The motherinlaws wedding present: when its better to give nothing at all
Elodie and Julien were tying the knot. While the ceremony was in full swing, the master of ceremonies announced that it was time for gifts. The brides parents were the first to offer their congratulations. Next came the grooms mother, Geneviève Lambert, carrying a large box tied with a skyblue ribbon.
My goodness! I wonder whats inside, whispered Elodie, excited, into Juliens ear.
No clue. Mom kept it a secret right up to the end, replied the groom, puzzled.
They agreed to open the presents the following day, after the weddings bustle had died down. Elodie suggested they start with her motherinlaws box. After untying the ribbon and lifting the lid, they glanced inside and were left speechless.
Elodie had noticed an odd habit in Julien: he never took anything without permission, not even a trinket.
May I have the last candy? he asked timidly, eyes fixed on the solitary caramel in the vase.
Of course! she answered, surprised. You dont need to ask.
Its just a habit, he said, embarrassed, as he quickly unfolded the paper.
Only months later did Elodie understand the source of his restraint.
One day Julien offered to introduce her to his parents, Geneviève and Philippe. At first, the motherinlaw seemed welcoming, but that impression vanished quickly when Geneviève invited them to sit down.
She placed two plates before them, each with a spoonful of mash and a small cutlet. Julien ate quickly and, lowering his voice, politely asked for seconds.
You eat like four people! Well never be able to feed you! Geneviève exclaimed, shocking Elodie deeply.
When Philippe asked for more, his wife hurriedly served him again. Elodie finished her plate, stunned by Genevièves obvious hostility toward her own son.
Later, during the preparations, Geneviève criticized everything: the rings, the venue, the menu.
Why spend so much? We could have found cheaper options! she repeated, disapproving.
Elodie finally snapped.
Let us handle it! Its our money and our decision!
Hurt, Geneviève stopped calling and even threatened not to attend.
Two days before the wedding, Philippe dropped by.
Come help me with the gift, he said, ushering Julien to his car.
He gave them a washing machine, bought without consulting Geneviève, who deemed it too pricey. After that, she disappeared into the celebration.
The next day, when they opened the box, their excitement turned to disappointment.
Towels? murmured Elodie, incredulous.
And socks, added Julien, pulling out two pairs of spongematerial socks. Mom grabbed the first thing she could.
A few days later Geneviève called to quiz her son about the other guests presents.
What did your inlaws give? Your friends? she pressed.
Thats none of your business, Julien replied before hanging up, relieved.
The lesson remains: generosity isnt measured by the price of a gift but by the respect shown to others. Geneviève had long forgotten that.
