My MIL Gave Me a Necklace Made of Tiny Baby Bottles and Pacifiers Knowing I Couldn't Have Children – What My FIL Did Next Silenced the Room

That was part of the problem.

Susan never said these things because she forgot I was hurting.

She said them because she believed calling something a joke erased the damage.

Thomas confronted her constantly.

"If she can't laugh, what am I supposed to do?"

Sometimes in front of everyone.

Sometimes later.

She always had an excuse.

"I was trying to lighten the mood."

Or my personal favorite:

"If she can't laugh, what am I supposed to do?"

Every argument with Susan became a trial where she appointed herself judge.

I usually left the room.

Every argument with Susan became a trial where she appointed herself judge.

If I got angry, I was dramatic.

If I cried, I proved I was too sensitive.

By the time my birthday came around, I had lowered my expectations.

If I ignored her, she announced that I was giving her the silent treatment.

So I got very good at changing the subject.