Your wife spoils every celebration for us, Margaret told her son.
Blythe says we should meet tomorrow at a restaurant or café, James said brightly over video call.
Good idea, but let Blythe pick the place herself so we dont keep changing the venue while ordering, Margaret asked calmly.
Weve already chosen, dont worry. A new eatery just opened nearby; well try it tomorrow, James replied breezily.
A new place very well, text me the address and the time we should arrive with your father, Margaret agreed resignedly.
Consider it sent, James said and hung up.
Soon Margaret received a message with the address and the time. She had two daughtersinlaw and one soninlaw; relations were generally smooth, except with Blythe.
The matriarch kept her distance from her daughterinlaw, preferring not to interfere.
The trouble was that Blythe knew no table manners and lacked any sense of tact.
A few months earlier the family had dined out and, instead of pleasant conversation, they endured Blythes whims.
Sometimes she disliked the dish, sometimes the waiter didnt smile, sometimes the menu seemed scant.
Because of the last complaint they even changed restaurants a few times that evening.
But even then Blythe found something to nitpick. She ordered a salad and asked for no onions.
Your salad, as requested, without onions, the waiter said, placing the plate before Blythe.
What is that on the salad? she asked, pointing a manicured nail at a sprig of dill.
Its a garnish of dill, the waiter replied, puzzled.
I didnt ask for dill in my salad, Blythe pressed, pursing her lips.
If youd like, I can remove it; theres no dill in the salad itself, the waiter offered what he thought was a reasonable solution.
Take the whole salad away, youve ruined my appetite bring me a milkshake, Blythe commanded haughtily, turning dramatically toward the window.
All her demands were met, and no staff member complained. Naturally the evenings atmosphere was ruined.
Blythe sat with pursed lips and a hurt look while the rest of the family ate and chatted, making any outing with her a torment.
Even family gatherings were not free from her outbursts. Her petulance poisoned every dinner.
At Aunts funeral Blythe even managed to cause a scandal.
Who made these pancakes? Theyre as rubbery as a tyre! she shouted loudly during the wake.
Sweetheart, theres no need to raise your voice; just dont eat them, Margaret tried to calm her, noticing the sideways glances of relatives.
Whats left for me then? I could cook better for my dog; the alcohol and juice are cheap anyway. Ugh, Blythe sneered.
Were not here to eat; were here to remember her. Please show some respect and stop complaining, Margaret said quietly.
Thats the point! They called us to remember, but theres nothing to remember, Blythe muttered sadly.
It seemed the awkward incident had faded, but it hadnt.
Later several relatives called Margaret, outraged that Jamess wife had complained about the food to them.
The woman felt ashamed and swore never to bring her daughterinlaw to such events again.
Jamess mothers birthday was approaching, and Blythe and her husband planned to attend the family feast.
Knowing this, Margaret told everyone she was ill and postponed the celebration indefinitely.
She knew James was due to leave on a business trip at the end of the month and waited for that moment.
Margaret had devised a clever plan to celebrate her birthday without Blythe.
As soon as James called his mother from another town, she sent invitations to the other children.
Naturally, the unwelcome daughterinlaw was not informed of the family party.
Margarets birthday passed in a cheerful setting with no disgruntled guests.
No one had to endure remarks about food or drink. For the first time in two years she could relax with her children.
But the fleeting joy came at a price the very next day.
One of the guests posted photographs from the party on social media, and Blythe saw them.
Hello, Margaret, did you celebrate your birthday? Blythe asked, her voice edged with offense.
Yes, it went ahead just as planned, though it was delayed by a few weeks, Margaret replied without protest.
Why wasnt I invited?
James was away on work, and we thought youd be bored on your own
I never get bored with you lot, so you must have misjudged me. Why not wait for James to return? Blythe asked suspiciously.
Because because his wife ruins every celebration with her sour face! Margaret blurted, then immediately regretted the words.
What? Im the one ruining it? I thought you were a good woman, but youre a snake, Blythe wailed before hanging up.
A few hours later James called his mother, ready to lay into her.
Why are you treating my wife like this? What did we ever do to you? James demanded.
You havent done anything, but Blythe constantly spoils the holidays, and you never put her in her place, Margaret retorted.
How does she spoil them? James asked, bewildered.
Her endless whining and nitpicking make it impossible to go out to eat or even sit together at home. Shes never satisfied, Margaret finally explained.
Shes just blunt and honest, unlike you, and she treats you like a mother, James replied.
Bluntness and rudeness are not the same. If she wants to be like a daughter to you, she should behave properly, not like a petulant child! Margaret shot back.
Alright, Ill keep an eye on her and explain how to act. In return, promise youll always invite Blythe to the celebrations, James said, softening his tone.
Fine, but only under your watch. Well see how the next gathering goes, Margaret agreed, though her heart sank.
Of course Blythe did not change; she tried to keep her temper in check but failed.
Margaret had no choice but to shrug it off and ignore her daughterinlaws outbursts.
She no longer wanted to quarrel with James, so she chose the lesser of two evils.
Patience and firm boundaries are essential; kindness without limits only enables selfishness to thrive.
