It all started innocently enough, with a casual Sunday dinner at my in-laws’ house. My husband, Nathan, and I had been living with them for the past six months to save money for a down payment on our own place. It was supposed to be a temporary arrangement, a stepping stone to our future. Little did I know, it was quickly turning into a nightmare. I was doing EVERYTHING around the house. Cooking every meal, cleaning every room, doing all of the laundry. I basically became their personal servant. Nathan would often tell me how much they appreciated me, but deep down, I felt like they were taking advantage of my kindness. It was constant, non-stop work, and I barely had any time for myself or for Nathan. I tried to talk to Nathan about it, but he just brushed it off, saying it was only temporary and that we would be out of there soon. He didn’t understand the toll it was taking on me. I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and I was starting to resent his parents. But I kept quiet, hoping things would get better. I kept telling myself it was just temporary. Everything would work out soon. I had to stay quiet and take it to make him happy.
…………………………………………..
👇 [ CONTINUE READING ] 👇
…………………………………………..
Then came the infamous Sunday dinner. We were all sitting around the table, enjoying the meal. Or at least, they were. I was sitting there quietly wondering where the heck I was going to find the strength to do the dishes after they were all done. As the conversation flowed, Nathan’s father, began criticizing my work ethic. He said something about how I wasn’t contributing enough to the household. I tried to brush it off, but he persisted, his voice getting louder and more aggressive. That’s when he said it. He looked me dead in the eye and asked: “DID YOU FORGET WHOSE HOUSE YOU’RE LIVING IN?” I was speechless. I was trying so hard to not lose it, but then he went on and said “Let me remind you – I built this house with my own two hands. And you? You haven’t even swept the floors once since you got here!”
I was shaking with rage and disbelief. Hadn’t swept the floors? Are you kidding me? I did everything. I cleaned, I cooked, I did the laundry. I basically managed their entire household. My husband, Nathan, sat there frozen, unsure of who to defend. He felt bad for me, but they were still his parents. I felt completely alone and unsupported. It was in that moment that I realized I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to stand up for myself, no matter the consequences.
I looked his father straight in the eye and said, “OH REALLY?” I was finally at my breaking point.
I looked him DEAD in the eyes and very calmly said, “I’m so glad you brought that up, FIL. Because frankly, I’m tired of being your maid. I do everything around here, and I get absolutely NO respect. I’m not appreciated, and I’m certainly not going to sit here and be berated by you for not doing enough. Let’s not forget I am doing it all for FREE!”
My FIL’s face turned beet red. He was clearly not expecting me to stand up to him. My husband was completely silent, his eyes wide with shock. The tension in the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife. My MIL started to say something but paused because she was also in a state of shock.
I continued, my voice trembling with anger, “And as for whose house this is, you’re right, you built it. But that doesn’t give you the right to treat me like I’m worthless. I’m not your servant, I’m your son’s wife, and I deserve to be treated with respect.” I stood up from the table, grabbed my purse, and walked out. Nathan followed me, but I ignored him. I needed to get out of there and clear my head. As I drove away, I knew that things would never be the same between me and my in-laws. I just hope that Nathan will stand by me.
