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“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.
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A Grandson’s Request: An Uplifting Story “Gran, I need to ask you something—it’s really important. I need a lot of money.” He arrived in the evening—nervous, restless. Normally, Daniel popped round to see Lilian twice a week, happy to fetch her groceries or pop out the bins. Once, he even fixed her old sofa. Always calm, always confident—never like this. Lilian always worried—it was a strange world out there. “Daniel, love, can I ask—why do you need the money? And how much is ‘a lot’?” Her voice was steady, but her heart thumped. Daniel was her eldest grandson—a good lad, kind at heart. He’d finished school a year ago, working part-time while studying. His parents hadn’t voiced any concerns, but why would he need so much cash? “I can’t say yet, Gran, but I promise I’ll pay you back—just not all at once…” “You know I’m only on my pension,” said Lilian, torn, “How much exactly?” “One thousand pounds.” “Why not ask your parents?” Lilian asked absently, already guessing his answer. Daniel’s dad—her son-in-law—was strict, expected children to solve their own problems and not stick their noses where they didn’t belong. “They wouldn’t help,” Daniel replied, confirming her thoughts with a sigh. Had he got mixed up in something serious? Would giving him the money only make it worse? But what if not giving it made things even harder? She studied him with concern. “Gran, it’s nothing bad, I swear. I’ll pay you back in three months—promise! Don’t you trust me?” She probably should lend it, even if he never returned it. There ought to be someone in his life who has his back; someone he can trust—so he never loses faith in people. She did have that money set aside for emergencies. Perhaps this was the one. After all, Daniel had come to her. Funerals could wait—life was for the living. It’s family—family you must trust. They say if you lend money, be prepared to lose it. The young can be unpredictable… but Daniel had never let her down. “All right, I’ll lend you the money for three months, as you said. But wouldn’t it be better for your parents to know?” “Gran, you know I love you, and I always keep my promises. If you can’t help I’ll try to get a loan—after all, I do work.” The next day, Lilian went to the bank, withdrew the money and handed it to Daniel. He beamed, gave her a grateful hug, and dashed off: “Thank you, Gran, you’re the best. I’ll pay you back—I promise!” Lilian returned home, brewed herself a cup of tea, and pondered. So many times in her life she’d desperately needed help. Every time, someone came through. But now, these days, everyone looked out for themselves. Times were tough. A week later, Daniel popped in again, cheerful. “Gran, here’s the first bit back—I got an advance at work. Oh, and can I bring a friend round tomorrow?” “Of course, love. I’ll bake your favourite—poppyseed cake.” She smiled, relieved—whatever it was, she’d soon know. Daniel came that evening. Not alone. A slender young woman stood by his side. “Gran, this is Lisa. Lisa, meet my lovely Gran, Lilian.” Lisa blushed, “Hello, thank you so much, Mrs Taylor!” “Come in, both of you,” Lilian relaxed—they seemed good together. They sat and chatted over tea and cake. “Gran, I couldn’t tell you before. Lisa’s mum became suddenly very ill; there was no one else to help and Lisa was so worried—she made me promise not to explain why I needed the money. But it’s over now—her mum’s had the operation. The doctors say she’ll recover.” Daniel looked at Lisa, squeezing her hand. “Thank you—you’re so kind. I can’t thank you enough,” Lisa said, turning away to hide her tears. “I told you, everything’s all right, don’t cry,” Daniel smiled, “Come on, Gran, we’d better be off—getting late.” “Take care, dears, goodnight—may everything work out for you.” As they left, Lilian crossed herself (old habits die hard). Her grandson had grown up—a solid young man. She was glad she trusted him. It wasn’t really about the money; it brought them closer. Two months on, Daniel repaid her in full. “Just think, Gran. The doctor said if we hadn’t acted so quickly, it could have ended much worse. I didn’t know how I could help Lisa. I realise now—there’s always someone willing to step up when things are hard. And I’ll always look after you, Gran—you’re the best in the world!” Lilian ruffled his hair, as she had when he was little. “All right, off you go—and bring Lisa round soon!” “Of course,” Daniel grinned, hugging her. As she closed the door, Lilian remembered what her own gran used to say: “You must always look after your own. It’s the English way—never turn your back on family. Remember that!”
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