Sometimes such boasting can actually be a sign of insecurity where the person feels the need to show off and brings others down…in order to raise themselves up. Deep down they may not feel so great about themselves, but want to project a better image. On the other hand, it’s also possible that the person is not insecure, and is just plain arrogant. Either way, try not to let it get to you. Why do her words bother you so much? Do YOU feel that she is better than you? Do YOU feel that her family is better than you? If you are truly satisfied with yourself/your family/your life…then why get upset over her less than humble comments? You can’t change or control her. But you can change your attitude toward her behavior. Let her say whatever she wants, don’t stress out over her (life is too short). Just sit back, stay calm, and silently enjoy the humor/entertainment in her khushfahmiyan.
Okay, so here is what you do. Your husband has told his Mommy that he prefers that she discuss issues with YOU instead of complaining to him. You’re lucky to have a husband whose open minded. NOW…use your husband’s advice to your advantage. Go to your MIL and nicely tell her "You’re older than me and I respect you. If I’ve made any mistakes, I apologize. If you have any issues with me, please come and talk to me about them. My husband also prefers that WE BOTH (you and MIL) have direct communication because that way there are fewer misunderstandings. I’m sure that if I had any concerns about you, you’d prefer that I feel comfortable enough to discuss them directly with you as opposed to going to a second party. And you’re like my mom, I want you to feel comfortable talking to me. "(Maybe if your husband is there with you when you have this discussion with MIL, it would be better as it would solidify this idea.
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^ **Once you gently remind MIL that her OWN SON prefers that you two women sort out conflicts with each other as opposed to involving him…it kind of sends a firmer message that her son (who is in the middle of you two women) supports the idea of mature communication (which does not involve gossip, sneakiness, manipulation, and drama). Just in case your MIL desires to create problems between you and your husband…this reminder/discussion might even encourage her to think twice about her actions.