DEAR ABBY: I've been married for eight years and have always had problems with my mother-in-law. I'll call her "Girdie."
Last week, Girdie came over to our house, uninvited, with all of her church friends, to parade through "her son's house" to show it off. Abby, she walked right past me after I opened the door and began her tour. She went into all of the bedrooms and bathrooms, and I felt like it wasn't even my home anymore.
Is there any way to gracefully hint that her actions are not appreciated without starting World War III? -- FRUSTRATED IN CLOVIS, CALIF.
DEAR FRUSTRATED: Your mother-in-law appears to have the hide of a rhino. However, when personality types like hers are challenged, they often become extremely sensitive to criticism. Therefore, your husband should tell his mother that she placed you in an embarrassing situation with her unannounced visit and by bringing strangers into your home without first consulting you. He should also insist that she never do it again.