Last month was my sons birthday. I told him Id come as a guest.
I raised three boys. Anyone whos lived with four men in the house knows exactly what I mean. I cant fathom how a home could have no dinner ready or things strewn about the place. Now, at 52, Ive always believed a woman should create a comfortable, safe home for a man to return to. But I dont think my daughter-in-law shares that view.
My eldest son married two years ago, and nine months later, they had a daughter. He was 28, and his wife, Emily, was 20. She was still at university, but the eight-year age gap didnt seem to bother my son.
During her pregnancy, Emily was quite demanding, constantly sending my son to the shopsfirst for apples in the morning, then oranges, then flowers. He never argued, always indulged her. We thought things would change after the baby came, but they didnt.
She breastfed for two months, then said she was exhausted from sleepless nights and needed a break. My son, being kind-hearted, asked if I could help. Of course, I couldnt refuse.
While I looked after the baby, Emily spent her days at spas or salons, coming home too tired to even cook dinner for my son after work. By the end of the week, I was still the one caring for their daughter. Emily grew used to sleeping until noon, living entirely on her own terms. She left everything to me.
After a month, I broke down and said I had to return home. Emily was furious. I knew she wasnt independent yet, so I visited occasionally, but I didnt like what I sawmess everywhere, an empty fridge.
She couldnt even bother to cook for her own child. Having raised three sons myself, such irresponsibility was beyond me. My son always had home-cooked meals. Last month, on his birthday, I visited, expecting Emily to prepare something. Instead, she ordered pizza and sushi.
I dont understand why my son tolerates this. Maybe because they never lived together before marriagehe didnt see how she really was. Its clearly hard for him, yet he stays silent.
I keep thinking of ways to make her act like a proper wife and mother. My only fear is my son resenting me for it. I know I should support his choices, but I cant stand by and watch. Are all daughters-in-law like this?
What would you advise a woman in my position? Should I talk to Emily?
The lesson here is simple: love sometimes means stepping back, but wisdom knows when to speak up. Silence helps no oneespecially those we care about most.
