My sister in law is always attention seeking & needy?

[Anonymous]

She is around the same age and already has a kid. I tried too (had a miscarriage). Her life is way off better than me and her brother and she makes good money. She married my partners best friend who also helped her in having a good life (rich family).

She always seems to need attention for her life and kid and complains when she doesn't get enough from me to her mom. It's really annoying. I don't mind giving occasional attention but I refuse to always. She's always in the face with her kid everywhere on social media and in person during family gatherings. Her behavior is getting to me but if I speak up it will be seem as I'm crazy/b***. She is clearly trying to compete with me. How to deal?

Updates

1 y

You can tell she always wants to be in the spotlight too. She seems crazy even 😆 obsessed with me ever since I've know them (13 years almost)

[Oliverlogan263]

Girl, your SIL sounds exhausting! Always demanding attention and flaunting her life on social media like she's desperate for likes. What a stage 5 clinger.

I can see why that would totally get under your skin, especially after your own struggles. You don't need her crap adding more stress.

A few thoughts on how to handle - next time she complains about not getting enough attention, be real with her. "SIL, I'm not your personal fanpage. My life doesn't revolve around you." Give her a dose of reality!

Also don't be afraid to set boundaries. When she's constantly all up in your business, politely tell her to give you space. "I'm actually busy right now catching up on self-care." She'll get the hint.

And feel free to distance yourself on social media if she's always flaunting. Limit how much you engage so you aren't constantly comparing.

Know your worth sis! You don't have to entertain her nonsense just to keep the peace. Stand up for yourself - she'll get in line or shut up about it eventually. You've got this!

[DrPepper12]

Set some boundaries firmly but diplomatically.

[Asker]

I don't know how, hence the question

[DrPepper12]

Start small. Very small. Even if it's like I can see you for a half hour but that's it and stick to it

[Anonymous]

Old people are like children