Are you a man who submits?! The motherinlaw gasps when she sees her son making breakfast on his own
Whats this, a man in the kitchen?! She is horrified to discover her son handling the morning meal himself.
Valentine Lefèvre had finally come to see us after an eightyear gap. Since Théo and I had tied the knot, she had never set foot in our home. She lives in a tiny hamlet near Bordeaux and rarely ventures into the cityher age, health, and farm duties keep her grounded. This time, however, she insisted: Im coming to check how you live. After all, you have a family, a mortgaged flat I need to make sure everythings alright.
Honestly, I was relieved. All these years there had been no visits, no phone calls to ask how we were doing. I hoped we could finally break the ice. We welcomed her properly: a ready bedroom, homemade dishes, a soft bathrobe and cozy slippers. Théo and I did our best. Balancing work and house chores isnt easy, but she deserved our attention.
The first days passed quietly, without incident. Then Saturday morning arrived. I allowed myself to sleep in, exhausted from a week of nonstop work. Théo, as usual, got up early. Hes caring, always looking for little gestures to please me. That morning he decided to surprise both 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 peace was shortlived. Valentine stepped into the kitchen.
Her voice cut through the door:
What are you doing, my son? At 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
Take that apron off this instant! A man in the kitchenhow shameful! Thats not why I raised you! Your father never washed a single plate in his life, and now youre making omelettes like a servant! And Camille, why is she still in bed? Thats her place! Youre completely under her thumb, its pathetic to watch!
I stayed under the duvet, fists clenched, torn between laughing and stepping in. Her words disgusted me. I felt embarrassed for Théo, sorrowful for myself, and frightened that this visit might leave irreparable scars on our relationship.
I left the room just as she began to gasp with outrage. Théo still held his spatula, the omelette calmly browning on the flame. Valentine trembled with anger, muttering about decadence, irresponsibility, and a man should 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 household things work differently. Were partners. I cook, I clean, I work. Théo also helps. He cooks because he likes it, because he cares for us. Is that really such a crime?
She didnt listen. Her face was a mask of judgment, her eyes cold. She said nothing, but her expression spoke: Youve turned my son into a pushover. When she left a few days later without even a hug, I realized she would never accept our way of life.
Later Théo confessed that she had phoned his father to complain: Our boy has become his wifes slave, the poor thing cant even sleepup at dawn standing over pots. And I thought: how sad it is to raise a man believing that caring for others is a weakness, that love is a disgrace.
Im not angry, just saddened. For her, who spent a life believing 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 grow close.
At least I know one thing: my man isnt weak. Hes simply someone who loves. If that offends anyone thats their problem.
Are You a Submissive Man?! — Mother-in-Law’s Shock as Son Takes Charge of Making Breakfast
