MIL 😒

We live in London, and originally come from Sweden. My MIL has booked tickets for 24-30 July without even asking us whether we are free by then. The kids finish the school term the same day and my spouse are going to start a new top job in July, so he wants me to hang out with her.

I have some social phobia and put a lot of pressure on myself socially. The thought of spending time with her these days scares me. His family is not the easiest and most welcoming either. She called me stupid when I just met my spouse because I wasn’t educated at university at 21. She called me repeatedly during this time to ask me to pressure my spouse to help his brother with his car despite my spouse telling his family he can’t do it.

She only talks about herself, and isn’t really helpful with the children either. She just want me to sit and listen to her and her life and watch me taking the kids.

Why am I so scared of this? How can I overcome it? I know it would mean a lot for my spouse.