“You’re Not a Wife, You’re a Servant—And You Don’t Even Have Children! An English Mother-in-Law’s Relentless Criticism Unites Her Son and His Wife During a Turbulent Home Renovation”

Youre not a wife, youre just a servant. You havent even had any children!

Mum, Eleanor is going to stay here with us. Were having work done on the flat, its impossible to live there for now. Theres a spare room, why should she sit there among all that dust? said Edward, Eleanors husband.

It was clear that he wasnt at all bothered by this arrangement, though the same could not be said for his mother, nor for his wife. His mother never truly warmed to Eleanor.

“I have to get back to work, I cant stay here all day,” Eleanor whispered.

Eleanor worked from home, so she needed peace and quiet. Edward was at work all day long, and it wasnt easy for her and her mother-in-law to share a house. As for Eleanor, she was used to having the house to herself, with no one to disturb her.

Eleanor glanced helplessly at her mother-in-law, unable to find the right words. Her mother-in-law clearly didnt want her there, but there was no alternative. They sat at the dining table and began their supper.

“Eleanor, please serve your famous salad,” Edward said warmly.

“Edward, dont touch that rubbish. Ive made you a proper one far healthier,” his mother fussed.

Eleanors face shifted, just for a moment. Her husband had an allergy to tomatoes how could his mother forget something so important? When Edward was a boy, his mother would always say there was no need for doctors: “Give him a pill and hell be right as rain.”

“He cant eat tomatoes,” Eleanor spoke up.

“What are you on about? Theres only a tiny bit one tomato wont hurt,” his mother dismissed it with a wave of her hand.

“Hell be ill.”

“Eleanor, for goodness’ sake, calm down. He doesnt have an allergy. His own mother knows him better than anyone.”

“I am his wife. I care for my husband.”

“You? Youre not much of a wife you behave more like hired help. And you havent even given us grandchildren yet! Perhaps when you do, well have something to discuss.”

Eleanor rose abruptly from the table and fled to the bedroom. Her mother-in-law always knew exactly where to wound her. Edward quickly followed to comfort his wife.

“Edward, Im sorry. It would be better if I went to my parents for a while. Or even just to the office. I cant go on living with your mother.”

“Let me have a word with her. Shell stop, I swear it.”

“No, weve done this a hundred times before. Well never get along under the same roof.”

In the end, they had to let a small flat for a while, just to avoid another scandal with the family. Edwards mother grumbled and complained, but she had no choice. Meanwhile, Eleanor could finally breathe easy again, grateful for a husband so kind and understanding.