**Diary Entry 12th October**
Last month was my sons birthday. I told him Id drop by 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 can have no dinner ready or things strewn about the place. Now, at 52, Ive always believed a woman should make a home comfortable and safe for her husbandsomewhere he can return to. But I doubt 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; his wife, Emily, was just 20. She was still at university, but the eight-year gap didnt seem to bother my son.
During her pregnancy, Emily was difficultconstantly sending my son out for things. First apples in the morning, then oranges, then flowers. He never argued, always obliged. We thought things would settle after the baby arrived, but they didnt.
She breastfed for two monthsthat was it. Then she told my son she was exhausted from sleepless nights and needed a break. Raised to be patient, he asked me to step in. Of course, I couldnt refuse.
While I cared for the baby, Emily spent her days at spas and salons. When she came home, she couldnt even be bothered to cook dinner for my son after work. In the end, I stayed with them a full week. She grew used to sleeping till noon, living entirely as she pleased, leaving everything to me.
After a month, I broke down and said I had to go home. Emily was furious. I knew she wasnt ready to manage on her own, so I visited occasionallybut what I saw appalled me. The house was a mess, the fridge empty.
She couldnt even cook for her own child. Having raised three sons myself, her irresponsibility was beyond me. My son always had home-cooked meals. Last month, on his birthday, I thought Id visit, expecting Emily to make an effort. Instead, she ordered pizza and sushi.
I dont understand why my son tolerates this. Perhaps because they never lived together before marriagehe never saw her true nature. Its hard on 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 just stand by and watch. Are all daughters-in-law like this?
Whats a man to do? Should I speak to her? Or stay out of it? Hard lessons come too late sometimesmaybe this is his to learn.
