Last month was my sons birthday. I told him Id come over as a guest.
I raised three boys. Anyone whos had four men in their house will know exactly what I mean. I cant fathom how a home could have no dinner ready, or things strewn about the place. Now, at 52, Ive always believed a woman should create a comfortable, safe home for her husbandsomewhere he can return to. But I dont think my daughter-in-law shares that view.
My eldest son married two years ago, and nine months later, they had a daughter. He was 28 at the time, and his wife, Emily, was just 20. She was still studying, but the eight-year age gap didnt seem to bother my son.
During her pregnancy, Emily was quite difficultalways sending my son out for things. First, she craved apples in the morning, then oranges, then flowers. He never argued, always indulging her. We thought things would settle after the baby arrived, but they didnt.
She breastfed for two months, then stopped. She told my son she was exhausted from sleepless nights and needed a break. Hes always been patient and kind, so he asked me to step in. Of course, I couldnt say no.
While I looked after the baby, Emily spent her days at spas and salons, coming home too tired to even cook dinner for my son after work. I ended up staying with their daughter for a whole week. Emily got used to sleeping till noon, living entirely on her own terms, leaving everything to me.
After a month, I broke down and said I had to go home. Emily was furious. I knew she wasnt ready to handle things alone, so I visited occasionallybut what I saw frustrated me. The house was a mess, the fridge empty.
She couldnt even be bothered to cook for her own child. Having raised three sons myself, I found her irresponsibility unacceptable. My son always had home-cooked meals growing up. Last month, for his birthday, I visited, expecting Emily to prepare something. Instead, she ordered pizza and sushi.
I cant understand why my son puts up with this. Maybe its because they didnt live together before marriagehe never saw what she was really like. Its hard for him, but he stays quiet, never confronting her.
Ive been thinking of a way to make her act like a proper wife and mother. My only worry is that my son might resent me for it. I know I should support his choices, but I cant just stand by and watch. Are all daughters-in-law like this?
What would you advise a woman in my position? Should I talk to Emily myself?
