I'm pregnant with my fourth child, which was planned.
My father-in-law asked we could afford to send four kids to university.
My mother-in-law said she was "just sick about it." She said that it was my plan to do this to my husband, that she's embarrassed and doesn't want anyone to know about it.
His parents have been helping us out of a rough financial situation by giving my husband a monthly allowance but it's strained our marriage.
I haven't wanted the help, which is why we moved to a cheaper house with smaller mortgage payments.
We're financially able to have another child. My older two kids, ages seven and eight, are from a previous relationship.
I was very hurt by my mother-in-law's words, and ended up insulting her back, so I'm now considered ungrateful.
I just want them to support our decision and be happy that we're happy.

- Unsupported

The pregnancy is a couple's decision, but so long as you rely on parents for financial support, you're opening the door to their opinions, good or bad.
You and your husband need to continue to strive to manage independently from his parents. He has to be able to say he's his own man and doesn't need their approval for having children or conducting his married life.
Then, you should both thank his parents for their past support, and tell them you want them to be part of their grandchildren's lives.
But it's their son's job to be very clear that while family involvement and shared times are welcome, destructive criticism is not.

• Handle in-law problems as early as possible, or they can divide your family. You can get my personal help through my weekly TV show, Outlaw In-Laws, on Slice. See www.helpmyfamily.ca. For more information, and how to contact the show.

I was married for four years to a man I deeply loved; we two became great friends with his best friend and his girlfriend.
Then, my husband's friend left her with no explanation.
She was deeply hurt and I did my best to console her and make her a part of everything we did.
I trusted her with everything; I once told her that my husband was beginning to change, confided how I loved him so much and how he and my daughter were my world.
A year later, my husband wanted to end our marriage.
I eventually learned - from others - that that he and my friend were expecting a child.
I don't know how to deal with this and it's killing me. It's hard when my daughter has a good relationship with this woman. I don't want to tell her to hate this person or what really happened.
I feel so cheated that neither of them owned up to it, and I feel stupid for being there for her.
They've moved nearby. Why must I have to see their happiness?

- Confused

It might help you to know that when you see them in the next while, they'll be the ones who're embarrassed, knowing that you can see right through to their weakness.
They both betrayed your kindness and devotion. They've likely moved close by so that he doesn't lose his relationship with your daughter and that's understandable.
Your instincts are wise in considering your little girl's emotional health as paramount. A good relationship with this woman is far better for her than a poor one.
Hold your head up, stay the caring person you are, and believe that you'll find new happiness.

I've been dating a guy for four years, but his parents have stopped talking to me two years ago. They say I was rude and didn't say Hi to them when I was at their house. They'll no longer welcome me there.
I've repeatedly asked my boyfriend to find out if they're willing to have a conversation with me. He gets his back up, saying they aren't willing.
I'd like the opportunity to say I'm sorry, and that I never meant any disrespect.
I want a future with this guy, but don't know how to deal with his parents.

- Lost

A boyfriend who refuses to go to bat for you, is more of a problem than his parents - his family strain of stubbornness is worrisome.
Meanwhile, you should've tried harder to apologize long ago.
Send them flowers and a note saying you're deeply sorry and that you do respect them.