**Diary Entry 12th June**
Last month was my sons birthday. I told him Id come over as a guest. I raised three boys myself. Anyone whos lived in a house full of men knows exactly what I mean. I cant fathom how a home can have no proper meal ready or belongings strewn about. At 52, Ive always believed a woman should make a home comfortable and safe for her husbandsomewhere he can return to. But I doubt my daughter-in-law shares that view.
Two years ago, my eldest son decided to marry, and nine months later, they had a daughter. He was 28 at the time; his wife, Emily, was just 20. She was still at university, but the eight-year gap didnt seem to bother him.
During her pregnancy, Emily was difficultalways sending my son out for things. First apples in the morning, then oranges, then flowers. He never argued, always obliged. We thought things would settle after the baby came, but they didnt.
She breastfed for two monthsthat was it. Then she told him she was exhausted from sleepless nights and needed a break. My son, kind-hearted as ever, asked if I could help. Of course, I couldnt refuse.
While I looked after the baby, Emily spent her days at spas and shops, coming home too tired to even cook dinner for my son after work. I ended up staying with them for a week. She grew used to sleeping till noon, living entirely as she pleased, leaving everything to me.
After a month, I broke down and said I had to go home. Emily was furious. Knowing she wasnt ready, I visited occasionally, but what I saw upset methe house a mess, the fridge empty. Too lazy to cook even for her own child. Having raised three sons, I found such irresponsibility hard to accept. My son always had home-cooked meals.
Last month, on his birthday, I visited, assuming Emily would cook. Instead, she ordered pizza and sushi.
I dont understand why my son tolerates this. Maybe because they never lived together before marriagehe never saw who she truly was. Its clearly hard for him, yet he stays quiet.
I keep thinking of a way to make her act like a proper wife and mother. My only fear is my son resenting me for it. I know I should support his choices, but I cant just stand by. Are all daughters-in-law like this?
Whats the right move here? Should I talk to her? Or is it better to stay out of it? Either way, it weighs on me.
**Lesson:** Sometimes love means stepping backbut silence can feel like betrayal. A hard line to walk.
