The one thing I’ve always dreaded in life is an angry mother-in-law. I’ve been married before, but in that respect, I suppose I was fortunate. My first husband, Thomas, grew up in care and had no family to speak of, so I never once heard any accusations sent my way. Things between us didnt work out, though. Our marriage lasted just five years before I ended up filing for divorce.
You see, when we tied the knot, I was still at university. Not long after, Thomas started drinking and racking up debts, and naturally, as his wife, those burdens became mine as well. I had to drop out of my studies to work and help pay everything off. That marriage only brought me heaps of trouble. When it finally ended, I felt hugely relieved. At last, I thought, the trouble would stop.
For two years after, I was on my own, picking myself back up, piecing myself together again. Then I met William. Hed never married, nor even been in a proper relationship before me. Things moved along rather quickly and, before I knew it, he had proposed. I said yes, of course. Soon after, it was time to meet his mother.
From the moment I stepped into her house, I could sense her disapproval. She tossed a curt “hello” my way and disappeared into the next room. At first, I thought maybe Id said something wrong or perhaps my clothes weren’t right, but I was dressed quite decently. Sitting at the table for tea, Williams mother cast me an appraising look but said nothing. That silent scrutiny made me feel terribly uneasy. When I began to flush with discomfort, she struck.
So, youre not even educated then? Am I right in thinking you havent a clue? she asked, with just a hint of a sneer. I hesitated briefly, then answered as calmly as I could, sipping my tea. My education isnt complete, thats trueI never finished university, but I do still plan to. She made a great show of tutting. Plans to finish, is it? And when are you planning to be a wife, hmm? Whos going to mind your children, put a hot supper on the table, and keep the house in order? What do you fancy yourself as, a lady of leisure? She chuckled, took another sip, and set her tea down sharply. Let me be clear, my son doesnt need a woman like you.
She had a long look at me and spat, Just look at youseems youre neither clever nor particularly remarkable to look at. I was completely crushed by that. I stood up and went straight to the bathroom, tears flowing. To be insulted so harshly by a stranger, with William saying nothing, was more than I could take. Thankfully, we made a swift exit soon after, and I had no wish to return to her home again. Still, shed come round to ours and find some way to get a nasty dig in whenever possible.
Eventually, I decided to see a counsellor for some advice. After a few sessions, I came to realise Williams mum is a typical manipulator, and I was letting her hurt me because I was brought up to keep the peace. So, next time she tried to insult me in my own home, I asked her to leave then and there. We havent spoken since, and to be honest, I dont mind one bit. William isnt fussed about it either, and thats that.
