My friend Emily owned a beauty salon, and she was one of the most generous and clever people I knew. She often showered her friends with gifts and never charged us for any of her salon services. Wanting to return the favour, I helped her look after her daughters from her first marriage. Emily had left her first husband because of his unbearable stinginess, which even affected the basic needs of their girls. Later, her second marriage fell apart due to her husbands jealousy, and then a third marriage ended when she discovered her husband was unfaithful. Yet, these swift divorces allowed her to keep hold of her flat, sparing her from having to share her property.
Despite her efforts to find me a partner, Emilys busy schedule made it a challenge. Eventually, though, she met a man named Daniel a taxi driver she bumped into during one of her trips. He was charming, with striking green eyes, and despite her previous misgivings about his looks, they got on well together. Only a week later, he introduced her to his mother, whom he affectionately called Mum Veronica. At first, she seemed lovely, but her overbearing attention soon became overwhelming.
Even though Daniel was 34, his mum was constantly ringing him, visiting at every opportunity, and interfering in their relationship for no real reason. Once, she actually asked Emily whether they kissed before Daniel left for work in the mornings, insisting it was the secret to a happy family. She would get involved the moment she sensed any trouble, making life in their flat rather tense. Sometimes shed show up in the evenings, claiming she was there to make supper, clearly using it as an excuse to stay over with them. Daniel seemed perfectly content having both his women in the kitchen and in the house, refusing to be apart from his mother.
In the end, Emily realised she had to end the relationship to escape the suffocating presence of her domineering mother-in-law.
