When I married my husband, I expected some ups and downs, but I never thought I would constantly have to defend my intentions. From the very beginning, my mother-in-law has made it clear that she believes I only married her son for money. At first, I tried to laugh it off, but her remarks became a pattern that wore me down.
Every chance she gets, she slips in a comment about how I must be enjoying a life where everything is paid for. It is almost like she waits for an audience so she can make me look like I am just coasting while her son takes care of me.
I usually stay quiet because I do not want to ruin family gatherings with arguments, but during a recent dinner I finally hit my limit.
She made another remark in front of everyone about how nice it must be to have a husband who covers all the bills. People laughed awkwardly, but I could feel my face burning.
Instead of ignoring it this time, I looked her straight in her eye, and said, “Funny, because I just finished paying off his student loans.” The entire table went silent, her smile froze, and for once she had nothing to say. My husband reached for my hand under the table, but I kept my eyes on her so she knew I was not afraid to push back.
It was satisfying to finally stand up for myself, but it also left me wondering what comes next. I know this will not magically change her opinion of me, and I am bracing for future comments. Still, it felt important to make it clear that I am not the person she paints me to be.
So now I am torn. Did I do the right thing by calling her out in front of everyone, or did I make the situation worse? What would you have done in my place?
Source: brightside.me