Are you a submissive man?! The motherinlaw was appalled when she saw her son making breakfast himself
Whats this, a man in the kitchen?! The motherinlaw gasped upon discovering that her son had taken it upon himself to prepare the morning meal.
Valentine Lefèvre had not visited us for eight years. Since her son Théo and I were married, she had never set foot in our home. She lives in a tiny hamlet near Bordeaux and rarely comes to the cityage, health and farm duties keep her there. This time she insisted: Im coming to see how you live. After all, you have a family, a mortgagebound flat I need to make sure everythings alright.
Honestly, I was pleased. All those years there had been no visits, no calls to ask how we were doing. I hoped the encounter would finally break the ice. We welcomed her properly: a prepared bedroom, traditional dishes, a cosy bathrobe and soft slippers. Théo and I did our best. Between work and house chores it wasnt easy, but she deserved our attention.
The first days passed peacefully, without incident. Then Saturday morning arrived. I allowed myself a liein after a grueling workweek. Théo, as always, rose earlier, caring and always looking for little ways to please me. That day he decided to surprise his mother and me with breakfast.
Halfasleep, I heard the kitchen soundsthe sizzle of a pan, the coffee machine humming, the scent of buttered toast. I smiled, feeling lighthearted. My man, my thoughtful Théo. But the serenity was shortlived. Valentine entered the kitchen, and her voice cut through the door:
What are you doing, son? In front of the stove? Wearing an apron?
Mom, I was just making breakfast. You must be tired from the trip. And Camille is still sleepinglet her rest. Besides, you know I enjoy cooking, he replied.
Take that apron off right now! A man in the kitchenwhat a disgrace! Thats not why I raised you! Your father never washed a dish in his life, and now youre making omelettes like a servant! And Camille, why is she staying in bed? Thats her role! Youre completely under her thumb, its pathetic to watch!
I stayed under the covers, fists clenched, torn between wanting to laugh and to intervene. Her words sickened me. I felt ashamed for Théo, hurt for myself, and feared this visit would leave irreparable scars.
I got up just as her indignation peaked. Théo still held his spatula, the omelette calmly turning on the fire. Valentine trembled with anger, muttering about decadence, irresponsibility, and a man must be a man.
I quickly brewed a calming herbal teawithout it we might have suffered a heart attack on the spot. I sat beside her, took her hand and tried to explain, gently:
In our home things work differently. Were partners. I cook, I clean, I work. Théo helps too. He cooks because he enjoys it, because he cares for us. Is that really such a problem?
She didnt listen. Her face was set, her gaze full of judgment. She said nothing, but her expression declared: Youve turned my son into a weakling. When she left a few days later, without even an embrace, I realized she would never accept our way of life.
Later, Théo told me she had called his father to complain: Our boy has become his wifes slave, the poor thing cant even sleepup at dawn standing over pots. I thought how tragic it is to raise a man to believe that caring for others is a weakness, that love is shameful.
Im not angry, just sorrowfulfor her, who spent a life thinking the kitchen was a prison; for him, who had to fight for the right to be a good husband; and for me, because I had hoped we could become close.
At least I know this: my man is not weak. He is someone who loves. And if that offends anyone thats their problem.
Are You a Submissive Man?!” — The Horrified Mother-in-Law Stumbles Upon Her Son Making Breakfast on His Own
