I never expected my daughter-in-law’s dinner invitation to turn into a nightmare. But when she abandoned me with a $5,375 bill, I knew I had to teach her a lesson she’d never forget.
As a retired teacher, I’ve dealt with my fair share of troublemakers. But this was personal. Veronica, my son’s wife, had always been condescending and dismissive. I’d had enough.
With the help of my friends Carla and Charmaine, I hatched a plan. We’d clean her mansion from top to bottom, leaving no surface untouched. And in the master bedroom, a special surprise awaited.
A list of every snide comment, every eye roll, every backhanded compliment Veronica had ever thrown my way. And a note: “A clean slate for a fresh start. Let’s treat each other better from now on.”
The plan worked. Veronica was shocked, then apologetic. She reimbursed me for the bill, and we started fresh. We even planned my son’s surprise birthday party together.
I learned that respect isn’t given, it’s earned. And sometimes, a little tough love is exactly what’s needed to set things right.
Veronica and I may not be best friends, but we have a newfound appreciation for each other. And I’ve got a story to tell for years to come.
