When Mum Said “No”: How Nancy Saved a Marriage
Nancy was frying courgettes when a sudden knock came at the door. She opened it to find her son, Edward, standing there with a bag and weary eyes.
“Mum, I’ve left Rebecca,” he blurted out before even stepping inside.
“Left her?” Nancy echoed, stunned.
“I’ve had enough. She doesn’t cook, the flat’s a mess, she doesn’t work…” His voice trembled. “Can I stay here for a bit?”
“No,” Nancy replied firmly, wiping her hands without breaking eye contact.
Edward blinked. “What do you mean, no?”
“Just what I said. You’re not moving in. But come, sit down and eat. We’ll talk after.”
Edward devoured his beef stew with dumplings as if he hadn’t eaten in days. Between mouthfuls, he grumbled, “Before the wedding, we were always out at pubs, having a laugh. Then we married, and I thought meals would just appear. But she’s like a child—scouring the net for recipes, oversalting one dish, undercooking another. I pretend it’s fine, but it’s barely edible.”
“But she’s trying, love,” Nancy sighed. “No one gets it right straight away. And all you do is criticise.”
“Trying? Have you seen the state of the place? Clothes everywhere—on chairs, the bed, even in the bath! The wardrobe looks like a tornado hit it. She naps or stares at her laptop while I pick up after her. I told her off once, and she burst into tears.”
“She’s young, still learning,” Nancy said calmly. “And you? You’re hardly the picture of maturity, snivelling like this. A man ought to lead with love—then his wife might follow suit.”
“But I do love her…”
“And yet she doesn’t feel it. That’s the heart of it.”
The next morning, while Edward was at work, Nancy phoned Rebecca. “Love, I’ll pop round. Let’s have a chat.”
She bought groceries and arrived to find Rebecca bleary-eyed at the door. “Did you see Edward off to work?” Nancy asked, stepping into the kitchen.
“Why would I? He left with tea and toast. Why?”
“And that’s alright with you, is it? Look at this kitchen—a proper disaster. Midday, and you’ve only just woken up.”
“Sorry… I was up late… online…”
“Rebecca, I love you like a daughter. I’m here to help. Let’s tidy up and make lunch.”
“I can manage… Edward and I will sort it.”
“Suit yourself. But don’t come crying to me later. Here—I brought groceries.”
“Thanks. And… don’t be cross.”
Days passed. Edward stayed over more often, even lying once about a “business trip” just to avoid going home.
“I’m done with her,” he moaned. “She doesn’t read, doesn’t care about anything. Just shopping and games. Won’t work. Keeps asking me to buy her things—I’m not a bank.”
Nancy listened without argument. But that evening, Rebecca appeared on her doorstep, tear-stained.
“Mum… he doesn’t love me… comes home late, won’t eat or talk… says marrying me was a mistake. You raised him like this.”
“Or perhaps your mother missed something? Think only men have duties? Women do too. Marriage isn’t a stroll in the park—it’s hard graft.”
They talked for hours. Nancy guided, explained, urged. Rebecca agreed: she’d learn to cook, keep house, find work.
Months later, Nancy had helped her land a job, taught her to roast beef and bake pies. One evening, they invited her for dinner. The table was laden with homemade dishes.
“Mum, Rebecca’s brilliant. Dinners like a proper bistro!”
Nancy fought back tears. She squeezed Rebecca’s shoulder. “Well done, love. It’s all in your hands now.”
Life settled. Breakfasts together, shared chores, cooked suppers. Edward stopped complaining; Rebecca stopped crying.
Five years on, their daughter was born. At her first birthday party, Rebecca sat beside Nancy.
“Mum, thank you. We’d have split without you. I was so daft back then…”
“You were clever—just green. Now look at your family.”
“I want to go back to work early. Could you and my mum take turns with the baby?”
“Course, silly. It’s a joy, having them close.”
Nancy became more than a mother-in-law—a friend. Now with two grandchildren, she’s retired and often minds them overnight. When asked how she saved their marriage, she says:
“I always stand by women. Even if it means giving my son what-for when he’s not acting right.”
