“Your wife is ruining all our get-togethers,” Mary announced to her son.
“Jane suggests we all get together tomorrow at a restaurant or cafe,” Chris cheerily told his mother over a video call.
“That’s a good idea, but let Jane choose the place in advance, so we don’t end up changing restaurants midway,” Mary asked calmly.
“We’ve already chosen. A new eatery has opened in our neighborhood, and we’ll try it out tomorrow,” Chris chattered on effortlessly.
“New… Alright, send me the address and let me know what time your dad and I should be there,” Mary agreed resignedly.
“Consider it done,” Chris replied and ended the call.
Soon after, Mary received a message with the address and time. She had two daughters-in-law and a son-in-law and got along well with everyone—except Jane.
Mary made an effort to stay out of Jane’s way, avoiding imparting life lessons and minimizing their interactions.
Jane lacked table manners and had no sense of tact, which was the root of the tension.
A few months back, the whole family had gathered at a restaurant, and instead of enjoying each other’s company and the meal, Jane’s whims took center stage.
She complained about the dish, thought the waiter wasn’t friendly enough, and found the menu lacking.
Her frequent critiques led to changing restaurants several times that evening.
Even then, Jane found something to criticize. She had ordered a salad, requesting it without onions.
“Your salad, as ordered, without onions,” the waiter said, placing the plate before Jane.
“And what’s that on the salad?” Jane asked with a displeased look, pointing her manicured nail at a sprig of dill.
“Just a sprig of dill for decoration,” the waiter replied, puzzled.
“Did I ask for dill on my salad?” Jane continued with pursed lips.
“If you’d like, I can remove it. There’s no dill in the actual salad,” the waiter offered a logical solution.
“Just take the whole salad away; you’ve ruined my appetite… Bring me my milkshake,” Jane demanded haughtily, turning to gaze out the window.
All her whims were attended to without any protest from the staff, yet the evening’s atmosphere was spoiled.
Jane sat with a pout and a sullen expression while her relatives ate and conversed, making outings with her akin to punishment.
Even family gatherings at home weren’t immune to her antics. Her capriciousness soured any celebration.
At Chris’s aunt’s funeral, Jane still managed to cause a scene.
“Who made these pancakes? They’re as tough as rubber!” Jane exclaimed loudly during the wake.
“Sweetheart, there’s no need to shout. Just don’t eat them,” Mary tried to calm her down, aware of the sidelong glances from other family members.
“Then what’s left to eat? I cook better for my dog. The drinks are cheap too. Ugh,” Jane winced distastefully.
“We’re here to remember someone, not to dine. So show some respect and stop complaining,” Mary whispered.
“Exactly! You call it a wake, but there’s nothing to commemorate with,” Jane muttered sadly.
It seemed this awkward incident would be forgotten soon enough, but it lingered…
Later, a few relatives called Mary to express their outrage that Jane had approached them to gripe about the food.
Mary felt ashamed and vowed never to invite Jane to such gatherings again.
Mary’s birthday was approaching, and Chris and Jane intended to attend the family dinner.
Knowing this, Mary claimed she wasn’t feeling well and postponed the celebration indefinitely.
She was aware that Chris was scheduled to go on a business trip shortly. This was the moment she’d been waiting for.
Mary devised a clever plan to celebrate her birthday without Jane’s presence.
As soon as Chris called his mom from another city, she sent invitations to her other children.
Of course, Jane wasn’t clued in about the family celebration.
Mary’s birthday passed in happy spirits, with no complaints or disgruntled guests.
No one had to endure criticisms of the dish or drinks. For the first time in two years, Mary could relax and enjoy a good time with her children.
However, this brief moment of happiness had consequences the very next day.
Someone from the gathering posted photos on social media, and Jane saw them.
“Hello, Mary, did you have a birthday party?” Jane asked, her voice tinged with hurt.
“Yes, there wasn’t any point in delaying it further,” Mary didn’t deny it.
“And why wasn’t I invited?”
“Well, Chris was away, and I thought you’d be bored on your own…”
“I’m never bored with you all, silly to think otherwise. Why not wait for Chris’s return?” Jane pressed suspiciously.
“Why, why… Because your sour attitude ruins every event!” Mary retorted impulsively and immediately regretted her words.
“What?! I ruin them? I thought you were a kind woman, but it turns out you’re vicious,” Jane sobbed and hung up.
A few hours later, Chris called his mother, ready to scold her.
“Why do you treat my wife like this? What have we done to you?” Chris probed angrily.
“Nothing, but Jane constantly ruins celebrations, and you never correct her,” Mary finally admitted.
“How does she ruin them?” Chris asked in astonishment.
“With her constant nitpicking and complaints, you can’t enjoy a meal with her either at a restaurant or at home! She’s endlessly critical of everything,” Mary finally expressed.
“She’s just straightforward and honest, unlike you. She considered you a mother figure,” Chris defended.
“Being straightforward doesn’t mean being rude. If she wants to be like a daughter to me, she should behave appropriately, not like a petulant child!”
“Alright, I’ll talk to her and explain how to act. But in return, you promise to always invite Jane to family occasions,” Chris proposed unexpectedly.
“Fine, but only under your supervision. We’ll see how it goes at the next gathering,” Mary reluctantly agreed.
Of course, Jane didn’t completely change. She tried to be reserved and avoided causing scenes, but she struggled to control herself.
Mary had no choice but to turn a blind eye and try to ignore her daughter-in-law’s antics.
She didn’t want to fight with Chris anymore, so she chose the lesser evil.
