**Diary Entry 12th November**
*”Your wealth should reflect in your gifts,”* my mother-in-law snapped. *”Youre better off than Charlotte, so your presents ought to match.”*
*”I really dont know what to get Mum,”* Daniel muttered, slumping onto the sofa beside me.
I shrugged. Picking gifts for his mother was always a headache. Things between me and Margaret Hughes had been strained from the start. Daniel understood her stance, so after a quiet discussion, wed decided to keep our distance. No obligationsjust the occasional phone call and family gatherings if we felt like it.
This year, Margaret decided to throw a birthday party and invited half the family, including us.
*”Actually, Mum said shed be happy with anything,”* Daniel recalled suddenly.
*”She always says that, then turns her nose up,”* I frowned, remembering past gifts. *”Your sister could give her a paperclip, and shed love itbut not us!”*
I could still hear Margarets criticism over every present wed ever given.
*”Remember Mothers Day? That expensive skincare set? What was her reaction? Tears, saying we thought she was old and frumpy,”* I sighed. *”The only things she ever liked were gold or gadgetsthings she could price-tag.”*
*”Maybe I should call and ask what she wants?”* Daniel hesitated.
*”Up to you,”* I said, shaking my head.
Taking the easy way out, he dialled his mothers number.
*”Darling, I dont need a thing. Just seeing you will be gift enough,”* Margaret chirped.
*”Mum, are you sure? You wont be upset?”* Daniel pressed.
*”Of course not! Id love any little trinket,”* she laughed. Daniel took her at her word.
*”Mum says we can get her anything,”* he told me.
I gave him a sceptical look. I didnt trust her. But since Daniel insisted on choosing, I relented.
*”How about a robot vacuum? Saves her lugging the Hoover around,”* I suggested, after checking our budget.
We agreed. We bought Margaret a £900 gift and headed to the party, feeling optimistic.
The birthday girl greeted us with a beaming smileuntil she spotted the vacuum box.
*”Really?”* she huffed. *”Daniel, just put it in the bedroom.”*
I stared, stunned by her reaction.
Moments later, Daniels sister Charlotte burst in with her husband. *”Mum, this is for you!”*
*”Oh, darling! Youve outdone yourself!”* Margaret gushed, hugging her tightly.
Curious, I glanced overonly to see Charlotte had given her a cheap £20 toiletry set.
Daniel and I exchanged baffled looks. His expression told me he was just as hurt by her dismissal.
For hours, he held his temperuntil Margaret started praising Charlottes gift *again*. Then he snapped.
*”Mum, can we talk?”* he said, pulling her aside.
*”Whats wrong?”* she asked innocently.
*”You *know* whats wrong!”* he hissed. *”I asked what you wanted. Remember your answer?”*
*”Of course.”*
*”Then why the face at our gift? Why rave over something so cheap?”*
*”Well, youre better off than Charlotte. Your presents should show it,”* Margaret sniffed.
*”So ours is junk now? Should we staple receipts to everything?”* Daniel scowled.
*”Oh, dont be dramatic,”* she said dismissively. *”Charlottes just put more thought into hers.”*
*”Thought? Its a £20 set! Ours cost *nine hundred*!”*
*”That much?”* she feigned shockthen recovered quickly. *”But Charlottes family gives within their means. You just throw money around.”*
*”Are you *serious*?”* Daniel dragged a hand down his face.
*”Do I look like Im joking? With your salaries, you couldve booked me a spa weekend!”*
Daniel gaped at her. *”You think money grows on trees for us?”*
His outburst caught Charlotte and me mid-conversation by the door.
Charlotte jumped in. *”Mum didnt want a robot vacuumshe wanted a humidifier. Hers broke last week. If you paid attention, youd know.”*
*”I *asked* her!”* Daniel snapped. *”This is absurd! No more gifts. We try to please you, and you *still* complain! Not good enough? Fine. Were leaving.”*
Margaret burst into tears as Charlotte comforted her. We left in silence.
True to his word, Daniel skipped future family events. Easier than facing her impossible standards.
