My Mother-in-Law Humiliated Me in a Restaurant, and Ive Had Enough of Being Her Doormat
Im 29, married to my husband, Oliver (31), for four lovely yearsexcept when his mothers involved. His familys tight-knit, which sounds charming until you realise “close” means his mum treats personal boundaries like optional extras.
From day one, shes made it abundantly clear shes not keen on sharing “her boy.” Ive gritted my teeth through more backhanded remarks than I can countthings like, “Ah, the tragedy of sons growing up and forgetting their mothers,” or, “Just remember, dear, I loved him when he was still in nappies.” Ive bitten my tongue, playing the polite daughter-in-law, even when its made my eye twitch.
Last weekend was Olivers birthday, and his family booked a posh dinner at The Ivy. I dolled up, brought him a lovely gift (a vintage whisky decanter, since you ask), and arrived ready for a pleasant evening.
Naturally, his mum had already bagged the seat beside him. Fine, I thought, settling on his other side. But before wed even glanced at the menu, she sprang up, pointed at me, and announced to the table, “Goodness, shes like a limpet! Let the poor man breathe for once!” Then, with a saccharine smile, she patted the next chair and said, “Be a love and shuffle down, darling. Mummy needs her birthday cuddles.”
Cue laughter. Including Olivers.
I sat there, cheeks burning, while she draped herself over him like he was her date at a black-tie ball. After five minutes of pretending my wine was suddenly fascinating, Id had enough. I stood, grabbed my handbag, and said, “You know what? Ill leave you to it. Happy birthday, Olly.” And off I popped.
Later, Oliver blew up my phone, accusing me of causing a scene and “taking a joke too seriously.” His mum chimed in with a text: “Awfully sorry if youre not used to a bit of banterwere just a lively bunch!”
Now hes giving me the cold shoulder unless I apologise. But honestly? Im not the one who treated a birthday dinner like a weird mother-son reunion. Am I really the one in the wrong here? Or is it time to stop being everyones polite little doormat?
