How do I handle my mom-in-law's constant negativity and gossip?

Great advice!! Thank you! I will let you know how it goes:)

Disengage...there's always a load of wash that needs to go into dryer or something that needs to be checked in another room. I also used my iPod a lot, listening to an audiobook, so my mom got used to me running around with earbuds in. About family gossip, I'd mention that there are things we don't know so I cant really offer an opinion or pass a judgement....then leave the room. If she persisted when I got back into the room, I found a reason to leave again. And if need be, there's the direct approach, which is "yes, I heard that news story but don't choose to be focusing on that negativity."

Hmmm, I don't think there would ever be financial issues serious enough to have my MIL living with me if she was reasonably healthy. You poor thing! I know she is a big help with your daughter, though.

My mother is a very negative person most of the time who rarely has too much nice to say about people, especially women. I just tune her out or leave the room when it gets to be too much. The negativity will certainly wear on you.

Can you gat by with saying uh huh, uhhuh, not agreeing or disagreeing?