When Mum Said “No”: How Alice Saved a Marriage
Alice was frying courgettes when the doorbell rang. She opened it to find her son, Jonathan, standing there with a bag and weary eyes.
“Mum, I’ve left Rebecca,” he blurted out the moment the door swung open.
“Left her?” Alice repeated, stunned.
“I’ve had enough. She doesn’t cook, doesn’t keep the house tidy, won’t get a job…” His voice wavered. “Can I stay here for a bit?”
“No,” Alice said firmly, wiping oil from her hands, her gaze steady.
Jonathan blinked.
“What do you mean, no?”
“Just what I said. You’re not moving in. But come sit down, have a meal. We’ll talk.”
He devoured his beef stew and dumplings as if he hadn’t eaten in days. Between bites, he grumbled,
“Before we married, we were always out at restaurants—it was fun. Then I thought meals would just appear on the table. But she’s like a child, fumbling through recipes online—overcooked one day, under-seasoned the next. I pretend it’s fine, but I can barely swallow.”
“She’s trying, love,” Alice sighed. “Not everyone gets it right straight away. And all you do is criticise.”
“Trying? Have you seen the mess? Clothes everywhere—on chairs, the bed, even in the bath! The wardrobe looks like a tornado’s hit it. She’s either napping or glued to her laptop. I pick up after her, and when I say something, she bursts into tears.”
“She’s still young, a bit daft,” Alice replied calmly. “But are you any wiser? Carrying on like this. A man should set an example, show kindness—then his wife might change.”
“But I do love her…”
“She doesn’t feel it. That’s the problem.”
The next morning, while Jonathan was at work, Alice called Rebecca.
“Love, I’m popping round for a chat.”
She bought groceries and knocked on their door. Rebecca answered, still sleepy.
“Did you see Jonathan off to work?” Alice asked, stepping into the kitchen.
“Why? He left on his own, had tea and toast. Why?”
“And that doesn’t bother you? Look at this kitchen—total chaos! It’s nearly noon, and you’ve only just woken up.”
“Sorry… I was up late… browsing online…”
“Rebecca, I love you like my own. I’m here to help. Let’s tidy up and make lunch.”
“I’ll manage… Jonathan and I will sort it out.”
“Suit yourself. But don’t come crying to me later. Here, I brought some food.”
“Thanks. And please don’t be cross.”
Days passed. Jonathan spent more time at his mother’s, even lying once about a “business trip” just to avoid going home.
“I’m done,” he moaned. “She doesn’t read, doesn’t care about anything. Just shopping and silly games. Won’t get a job. Always asking me to buy her things. I’m not a cash machine.”
Alice listened without argument. But that evening, Rebecca appeared on her doorstep, tear-streaked.
“Mum… he doesn’t love me… comes home late, won’t eat, won’t talk… says marrying me was a mistake… You raised him like this.”
“Or perhaps your mother missed teaching you something? You think only a man has duties? A woman does too. Marriage is hard work, not a stroll in the park.”
They talked for hours. Alice explained, guided, pleaded. They made a plan: Rebecca would learn to cook, keep house, and find work.
Months later, Alice helped her daughter-in-law land a job and taught her to roast beef and bake pies. One evening, they invited her over. The table was laid with a proper meal.
“Mum, Rebecca’s brilliant. Dinners like a restaurant! She picked it up so fast.”
Alice blinked back tears. She squeezed Rebecca’s shoulder.
“Well done, love. It’s all in your hands now.”
Life settled. The couple breakfasted together, shared chores, cooked side by side. Jonathan stopped complaining, and Rebecca’s tears dried.
Five years on, they had a daughter. At the christening, after the feast, Rebecca sat beside her mother-in-law.
“Mum, thank you. We’d have split without you. I was so foolish back then…”
“You weren’t foolish—just inexperienced. Now look at your family.”
“I want to go back to work early. Will you and my mum help with the baby?”
“Of course, silly. Nothing brings me more joy.”
From then on, Alice wasn’t just a mother-in-law—she was a friend. Now with two grandchildren, she often has them overnight. And when asked how she saved a failing marriage, she smiles.
“I always stand by women. Even if it means giving my own son a talking-to when he forgets how to be a gentleman.”
