Your wealth should reflect in your gifts, retorted the mother-in-law.
You earn more than Sophie, so your presents ought to match, she grumbled.
I really dont know what to get Mum, mused James, sinking onto the sofa beside his wife.
In response, Harriet shrugged. Choosing a gift for her mother-in-law had always been tricky.
Relations with Margaret Davies had been strained almost from the start.
James had quickly understood his mothers stance, so after discussing it with Harriet, theyd decided to keep their distance.
No one owed anyone anything. Occasional phone calls and family gatherings, if they felt like it, were the extent of their interaction.
This year, Margaret had decided to celebrate her birthday and invited much of the familyincluding the young couple.
Actually, Mum said shed be happy with anything, James suddenly recalled.
She always says that, then turns her nose up, Harriet sighed, remembering past incidents. Your sister can give her anything, but not us!
She vividly recalled Margarets critiques of every gift theyd ever given.
Remember Mothers Day? What did we get her? A luxurious skincare set, and what was her reaction? Tears and accusations that we thought her old and unattractive, Harriet sighed. The only gifts she ever appreciated were gold or gadgetsthings she could price-check.
Maybe I should call and ask what shed like? James hesitated.
Up to you, his wife replied, shaking her head.
Opting for the easy route, James dialled his mothers number to inquire about her gift preferences.
Darling, I dont need a thing. Just seeing you will be gift enough, Margaret replied sweetly.
Mum, are you sure? You wont resent us? James pressed.
Of course not! Id be delighted with any little token, she laughed. James chose to take her at her word.
Mum said we can get her whatever we like, he told Harriet.
Harriet eyed him sceptically. She didnt trust her mother-in-laws words.
But with James insisting on choosing the gift himself, Harriet relented.
How about a robot vacuum? Then she wont have to lug the hose around, Harriet suggested after reviewing their budget.
They agreed. They bought a £900 vacuum and headed to the party with calm resolve.
The birthday girl welcomed her son and daughter-in-law with a beaming smileuntil she spotted the vacuum box.
Why? she groaned, sighing. James, just put that in the bedroom.
Harriet stared, stunned by the reaction.
Shortly after, Jamess sister, Emily, arrived with her husband. She flung her arms around Margaret, exclaiming:
Happy birthday, Mum! This is for you!
Thank you, darling! You couldnt have chosen better! Margaret cried, embracing her.
Curious, Harriet wondered what priceless gift had brought such joy.
To her astonishment, Emily had given her mother a simple £20 cosmetics set.
She exchanged a baffled glance with James, who looked equally disappointed by his mothers reaction.
For hours, James held his temper, but when Margaret kept praising Emilys gift, he snapped.
Mum, can we talk? he asked, pulling her aside.
Whats wrong? she asked, stepping closer.
Everythings wrong! I asked you about a gift. Remember your answer? he challenged.
I remember
Then why this reaction? You keep raving about a cheap set while dismissing ours, James said bitterly. Dont lie and say Im imagining things.
Fine, I wont lie. You earn more than Emily, so your gifts should reflect that, Margaret retorted.
And ours dont? Should we include receipts to prove their worth? James scowled.
Oh, stop it, she said dismissively. What can I say? I simply liked Emilys gift more.
Because you dont know the price of ours? It cost £900!
That much? Margaret gasped, feigning shock.
But she swiftly recovered.
I value Emilys gifts because they give within their means. You just throw money at things, she declared.
Mum, are you serious? James buried his face in his hands.
Do I look like Im joking? With your income, you couldve booked me a spa weekend, she sniffed.
James gaped at her.
Do you think Harriet and I have money raining from the sky? he shouted.
His outburst drew Harriet and Emily, frozen in the doorway.
Emily quickly grasped the situation and leapt to her mothers defence.
Mum didnt want a robot vacuumshe wanted a humidifier. Hers broke days ago. If you paid attention, youd know, Emily snapped.
I asked her what she wanted! James growled. Are you joking? No more gifts! We try to please you, and you criticise us! The vacuum isnt enoughnow its a humidifier? Sorry we failed your expectations! Lets go! he barked at Harriet.
Margaret collapsed in tears as Emily comforted her, and the couple left, stony-faced.
James kept his word. To avoid further humiliation, he stopped attending family events altogether, sparing himself the stress.
**In the end, they learned that no giftno matter how costlycould satisfy a heart that measured love by price tags.**
