**Brothers Birthday Invitation Sparks Drama with His Wife**
My brother Edward got married six years ago. Since then, neither I nor our parents have set foot in their home. Every holiday, birthday, and family gathering always happens at our parents’ placea spacious house on the outskirts of Manchester. Mum cooks mountains of food, sets the table, and still sends Edward and his wife, Claire, home with Tupperware containers full of homemade meatballs and salads.
When Edward married, Claires birthday came just a few months later. Mum, full of excitement, decided to plan a surprise: we bought a cake, picked a nice gift, and got ready to visit them. Mum rang Claire to let her know, but Claire coldly replied she wasnt planning to celebrate. Mum, stubborn, insisted:
*”Well just pop in for a bit, have some tea with the cake! You dont have to prepare a thing, Claire!”*
We went anyway. But instead of a warm welcome, we were stunned: Claire stepped outside, muttering that the house *”was a mess,”* and refused to let us in. Dumbfounded, we handed her the cake and gift right there on the doorstep and left. Since then, all family events happen at Mums, and we avoid mentioning that awkward moment.
Once, Claire said bluntly to my parents:
*”Youve got a big houseplenty of room for everyone! We live in a one-bed flatwhere are we supposed to host people?”*
I could barely hold back my anger. Is a small flat really too cramped for in-laws and a sister-in-law? Its not a crowdjust three people! But we stayed quiet to keep the peace.
Now, Claire is five months pregnant. Itll be my parents first grandchild, and Mum, of course, is constantly worried. She keeps ringing Edward to check on Claire, asking if she needs help. But we recently found out Claire quit her job early in the pregnancy. Mum panicked:
*”Is she unwell? Does she need my support?”*
Edward reassured her: Claire is fine, she just decided to *”take it easy.”* We were confused. Edward and Claire have always lived beyond their meansdining out, holidays, expensive clothes. They dont have a mortgagethe flat was inherited from her grandmotherso they splurged on luxuries. But without her salary, moneys tight, and their lavish lifestyle is at risk. Edward tried explaining they needed to cut back, but she seems unwilling to give up her comforts.
Claire admitted to my brother she left her job over fears of *”catching something at work.”* Fair enough, but now their budget is stretched, and she still expects the same luxuries. And in the middle of all this, Edward invited us all to celebrate his birthday at their place! Mum and Dad were shocked. Dad even joked:
*”Finally, Ill find out if my daughter-in-law can cook!”*
Mum was thrilled, looking forward to a family evening. I called Claire to confirm details, but instead of a calm chat, I got a hysterical rant. Claire, in tears, said she didnt want us there:
*”Ill have to clean and cook! Im pregnantits too much!”*
I tried calming her:
*”Claire, it doesnt have to be fancy. Roast some potatoes, toss a salad, put a chicken in the ovendone. Well bring the cake. Its just dinner for five. Whats the issue?”*
I even suggested ordering takeaway to make it easier, but she kept whining about scrubbing floors and tidying up. I lost patience:
*”Claire, its a one-bed flat! How hard is cleaning? Do you only mop when guests come over?”*
In the end, I gave her an ultimatum:
*”If you dont want us there, we wont come. Well ring Edward to wish him happy birthday, and thats that.”*
I told Mum, and she agreed. When Edward found out, he exploded:
*”Claire doesnt workshes home all day! Cant she manage one dinner and a quick clean? Youre coming, end of story! We cant afford takeaway or a cleaner, so shell have to step up!”*
His words hung in the air like a black cloud. We were all furious. The excitement for the birthday vanished. The thought of Claire sulking, grumbling, and rolling her eyes was enough to put us off. We dont want to feel unwelcome in my own brothers home.
But at the same time, it hurts knowing we might upset Edward. Hes so eager, so desperate to have the family together at his place! How can we just not show up? Its his day, and hes not to blame for his wifes tantrums. Were torn: swallow our pride and go, risking a tense evening, or refuse and break his heart. The situation feels impossible, and every move just makes it worse. What do you do when love for your brother clashes with dislike for his wife? We dont have the answer, but the birthdays approaching, and a decision must be made.
