The meddlesome motherinlaw showed up as if she owned the place, right up to my return reception.
The shameless motherinlaw behaved like she was at homeuntil I gave her a taste of her own medicine.
Sometimes the enemy in the house isnt a stranger but a motherinlaw with a sweet smile and a Tupperware full of dubious meatballs. Im Élodie, married for two years, and, as the saying goes, everything was fine between my husband and me until his mother started warming up our home far too often. She was so persistent that even the mail carrier showed up less often than she did.
I was sorting groceries in the kitchen pantry when the doorbell rang. I opened it. Of course, it was MarieClaude, my motherinlaw.
Élodie, hello, Ive made some meatballs! With monkfish! Fresh from the sea! she cheerfully handed me her plastic container.
I sighed. My husband and I have hated fish since childhood. I was fed it from the cradle, and he, the son of a fisherman, ate so much he could have grown gills. Weve talked about it many times. Yet MarieClaude acted as if it were no big deal.
MarieClaude, we dont eat fish you know that.
But we cant just throw it away! Keep it, someone will enjoy it! she protested.
It wasnt just the cursed meatballs. She started dropping by more and more, unannounced, without even knocking. She entered as if she owned the place and began her inspections:
Oh, whats this cheese? Ive never tried it, Ill take a piece. And some salami too, youll go buy more later. By the way, I brought you fishone must share!
With each visit her appetite grew. One day she arrived with a friend, again without calling or asking.
We were at the pharmacywanted to warm up a bit. Can you get us coffee?
While I stood frozen in the doorway, she was already rifling through the fridge, pulling out jam, cheese, biscuits, while her companion settled comfortably at the table.
I felt like a stranger in my own home. My husband raised his armsIts Mom, shes being nice. Nice? Id seen her hide our pineapple under her coat. It was no longer help or attentionit was blatant intrusion.
So I hatched a plan. Gentle but precise. The next day I took my friend Nathalie, we bought the spiciest sushi in the neighbourhood, and without warning we showed up at MarieClaudes.
Good morning, we were passing by and thought wed drop in! We brought sushiplease try them! I smiled, thrust the platter into her hands.
MarieClaude turned pale. She despises sushi. Once she tried it and ever since she calls them raw rats on rice.
Make yourselves comfortable, Ill see what goodies you have too, I said, heading toward her fridge.
I pulled out couscous, a Piémontese salad, a cakeeverything landed on the table. Nathalie was already laughing.
Oh, MarieClaude, isnt it fine? I brought sushi, isnt it normal to exchange gifts? I added with feigned innocence.
MarieClaude stood frozen, speechless. She got it. She understood what it felt like to have someone barge into her home.
I left, thanking her for the warm welcome, promising to return soon.
Since then things have changed. She now calls before coming over, her visits are rare and discreet. She even brings what we truly likeno more fish. Sometimes theres no need to argue; you just have to hold up a mirror.
The Overbearing Mother-in-Law Arrived Uninvited Just in Time for My “Homecoming” Reception
