Evil mother-in-law!

Question: My wife's mother is plain evil. When we were dating, I thought she was "out-of-touch," meddlesome, opinionated and stubborn. But, over the years, I have come to realize that this woman is evil. She intends to do others harm. I have seen her cause more problems and stir up more bad feelings that any one person should ever be responsible for. My wife calls her horrible names and agrees that she is evil. I think, although she does still pretend to like me, she would love to break up her daughter's (my wife) marriage. We do allow her to babysit our 4-year-old son. Sometimes, after she has spent an afternoon or a day with him, he says things that makes me think she is trying to turn our own son against us. We live in a small town near Duluth and she is capable of ruining our lives if she chooses to do so. I have thought of confronting her over her tyrannical ways but, frankly, am afraid of what she would do. It wouldn't be violence but we could be destroyed in this town through her efforts. Do you see a way out of this situation for us? Dan McCoy, Duluth, Minn. (Not real name and we only live near Duluth)

Answer: Listen, if you don't think you can outwit this woman at her own game, (which I think would be fun) why don't you, your wife and your son move to another state? I don't know the nature of your work but there are plenty of opportunities for a young man in the South and out West or maybe in New England. Your mother-in-law's control and power sounds like it stems from her contacts and connections in your home town. If you sever those connections, you should eliminate most of her power. However, her evil intentions will follow her wherever she goes. In the meantime, I would not allow her to be alone with my four-year-old son, if I were you. Always find a reason why it is not the right time for her to babysit alone. I don't like advising someone to "run away from their problem." However, in your situation, I do think that this may be the best possible solution for a bad situation. You and your wife can start anew in a totally different community. Sometimes, fleeing evil is the best course of action. I sincerely wish you and your family (wife and son) the best. Good luck.