What is the ruling on dealing with one's husband's mother with complete formality, limiting contact to Eid and speaking only when asked, in order to avoid problems with her, knowing that attempts at advice and reconciliation have failed due to her characteristics of lying, slandering, backbiting, and hypocrisy?

Among the most important objectives of the upright religion are noble manners, including honoring the elderly and showing kindness to relatives. The husband’s mother should be honored due to her old age. If she is ill-tempered, she should be dealt with wisely and patiently, treated well, and efforts should be made to advise her without despairing of her responsiveness. A wise wife gains her husband’s love by honoring his mother and enduring her harm. If she is ill-tempered and direct interaction with her cannot occur without a negative impact, then direct interaction should be avoided while continuing to treat her well and offer advice. And Allah knows best.