Linda, my mother-in-law, gave me a huge box full of old, ill-fitting clothes that smelt like mildew for my birthday. This insult that was meant to hurt was the last blow. I came up with a way to teach her a lesson with my husband Mark’s help.
When Linda and I first met, she made sly digs at my past and job to show how little she liked me. “You work in sales?” “How cute,” she’d say, with a half-smirk that showed she didn’t like it. Her dislike grew after we got married and had a child. Mark tried to play down what she said, but it hurt.
The gift for her birthday changed everything. When Mark talked to Linda about it, she denied doing anything wrong. We took pictures of the clothes and put them back in the box with a framed family photo and a note that showed we were all one.
With the help of Mark’s family, we called Linda over and gave her the gift in a new package. Her response changed from being confused to being shocked and angry. Mark’s dad and sister agreed with us and told her what she did was wrong.
“You’ve gone too far, Mom,” Melanie told their dad as she gave him the note. “It’s time to stop.”
Linda said she was sorry, but only time will tell if she has changed. I felt strong after she hurt me and I hurt her back. The family now knows what kind of person she really is, and I’m okay with that. To stand up for yourself sometimes, you have to come up with clever ways to get back at someone.
Mark’s constant support made our relationship stronger. He said, “We’re a team.” “No one will ever belittle you again.”
Our lives are calmer now that Linda isn’t here. It’s important to set limits, especially when dealing with dangerous family members. The mess up with my birthday gift turned out to be freeing and taught me self-worth and strength.
You’re not the only one who has been through hard times like these. Setting limits and asking for help can help you feel stronger and heal.
