The motherinlaws wedding present: when its better to give nothing at all
Elodie and Julien were getting married. As the ceremony reached its peak, the officiant announced it was time for gifts. The brides parents were the first to offer their congratulations. Next came the grooms mother, Geneviève Lambert, holding a large box tied with a skyblue ribbon.
My goodness! I wonder whats inside? Elodie whispered excitedly into Juliens ear.
No clue. Mom kept it a secret until the end, Julien replied, puzzled.
They agreed to open the presents the next day, after the weddings bustle had settled. Elodie suggested they start with the motherinlaws box. After untying the ribbon and lifting the lid, they glanced inside and were left speechless.
Elodie had noticed a strange habit in Julien: he never took anything without asking, even a tiny trinket.
Can I have the last candy? he asked shyly, eyes fixed on the lone caramel in the vase.
Of course! she answered, surprised. You dont need to ask.
Its just a habit, he said with a embarrassed smile, quickly unfolding 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 the feeling vanished quickly when Geneviève invited them to sit down.
She placed two plates before them, each with a spoonful of mashed potatoes and a small chop. Julien finished 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 cleared her plate, stunned by Genevièves obvious animosity toward her own son.
Later, during the preparations, Geneviève critiqued everything: the rings, the venue, the menu.
Why spend so much? We could have found cheaper options! she repeated disapprovingly.
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 paid them a visit.
Come help me with the gift, he said, leading Julien to his car.
He gave them a washing machine, bought without consulting Geneviève, who considered it too expensive. Afterwards, she disappeared into the celebration.
The next morning, when they opened the box, their excitement turned to disappointment.
Towels? Elodie murmured in disbelief.
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 question 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, sighing with relief.
The moral remains: generosity isnt measured by the price of a gift but by the respect shown to others. Geneviève had long forgotten that.
