DIL insults our heritage

Ignore her silliness.

If she starts sneering again, ask (smiling as you do so, of course - don't let her get under your skin) whether everyone in Zummerzat wears wellyboots ALL the time or do they just rely on their webbed feet to keep them above the floods while indoors?

Or learn a few of the phrases here www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/11011425.ten-words-and-phrases-that-prove-youre-somerset-born-and-bred and use them while speaking to her, explaining that you are taking to her in her ownlanguage, which she will understand better than the standard King's English that you normally use.

I have relations in Somerset, as you know it is very wet and floods frequently, when the banter starts they are the Swamp Dwellers, they are very laid back in the west country, not too far or they would drown.

Laugh it off, ask them if it’s true that they really do have webbed feet

As it happens, I don’t particularly like Somerset and would not choose to live there but I would never say anything of the sort to someone who is from there. Large parts of the north are spectacular and people, on the whole, are more outgoing and friendly than those in the south, even if many do have the tendency to “say it how it is.” My dad’s side of the family were from Cumbria and people flock from all over the world to visit it. Far more important is that they were all the warmest, kindest, friendliest people you could ever meet. You have every right to be proud of your background and it is not surprising you feel insulted. She sounds very insecure. I think it is best to try and rise above it as best you can but, if it all gets too much, you could ask her if she really meant to be so rude.

Primrose .

Next time she says it say “well at least we know what good manners are up there.”

I wouldn’t be able to resist I’m afraid.She sounds a right snob.
My friend has a good expression for people like her “she thinks her s**t don’t stink.” 🤣🤣

This behaviour is not your son's responsibility. It is hers alone.

How does your son take it? If he, as it were, laughs it off, perhaps it is and always has been a bit of a joke between them, unpleasant though I'm sure it is for you to listen to.

Smileless2012

No you are not being unreasonable and if anything I'd say her behaviour is more aggressive than passive aggressive especially if she tells your GS you come from 'the **hole of England'.

What does your son think do you know? It's just as insulting to him as it is to you.

In your position I'd be neither defensive or humourless, I wouldn't comment and my only reaction would be to change the subject.

Good advice.

Your son married her and it is up to him to set her straight

No you are not being unreasonable and if anything I'd say her behaviour is more aggressive than passive aggressive especially if she tells your GS you come from 'the **hole of England'.

What does your son think do you know? It's just as insulting to him as it is to you.

In your position I'd be neither defensive or humourless, I wouldn't comment and my only reaction would be to change the subject.