So, now that I am back together with my wife in AZ on a permanent basis, I am getting to spend a lot more time with my step-son, his wife, and our granddaughter. She is just shy of 4 years old, and is absolutely adorable. :)
Anyway, last Friday, we were sitting around having a BS session about something or the other. We drifted onto the topic of finances, and then life insurance. I made some joke to the effect that if my W passed away first, I'd be doomed to a life of old-age loneliness. My DIL looked at me and said, deadpan, "Oh, no, you are quite a catch. You'd do fine."
Moment of awkward silence, then conversation resumed.
It made me a little uncomfortable. This is not the first time DIL has made this kind of statement; she referred to me not-too-long ago as a "good-looking guy." I asked Lady Convection about it later and she shared in my mild discomfort at the situation. The worst thing is both times, it was said right in front of my step-son. DIL has complimented our son in front of us but has never directly praised his appearance or called him a catch.
I don't think DIL was hitting on me directly. Lady C is not so sure. Even putting our marriages aside, I would not be interested in my DIL; she's opinionated, loud, and I am not physically attracted to her. I've never given her any indication otherwise. Lady C told me DIL is very interested, though not enough to try anything ... yet. Lady C is better judge of people than I am, so I am unsure what to think. My DIL is actually closer to my age than my son's (Lady C is early 50s, I am early 40s, DIL is 40-ish, son 30-ish)
Kinda curious about what I should do. At the time, I let the conversation smooth over the uneasy feeling. I don't want to go back and address is now. I really don't want to bring it up with my son; he's pretty much a "manly" man and doesn't discuss feelings often or easily.
My going-in plan is to not mention it and keep future conversation away from potential mine fields. If DIL makes another comment, I will have to say something direct. I will try the easy ("Okay, enough of that, you'll make your H jealous.") approach first, and go from there. Things between DIL and the W are a little sketchy to begin with (W doesn't think DIL is right for son) so I am trying to avoid more trouble. I know damn well that I do not want to be alone with DIL for any extended period.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Anyway, last Friday, we were sitting around having a BS session about something or the other. We drifted onto the topic of finances, and then life insurance. I made some joke to the effect that if my W passed away first, I'd be doomed to a life of old-age loneliness. My DIL looked at me and said, deadpan, "Oh, no, you are quite a catch. You'd do fine."
Moment of awkward silence, then conversation resumed.
It made me a little uncomfortable. This is not the first time DIL has made this kind of statement; she referred to me not-too-long ago as a "good-looking guy." I asked Lady Convection about it later and she shared in my mild discomfort at the situation. The worst thing is both times, it was said right in front of my step-son. DIL has complimented our son in front of us but has never directly praised his appearance or called him a catch.
I don't think DIL was hitting on me directly. Lady C is not so sure. Even putting our marriages aside, I would not be interested in my DIL; she's opinionated, loud, and I am not physically attracted to her. I've never given her any indication otherwise. Lady C told me DIL is very interested, though not enough to try anything ... yet. Lady C is better judge of people than I am, so I am unsure what to think. My DIL is actually closer to my age than my son's (Lady C is early 50s, I am early 40s, DIL is 40-ish, son 30-ish)
Kinda curious about what I should do. At the time, I let the conversation smooth over the uneasy feeling. I don't want to go back and address is now. I really don't want to bring it up with my son; he's pretty much a "manly" man and doesn't discuss feelings often or easily.
My going-in plan is to not mention it and keep future conversation away from potential mine fields. If DIL makes another comment, I will have to say something direct. I will try the easy ("Okay, enough of that, you'll make your H jealous.") approach first, and go from there. Things between DIL and the W are a little sketchy to begin with (W doesn't think DIL is right for son) so I am trying to avoid more trouble. I know damn well that I do not want to be alone with DIL for any extended period.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
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