Reply #23: he's the breadwinner. What's also interesting and I didn't mention

[barb162]

it before is we both cannot stand a particularly controlling person in that family. I have even made remarks at times that she is acting like that person she so hates and then she will do this little laugh and stop that behavior. And then she starts up again the next time I see her. Duh.

I like the shopping comment and maybe I should read up on how to deal with passive-aggressives (if there is a way). It is very clear she wants a way bigger house and a lot of land and she is very into material things. She is very into expensive cars and houses and stuff. I am past that these days...I care what a person drives from the standpoint of conserving and not wasting gas, you know, because of the the Mideast situation and peak oil theories. If she sees a new Jaguar rolling by, she tells me I have to have it (and I think of the EPA mileage it gets... no way). I drive a 2002 compact very high mileage car and am perfectly happy with it as it fits my philosophy. Nope, I NEED that new Jaguar according to her.