Sunday, Bitch - in - Law

My brother recently got engaged to a woman who can be incredibly fun, kind, generous and gracious. However, at a moment's notice, she can become offended and become very passive-aggressive and refuse to admit that anything is wrong (much less tell us what offended her).

She was married before, and I know she has wounds from that relationship. This makes me want to be as understanding about her reactions as possible.

The problem is that she snaps at my parents, my brother and me, but will not (even when directly and sensitively asked) disclose what is bothering her.

However, she will continue to make it clear that she is angry. These tantrums (for lack of a better word) make everyone uncomfortable, but we (my parents, my brother and I) are afraid to approach her openly for fear of causing permanent damage to our future relationship with this woman.

She makes my brother happy, and I certainly don't want to alienate them from my life.

Is there a win-win situation that can clear the air without burning a bridge?

Oh God, this is probably a woman that I'll be tricked into marriage someday.

You need to stop being so understanding. This woman is ball busting bitch. The only reason your brother probably married her is because she brings that attitude into the bedroom, and now he can have porno sex for the rest of his days. But that isn't a good trade off.

You need to be firm.

"Just because you are the cunt that my brother married, doesn't mean you can spew out whatever the fuck you want to our family. Sorry your first marriage didn't work out, but it's probably because you keep acting like Ophelia whenever anyone wants to have a nice moment. Stick it up your dripping love canal and eat your spaghetti."

Good luck!