Mother-In-Law: India (59) (Unemployed)

Son-In-Law: Trevor (36) (Strength Coach)

Daughter: Deleesa (34) (Boutique Owner))

Location: Atlanta, GA

 In Love With The Son-In-Law

India is Trevor’s best friend who just so also happens to be his mother-in-law! The two clicked from the first day they met and have been besties ever since. Anyone can tell that India’s entire demeanor changes, her eyes light up and her smile extends to her ears anytime her prized Trevor walks into a room. To “mom” Trevor can do no wrong… Trevor in return considers his mother-in-law “family.” In fact, it took him years to build the courage to call her “mom” and tell her “I love you,” something he does now on a daily basis. The words and bond mean so much to him. The besties are on cloud nine, until daughter Deleesa (or “Leesa” as she goes by) enters the room. Many people find it bizarre that India is closer to her daughter’s husband than she is to her own daughter!

DeLeesa’s feelings are often hurt by her mother’s affection towards Trevor. She feels left out and unloved, and feels India chooses Trevor over her. India admittedly spoils Trevor and often brings him gifts and food, completely forgetting to bring anything for her own daughter. She’ll create entire meals around what Trevor wants or is hungry for. India’s Christmas present last year for DeLeesa was lingerie, which India said was technically for Trevor! This behavior from her mom fires DeLeesa up, and she is quick to remind her, she is the reason India even knows Trevor!

 The son-in-law/mother-in-law duo will go out to eat, to the movies, shopping, make Tik Toks, and go on road trips together. No Leesa! The two even dress alike, as if they are a couple! DeLeesa feels her husband’s relationship with her mom is too close, and it is obvious she is jealous of their bond. India treats Trevor like he is her own son, and DeLeesa like a daughter-in-law. If Trevor is unavailable to hang out with India, DeLeesa is second choice. India and Trevor gossip about men and even discuss what they’re “packing.” Trevor wants to get India involved in the dating scene, helping her to make a dating profile and even take her profile pictures!   

It’s no secret that Leesa and her mother have never seen eye to eye. The two women are extremely headstrong, and each always must be right. Leesa thinks that her mother was too tough on her growing up and India thinks that Leesa is rude, disrespectful, and entitled. There’s no one that really wins this war. However, the situation has only progressively gotten worse since Trevor invited India to move in with them. Leesa and Trevor moved to Atlanta for Trevor’s work and for the quality of life. Trevor works as a personal trainer, having been the on-staff trainer for major sports team’s, overseeing their entire fitness regimen. He’s trying to get India into one of his training classes! 

The idea was for India to move in temporarily while she found a house of her own. Trevor absolutely loves having her around. Not just for himself but for the benefits of his children who get to spend quality time with their grandmother. It works for everyone except for Leesa. Trevor and India are always having intimate conversations and DeLeesa feels like she must tiptoe around them. They make her feel like she is interrupting when she attempts to engage. Anything and everything can trigger a fight in the house which leads to either India or Leesa blowing up and not speaking to one another. It’s not uncommon for India to completely ignore Leesa for weeks on end. Speaking only with Trevor (while Leesa is still in the room!) the tension can be cut with a knife! Trevor is caught in the middle and can’t stand when the two women fight. DeLeesa feels Trevor takes his mother-in-law’s side and always says his wife is in the wrong.

Leesa thinks that her mother is dragging her feet on getting a place of her own so that she can spend more time with Trevor and her children. DeLeesa’s only solution for fixing the situation is to separate her mom and husband, or she fears she will be the third wheel for the rest of her life.

Mother has a new boyfriend named Doctor. And yes that’s his real name despite not actually being a Doctor! He also lives with them which adds tension to the already strained relationship. He is helping to financially support India. Deleesa thinks that India needs to be contributing more to the household as she is currently working. She can get a job but she’s too picky about what she wants to do. Trevor naturally takes India’s side.

Very few people know, but Deleesa thinks that she is pregnant but is afraid to take a test as she and Trevor were not planning on expanding their family. She’s terrified, stressed and scared. Trevor thinks that she needs to take a test immediately but she’s nervous. It will be a major upheaval for the family if she is indeed pregnant.

It’s clear this family is at an impasse, and something needs to improve, or it will only get worse. As it is now, Leesa will cry by herself in her car over the stress and anxiety of the situation. When she discusses the problem with Trevor, he usually takes India’s side, saying that Leesa isn’t making an effort and she doesn’t handle her mother in an appropriate way. (This never goes well for Trevor). To make matters worse, India has other children she does not have a relationship with. Leesa is the last of India’s children who she still communicates with and although their relationship is rocky, they are still family and it’s still a relationship. However, if things don’t improve, India might lose her last child. Not only that, but this tension is beginning to wear on Leesa and Trevor’s marriage. There’s only so much divide a couple can take before the cracks begin to show. This home is a pressure cooker and only time will tell what will happen when someone breaks the final straw!