My Uninvited Mother-in-Law Took Over Like It Was Her Own House Right Up to My “Welcome Home” Reception

The meddlesome motherinlaw showed up as if she owned the place, right up to the point where I gave her a taste of her own medicine.
Sometimes, the trouble in a home isnt a stranger at all but a motherinlaw with a sweet smile and a Tupperware full of dubious meatballs. Im Élise, married for two years, and, as they say, everything was fine between my husband and me until his mother started warming up our home a little too frequently. She was so insistent that even the mailman made fewer visits 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.
Élise, darling, Ive made meatballs! Cod style! Freshly prepared! she chirped, thrusting a plastic container toward me.
I sighed. My husband and I have hated fish since childhood. I was fed it from infancy, and he, the son of a fisherman, ate so much that he almost grew gills. Wed talked about itseveral times. Yet MarieClaude acted as if nothing was amiss.
MarieClaude, we dont eat fish you know that, I said.
But you dont just throw it away! Keep it, someone will enjoy it! she protested.
It wasnt just the cursed meatballs. She began turning up more often, unannounced, without even knocking, strolling in as though the house were hers and starting her inspections:
Oh, whats this cheese? Ive never tried itlet me have a bite. And a slice of salami too; youll go buy more later. By the way, I brought some fishsharing is caring!
Each visit, her appetite grew. One day she arrived with a friend, no headsup, no request.
We were at the pharmacythought wed warm up a bit. Could you get us coffee? she asked.
While I stood frozen at the doorway, she was already rummaging through the fridge, pulling out jam, cheese, biscuits, as her companion settled comfortably at the table.
I felt like a stranger in my own home. My husband raised his handsIts Mom, shes kind. Kind? Id seen her hide our pineapple under her coat. It was no longer help or concernit was brazen intrusion.
So I hatched a plan. Gentle but precise. The next day I took my friend Nathalie, we bought the spiciest sushi in the neighborhood, and without warning we headed to MarieClaudes place.
Hello, we were in the area and thought wed stop by! We brought sushiplease try! I said, handing her the platter with a smile.
My motherinlaw turned pale. She hates sushi. Once she tried it and ever since calls it raw rats on rice.
Take a seat, Ill see what good things you have, too, I said, walking toward her fridge.
I pulled out couscous, a Piémontese salad, a cakeeverything landed on the table. Nathalie was already laughing loudly.
Oh, MarieClaude, doesnt it bother you? I brought sushi, isnt it normal to exchange treats? I added, feigning innocence.
MarieClaude stood frozen, speechless. She got itshe finally understood what it feels like to have someone barge into her home uninvited.
I left, thanking her for the warm welcome and promising to return soon.
Since then everythings changed. She now calls before she comes, her visits are few and discreet. She even brings things we actually likeno more fish. Sometimes theres no need for a fight; you just have to hold up a mirror.