How to deal with annoying new brother in law on our annual family cruise?

Easy! Get him drunk. Or better yet, get yourself drunk! People are more tolerable after a few drinks.

My friend, I will say this to you, if your FIL is disowning his own grandchildren, he definitely has a problem. However, the bigger problem you have is not him, but your husband. He has a new family to care for now. Granted it would be wonderful if he could have a good relationship with his dad as well, however, if his father is not accepting your adopted children, as really his grandchildren, your husband has a responsibility to his new family first. My in-laws did not accept our 2 adopted children at first either, and sometimes I think they still don't to a certain extent even though they are 17 and 20 now. But when it was VERY obvious that they did not like the idea that their son adopted instead of passing on their "name" my husband decided that our family was the most important. Your hubby needs to make that choice- children do come first.

Oh man, I KNOW this guy (well, someone who sounds just like him).

The only time I ever managed to "win" a conversation (because it's all just a big competition you know) with him was when he was going on about how great his new laptop was. So much better than mine, blah blah blah. So I looked him in the eye and totally agreed with him: "Yes. You're completely right. My computer is just a piece of s-hit".

He was fairly amazed at that and it put him in place. For about 5 minutes.

I guess the only thing I can suggest at meal times is give him really, really chewy food.

WOW must be rough, a Cruise every year, for real?! Lucky you! Yeah In-laws can suck for sure, I would just start doing the same things to him, or blatantly ignore him, or call him on his B.S.... I tell you what though if you really think he will ruin all of your fun, and you will not be able to stomach him, I will help you out, I volunteer to take your spot, not because I really want to, just to do a good deed, ya know help someone out! LOL Be Grateful you have a chance to do this every year, and appreciate it! Good Luck, I hope you do enjoy your trip, I know I desperately need a vacation....

Wow! This is a GREAT question and I feel for you and your family. On one hand, you want to be respectful to your sister and keep the peace for everyone's sake. But on the other hand (if you're anything like me) you would take GREAT PLEASURE in calling him out on his bragging/know-it-all antics!

I tend to have the type of personality that can crack (tease) someone wittingly to where it's not an all out attack, but just enough to make others grin (or grimace) and the person in question to shut up........atleast for a little while.

If he says again, "Oh yeah......I know about that. My buddy does this, yada, yada....." Say something like, "Wow. You know a lot of people who have done/seen a lot of things. That's really amazing. What is it that you've done???"

Or after a couple of drinks.....just start calling him a "one-upper" or call him out on it and say, "you've got a story for everything, don't you? Why don't you let someone else have the floor for once?"

That would shut him up........guaranteed.

I'm also curious to know if your sister notices this about him. Bring it up to her, if possible. She may be able to curb it after a "pillow talk" session.

If you guys are lucky...........maybe he'll get really seasick and have to spend much of the time in his stateroom.

Try to have a GREAT TIME though. Enjoy!

Unless you can offer more stimulating conversation than he does, use him as an excuse to rest and not talk. OR just keep on asking him questions. He probably doesnt want to be on a cruise with your family anymore than you dont want him to be there. Maybe he is trying to be liked by all and that is why he tries to impress. Well good luck and I hope everyone can relax . Life is too short to get upset

Try and find something you two have in common.. as hard as it sounds you guys are adults start acting like one! make the best out of it life's to short to worry about someone "annoying" if he really bothers you that much grow up get out with one of your sisters go shopping have a good time if you are not willing to compromise ! this is coming from a fourteen year old come on!

You could always hire a lawyer, and get a 2 for 1....you and your sister could both get a divorce? lol.

You could always tell him you have a friend that really DOES know those things and he says you're full of sh!t

haha, I like the way that guy thinks..yeah hire a lawyer and get a twofor...(it kinda rhymes with toof...and you like the teef.....I think he's got something there.)

...and I do probably know everything that douchebag knows, and I would say he's full of sh1t.

i vote to push him overboard