Original post: https://www.reddit.com/r/AITH/s/39Chc5cwFQ Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on how to handle a situation thoughtfully. Apparently, my husband’s step brother’s sister-in-law recently spoke to my father-in-law about noticing the distance between everyone in the family. She mentioned she doesn’t want to go to events feeling awkward, knowing that either my husband and I won’t be there, or that things will feel tense if we are.

There’s a chance she might reach out to me directly. I actually see her reaching out as a big gesture, because she understands the real situation: • She knows that I have always been respectful and kind to everyone. • She knows I haven’t done anything wrong or been disrespectful in any way. • She also realizes that my mother-in-law chose to distance herself , not because I deserved it, but over a small and unnecessary issue.

If she does reach out, I want to respond in a way that’s peaceful and kind, without getting dragged into drama or feeling like I have to defend myself. I was thinking of saying something like: “I really appreciate you reaching out. I think for now, I’m just focusing on keeping the peace and staying respectful toward everyone. I hope you understand if I need to move at my own pace.”

I wrote about this whole issue on the sub Reddit explaining the previous history