.
The poor bride thought she was doing the responsible thing by sending her in-laws a copy of the honeymoon itinerary so they wouldn’t worry. Rookie mistake. Instead of offering peace of mind, it became a GPS tracker for their obsession.
According to the OP, her husband hasn’t really drawn the line with his parents. They’re especially clingy now that he’s moved out and reconnected with his biological family (he’s adopted), and let’s just say they’re not handling the emotional shift well.
But when you feel like you're wrapped in emotional cling film—tight, suffocating, and nearly impossible to escape—it’s a major red flag for a relationship without healthy boundaries. When a parent starts acting more like a needy friend than a parent, you might be dealing with codependency.
Image credits: Timur Weber / Pexels (not the actual photo)
To understand the complexities of codependent family dynamics and how they can affect adult relationships, Bored Panda spoke with Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW, author of The Better Boundaries Workbook and Cutting Ties with Your Parents, for some comments.
When asked about common signs of a codependent relationship with a parent, Dr. Martin noted that people often feel responsible for their parents’ emotional well-being, even at the cost of their own. They may find it difficult to say "no" and often feel drained or guilty when trying to prioritize themselves. Their sense of worth is often tied to their parents’ approval, which can be a red flag.
In supportive families, individuals feel free to set limits and express their needs without backlash. But in enmeshed families, “you’re expected to put the family’s needs above your own, and any attempt at independence can be seen as betrayal,” she explained.
We also asked how this dynamic can affect romantic relationships. Dr. Martin confirmed that it can cause serious issues, such as conflict or emotional distance between partners. When someone constantly prioritizes their parents' needs or approval, it may lead their partner to feel unimportant. “Your partner might feel like they're always in second place because your loyalty and energy are directed toward your parents,” she said.
According to Dr. Martin, setting emotional boundaries with a codependent parent is key. This involves identifying what behaviors you’re no longer willing to tolerate, limiting how much personal information you share, and calmly standing your ground — even if there’s pushback.
For those in relationships with someone working to break free from these patterns, Dr. Martin encouraged offering support, role-playing hard conversations, and reinforcing that it’s okay for them to have their own life and choices.
But sometimes, leveling up in life means a grown man telling his overly involved mom, “Thanks, but I’ve got this.” Because setting boundaries with an overbearing parent is tough, but totally doable—with a bit of bravery and a lot of self-respect.
What would you have done if you were in our bride’s shoes? Would you have blocked the in-laws during the honeymoon? Drop your thoughts and comments below!
Netizens say the woman’s husband should step up and cut the cord with his overbearing parents
