You are all correct, and I'll be the first to admit... W does, and always held, authority in our M. I've always walked on eggshells around her. I've never had the cajones to follow-thru on a challenge. She knows that, too. However, that may be about to change.
Of course, I want my M to survive. But, how much pride should one swallow before it is obvious the M over?
You've given good advice, thank you! I guess at some point, I will need to grow a rock-solid backbone.