**The Odd Mother-in-Law: A Clash Over Time**
**An Unexpected Visit**
My mother-in-law—let’s call her Dorothy Whitmore—has always been a strong-willed woman. But recently, she surprised me in a way that left me completely baffled. It all started when I—let’s say my name is Emily—drove down to the countryside to visit my husband, who was staying with his parents. I’d taken a couple of days off work, hoping to unwind with family while also catching up on my blog. Out in the village, the scenery is just perfect for content—rolling hills, old stone cottages—it’s the kind of backdrop you don’t get in the city.
But Dorothy, it seemed, had other plans. She decided my visit was solely for her benefit. From the moment I arrived, she loaded me with chores—weeding the garden, cleaning the house, cooking for everyone. I tried explaining that my schedule was tight, but she’d just shake her head and sigh, *“Young people these days, always glued to their screens!”*
**Tensions Rise**
I did my best to stay polite. The first day, I even helped with the garden, though gardening has never been my thing. My manicure didn’t survive, but I bit my lip and smiled through it. Then, the second day, she crossed a line. She told me I *had* to help her because that’s what you do when you visit family, and dismissed my blog as *“silly nonsense, not a real job.”* I was stunned. My blog isn’t just a hobby—it’s my livelihood, my passion, the thing I’ve poured years into. It brings in money *and* fulfilment.
I tried explaining deadlines, posting schedules—all of it. She just waved me off. *“Deadlines? You’d be better off learning to make a proper roast!”* My husband—let’s call him James—tried to smooth things over, but he wasn’t much help. So I retreated to the back garden to film content just to escape the tension.
**The Choice: Work or Family?**
By evening, things worsened. Dorothy complained to James that I *“don’t respect my elders”* and *“spend all day staring at my phone.”* I snapped and said I hadn’t come just to do chores—I came to spend time with him *and* to work. She looked at me like I’d committed treason and muttered something about *“modern daughters-in-law.”*
I get it—she’s used to a different way of life. For her, the countryside means work: gardening, housekeeping, endless tasks. But I can’t drop everything to meet her expectations. My blog needs time and effort, and I won’t sacrifice it, even for family peace. In that moment, I felt like an outsider in their home.
**A Frank Conversation**
The next day, I talked to James. I told him I loved him and respected his family, but I couldn’t bend to Dorothy’s demands. He admitted she sometimes goes too far but asked me to be patient. *“She just wants you to feel part of the family,”* he said. I replied that I *do* want that—but not at the cost of my work or my boundaries.
We agreed that next time, I’d make my schedule clear upfront, and he’d talk to her about respecting my job—no more *“silly phone games”* talk. Maybe then we’d avoid another clash.
**Lessons Learned**
That visit made me realise how hard it is to balance family and career. Dorothy might not have meant to hurt me, but her assumptions stung. I’ve learnt to stand firmer on my boundaries, even if it causes friction. My work is part of who I am, and I won’t apologise for it—no matter what a *“good daughter-in-law”* is supposed to be.
Next time I visit the countryside, I’ll plan better—clear talks with James and Dorothy beforehand. Until then, I’ll keep working on my blog, capturing those perfect rural shots, sharing my life with my followers. And maybe, just maybe, Dorothy will watch one of my videos someday and see it’s not *“silly nonsense”* after all.
