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I am not a psychatrist , but my limited knowledge of what is generally regarded as narcissist doesn't fit her behviour (tangent note: The Greek story about Echo and Narcissus is interesting).
That said, I am more than willing to accept my ignorance, and if there is a spectrum and she is on it, then fair enough. Consider me being educated (I mean it sincerly, not sarcastically....so hard to communicate without facial expression).

The other points you are making are really worth a discussion. Believe me I have spent more than half an hour writing replies and deleting them, because the answer is way too long, and branches into a lot of historical and social points.
But, I will just say that the FL didn't tell anybody about her cancer. Not even her best friends. So, it is a bit harsh to single out the mother.

Btw.. just to clarify. I am not a parent trying to defend this behaviour because I do the same. I don't have children.

I disagree on your characterisation of the mother.

But, what I 100% disagree with you is your view of mothers.
Parents all over the world push their children to far worse situations. Sometimes they literally sell them.
Where did you get the notion that parents are always great to their children?

As for the mother in this series, I dislike a lot of her behaviour and action, but I don't see her as greedy.
Also, very importantly, the mother doesn't know that the ex cheated on her. She asked multiple times, but never was told so.
How she was supposed to know ?
Also, if you think the ex is such a horrible person, why are you not upset with FL? Her rebutal to him is very soft. If I was an outside observor, I would certainly believe that they still have a chance.
It is fairly common for people to break up, but then get back together.

For me this one is better.
I dropped QoT after 6 episodes.
This drama is not perfect, but it is much more realistic, and much more relatable. I am interested in all side characters (even if I don't always agree with them).
in QoT I had zero interest in all side characters.

That is fine :)
I understood you were making a general observation, and it is a fair one.

I just wanted to highlight these two in case you want to watch a drama with non-toxic exes (the second one some of her behaviour is not super likeable, but to me she wasn't toxic, and the resolution was actually beautiful)
Btw..they are both really very good dramas on their own (at least in my opinion).

Yes. And I for one consider this a strength.
Kdramas most of the time are multi-genres. I admit that I hate serial killers plots mixed with romance, but on the whole I like that it is not all rom-com.

I don't think she is.
Yes, she might not always behave well, but she is not a narcissit.
Bragging about childern is VERY common (I don't think it is a good thing, but it is common neverthless). If anything the drama open with these two mothers bragging about their children.
She also doesn't have a high opinion about herself. On contrary, I think she is unhappy with herself, that is why she kind of want to live through her daughter.
Also, contrary to appearence, she actually care about her children, and her husband.
I agree that her behaviour, and her reactions are often not the best, but I don't see narcissistic behaviour.

Because This is My First Life (incidently also starring Jung Somin)- more than nice actualy!
Tell Me That You Love Me.

There are some dramas where the exes are actually nice.
I will mention two, but put it as a spoiler...

Oh! My pleasure :)
And thank you for letting me know :)
My Mister is now my favourite in any language. It is even better on the re-watch. Because you are no longer focused on the plot and what is going to happen, you start to notice things better (If you have time try to watch on YT a series of videos by Man vs. Drama).
Park Hae Young is certainly my favourite Korean screenwriter. I wish this lady start writing novels as well (..and hopefully someone translate them :) )
By the way, I checked your Watchlist. I can see that we have a lot of similar favourites (Because This is My First Life, IOTBNO, EAW, Our Blues, etc), but also some big differences (Doctor Slump). So, it looks like hit and miss.
...and finally, I see that you liked "The Handmaiden". The Book that is based on (but with different progression in the second half) "Fingersmith" is also really good. But, it won't hit as strong since you know what you know :)

The show is moving in the right direction imo. But, it really needs to give us more second couple. They are charming and can offer us different type of relationship.
I didn't think this whole dad mini story was a very good use of time. I don't think it told us anything new.
The Dad's insecurities could have been expressed and his scenes with his daughter and wife could have been done without all that story.
E5 also had longer than needed time spent in the ex house, although I can see purpose more there.
I don't think they needed to do drastic changes, but 10 mins here, 15 mins there can add up. Use it on the second lead.

About the cooking thing.
Did she join a school that gives certificate? because they showed her to be a good cook.
I know you can always learn more, but those classes looked a bit basic. So, I was thinking maybe she joined to get a certificate to prove that she can cook well.
Or did I miss something?

lol.
I had the same thought about the nosebleed, although I expected a handkerchief that will turn out she gave him when they were teenagers lol.
You can tell I have watched too many dramas lol.

Do you know a place where one can have an adult conversation about dramas? I don't use a lot of social media.
I enjoy our exchanges even if we don't agree 100%. It is nice to exchange opinions without shouting and name calling.

First of all, thank you for giving a measured reply :)

I think I can agree on that additional clarification. There is a distinction between stating an opinion about a drama, and actively criticising people for enjoying it and asking to go and watch another one.
Especially when it is done in a hyperbolic and provocative way.

That I can largely agree with :)

"Where as mindless negativity just brings everyone down. Not to sound new age-y but it's about the energy those comments bring to the communal space."
The first problem here is what qualify as "mindless negativity". I have been called "hater" , and to "shut up" (which got some 50 likes) despite loving a drama, but had the audacity to say that the second lead is a better actress than the main one (a very famous and popular one). To those people I am negative and spreading hate.
It is a slippery slope when you start qualifying these things.

The second point is I simply disagree with that sentiment. I also like positivity, and dislike negativity, but I think when it comes to art, we shouldn't restrict opinions.
Furthermore, I don't consider fervor gushing as "mindless". It is borderline dangerous. People who can't accept simple a and sometimes trivial disagreement are hardly harmless.

I beg to differ that MDL should be treated like a fan page.

In principle I agree that criticism should be constructive, but why over gushing and screaming that is the best ever is acceptable, while saying "overrated" is not?
How these two behaviours are different in principle?

Like MichaKu said, to entertain us lol, but I have already started to see in E5 & 6 this has been luckily toned down a lot.
Actually the ML literally said to FL in E6 that we are now in our thirties, so stop acting like a teenager :)

Let me first say that I am enjoying the drama and I think it is getting gradually better, but with all due respect I don't understand your type of reaction. This is NOT personal. I repeat, it is NOT personal, because there are many who have a similar sentiment.
What is wrong with people saying bad things about a drama that you (or anyone) like?
Unless it is a fan page (I believe MDL is not), I don't think there is anything wrong with that.
There are countless comments here claiming that this the best draman of 2024, and some already calling it one of the best Kdramas ever, at a point when we had only 4 episodes. Don't you find this behaviour is exactly the same like you are criticising? It same behaviour, just opposite direction.
Extreme behaviours (both ways) are annoying. Dramas are hardly ever perfect. I criticise even my most favourite dramas/books/movies. Some people (I am NOT saying it is you) treat their favourite dramas like some deity. If they have power they would probably burn you for the tiniest of perceived slight. I think this is also a behaviour worth studying.
At the end of the day, a piece of art, no matter how popular, will always have detractors. Let them voice their opinion. Just like some like to gush, some like to criticise.

Finally, I like to repeat, this is not personal. It is just a reply on the opinion that those who don't like dramas shouldn't comment, or stop watching. Just let people do whatever they want. I can assure you that some find over gushing just as equally annoying.

If you are after sex, nudity and lots of steamy kissing, then Kdrama is not the place to find them.
Not this series, or any other one.
Kdrama are about emotions.

P.S: you might find some rare exceptions if it is entirely funded by an American company, but even then nothing in comparison with American shows.