My son and his young wife live in a rented flat not far from me. I asked my son for a spare key to their place, just in caseit feels sensible to keep one with me for emergencies. At the moment, Im on holiday while the young couple are at work.
So, I pop round to their flat after theyve headed off for the day. I prepare shepherds pie and roast beef, perhaps some Yorkshire puddings too. My son absolutely loves these hearty, traditional English meals, comforting and satisfying. Once the cookings done, I move on to tidying up. My daughter-in-law isnt particularly enthusiastic about housework.
Their belongings are scattered about, and dishes fill the sink. I suppose Ill show my daughter-in-law what it means to keep a neat home. When they return, the food is ready, everything looks spotless and organised, and my son tucks in enthusiasticallylife should be good. But it never quite works out like that. My daughter-in-law always seems rather unhappy. She rarely eats what Ive prepared, saying that its far too heavy and unhealthy. She prefers porridge and salads made from all sorts of greens.
And she tries to send me home as quickly as she can.
Ive come to realise that sometimes, even the kindest intentions arent always the right ones. People have different ways of living, and true care means respecting their choices, even when they dont match our own.
