What Am I Missing

I don’t get it! I just don’t get it! I watch my wife and her mother deal with each other, and I just don’t understand.

My mother-in-law called earlier today. My wife was putting our son to bed and I was doing some work in the basement, unable to get to the phone (and not wanting to interrupt my work at that point). Caller ID let us know it was my wife’s mother who called, so she went to call back (I think while my Mother-in-law was trying to leave a message).

All of a sudden I heard screaming. Apparently my Mother-in-law was telling my wife that she called us and the attendant came on. My wife said “No,” and told her Mom we don’t have that. Her Mom then started screaming at her, that this is what happened and my wife shouldn’t aggravate her. My wife got off the phone very upset and all in tears.

Okay, so I am confused. I don’t understand why her Mother got so upset and why she told my wife not to aggravate her. I don’t understand why my wife looked to correct her Mom. Just leave it alone. I do not know what tone of voice my wife used (not always as friendly as she thinks it is). It seems to me like this whole thing could have been avoided.

I also don’t understand why my wife rushes to call her Mom back every time she calls. She will complain about talking to her Mom numerous times a day but she continually calls back. My wife claims it is because her Mom will continually call until she responds. I do not know if it is true but if that is the case, I say answer once, tell her that based on her behavior she will not be talking to her again that day and then don’t answer the phone when she calls. I think she should try it and see what happens. It may not be the most grown up thing to do (although maybe it is) but it certainly will make the point.

By the way, if you think I will suggest it to my wife, forget it. I know what fate awaits me if I try suggesting to her how she should deal with her Mom.

So, as I said before, I don’t get it!