In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan breaks down why the phrase "that's not going to work for us" is so powerful when setting boundaries with toxic in-laws. She explores the difference between individual versus unified responses, drawing on her own thirty years of experience navigating these challenging relationships. If you're struggling to communicate boundaries or feel pressure to over-explain, this episode will empower you to claim your autonomy as a Catholic wife—always with charity and wisdom.

This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.

Resources & Links:

If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course

Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com

For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan dives into why you should avoid telling your toxic in-laws that you might be overreacting. She unpacks how self-doubt and years of conditioning can lead us to minimize our own hurt, and offers practical guidance rooted in faith and personal experience. If you’ve ever second-guessed your reactions or struggled for validation, this episode is filled with encouragement and actionable advice for navigating difficult in-law dynamics.

This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.

Resources & Links:

If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course

Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com

For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the challenging topic of telling your toxic in-laws "no" and standing firm in your boundaries. Drawing from her decades of personal experience, Miriam Susan unpacks why saying no is not only healthy but also authentically Catholic. If you struggle with guilt or fear when refusing family demands, this episode will equip you with practical advice and spiritual encouragement to respond with clarity and kindness.

This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.

Resources & Links:

If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course

Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com

For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction: Launching the series on "phrases your in-laws don't want to hear"

02:30 – Scriptural foundation: Matthew 5:37 on letting your "yes" be yes and "no" be no

03:06 – Being a "no" person vs. struggling to say no

03:38 – Marriage dynamics: Navigating differing comfort with saying no

05:03 – Family conflict: When saying no upsets in-laws used to hearing yes

06:49 – Enabling and tantrums: How toxic personalities train others to never say no

07:49 – Validating the experience of rehearsing a difficult "no"

08:44 – The anxiety and rehearsal leading up to saying no at family events

09:21 – The danger of overexplaining: How excuses are used against you

11:58 – The weaponization of excuses and the Christian guilt over saying no

12:56 – Overexplaining as fear, not virtue

14:58 – It's not wrong to say no: How reactions reveal family dysfunction

16:08 – Emotional honesty: Why a plain no unsettles enmeshed families

17:08 – Disrupting the web: The ripple effect when you break family patterns

20:10 – The cost of being a cycle breaker: Pushback and misunderstanding

21:45 – Critique of advice urging blind family loyalty over boundaries

23:07 – Don't mistake clarity for ease: No is often met with resistance

23:23 – The struggle of not having your no received

24:24 – Expecting pushback: It isn't un-Catholic to set limits

24:55 – Resource offer: Conversation scripts for difficult in-law talks

25:29 – Gathering community: Invitation to the free women's group

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores why your in-laws don't have to like you—but they do have to respect you. Drawing from her own 30 years of experience navigating toxic family dynamics, Miriam offers practical advice on setting boundaries and seeking respect rather than affection. With scriptural wisdom and relatable stories, this episode empowers Catholic wives to hold the line on dignity and reclaim their peace, even in the face of persistent disrespect.

Episode 131: Your Marriage is Not Your Toxic In-Laws’ Side Project

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores why your marriage should never be your toxic in-laws' side project. Drawing from her own experience of nearly thirty years navigating difficult family dynamics, she unpacks how outside dysfunction drains energy from your most important relationships. If you feel like your marriage has been pushed to the sidelines by toxic in-law drama, this episode will give you validation, practical strategies, and renewed clarity on where your loyalty and energy truly belong.

I mentioned in the recording of this podcast that I would try to share a link to the "Umbrella of Protection" image promoted by the IBLP members, but decided I didn't want to seem as though I was promoting the image itself. So I'm NOT including a link to it, but you can find it online. Be aware that the Catholic Church and Catholic teaching DO NOT follow that model of authority.

Interview with Adrian and Shae Misiak: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2u2cpdVrNxEFLY3xK7vZno?si=1X955CbwRUeCWwbxyUCZqw&utm_source=sms

This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.

Resources & Links:

If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course

Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com

For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores how seeking approval from toxic in-laws actually distances you from true peace. Drawing on her own experiences and scripture, she unpacks the exhausting cost of trying to please others who may never accept you. If you find yourself constantly rehearsing conversations or striving for validation, this episode will help you reclaim your energy and remind you where your true worth lies. Tune in for practical encouragement and spiritual perspective on navigating challenging family dynamics.

This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.

Resources & Links:

If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course

Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com

For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the energy wasted on toxic in-laws and the toll it takes on your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Drawing from her own decades-long journey, she sheds light on how this lost energy can affect your relationship with God, your spouse, and your children. Miriam guides you through practical steps for recognizing these energy drains and offers encouragement to reclaim your peace and presence with your family. This episode is a must-listen for any Catholic wife seeking validation, support, and strategies for navigating difficult in-law dynamics.

This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.

Resources & Links:

If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course

Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com

For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores why the burden of keeping the peace so often falls on daughters-in-law dealing with toxic in-laws. Drawing from her experience of nearly three decades navigating in-law drama, she explains the difference between peacekeeping and true peacemaking, and offers scriptural encouragement for setting healthy boundaries. If you've ever felt alone in your role as family peacekeeper, this episode will validate your struggles and provide practical advice for protecting your emotional well-being while honoring your faith and your marriage.

This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.

Resources & Links:

If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course

Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com

For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores why Catholic wives often feel "crazy" when dealing with toxic in-laws. Drawing from her own decades-long experience, she shares personal stories and practical wisdom on navigating gaslighting, isolation, and being misunderstood within the family dynamic. If you’ve ever questioned your memory or sanity in the face of family manipulation, this episode offers validation, encouragement, and faith-based guidance for finding peace amidst chaos.

This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.

Resources & Links:

If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course

Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com

For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the difficult question: why can’t I forgive my toxic in-laws? Drawing from her own journey and nearly three decades of experience, she breaks down the myths surrounding forgiveness, clarifies the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and addresses the guilt and grief many women feel when dealing with toxic family members. If you’re struggling to move past the pain caused by in-laws, this episode offers practical, faith-based guidance and the validation you’ve been seeking.

This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.

Resources & Links:

If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course

Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com

For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes