The Battle at Mother-in-Law’s Dinner Table
Standing in front of the hallway mirror, Evgenia adjusted her blouse collar and stiffened her shoulders. Dinners at her mother-in-law’s place were always a challenge, each occasion replaying the same exhausting scenario.
“Zhenya, ready?” Stanislav called from the kitchen.
“Almost,” she replied, trying hard to mask her irritation.
“Please, don’t start any arguments with my mother tonight.”
Closing her eyes, Evgenia felt a tightening knot inside. Her mother-in-law, Galina Petrovna, had a notorious talent for turning simple dinners into stressful ordeals, especially when her elder son’s family was around—Dmitry and Larisa.
“I don’t start fights,” Evgenia responded coldly.
Stanislav entered the hall, his expression troubled.
“Mom just wants what’s best for the family,” he urged. “Try to understand her.”
“For the family? Or for herself?”
“Why are you like this, Zhenya?”
Turning toward her husband, Evgenia’s anger slowly surfaced. How many times must she defend herself against a mother who openly disrespected her?
“Stas, your mother has been telling me for three years that I am not the right wife. That you made a mistake choosing me. Yet you always ask me to understand her.”
“She’s just getting used to you. Give it time.”
“Isn’t three years long enough?”
Stanislav lowered his gaze guiltily. She knew he was torn between his wife and mother, but somehow the mother always won.
A Familiar Scene Unfolds Over Dinner
The moment Evgenia stepped inside her mother-in-law’s home, comforting scents and sounds greeted her. Galina Petrovna was bustling in the kitchen, Larisa was setting the table, and Dmitry was immersed in his newspaper.
“Ah, here come the young ones!” Galina Petrovna announced loudly as she left the kitchen.
“Good evening, Galina Petrovna,” Evgenia greeted politely.
“Come in, dear Zhenya.”
The excessive sweetness in Galina’s tone stirred a sense of unease in Evgenia, its syrupy quality signaling forthcoming tension.
The dinner table quickly became a stage. Galina Petrovna showered praise on each dish Larisa served, highlighting her cooking skills with exaggerated admiration.
“Larisa, darling, your cooking is exquisite! Now that’s what I call a true homemaker!”
Evgenia pressed her lips together, recognizing this as another jab at her. Despite her own excellent cooking, Galina deliberately ignored her efforts.
“Remember, Larochka, the cake you baked for Dima’s birthday? Such a masterpiece! Unlike some, who only know how to buy from the store,” Galina continued, her words pointedly directed.
Larisa blushed awkwardly, fully aware who was being targeted.
“Mom, enough,” Dmitry quietly interjected.
“Enough what?” Galina replied indignantly. “I’m praising my daughter-in-law! Larisa understands what it means to be a good wife and mother!”
Evgenia set down her fork. The conflict was beginning. Galina was getting worked up.
“Look here, Zhenya,” she addressed her younger daughter-in-law sharply. “Larisa works, raises the children, runs the household, and respects her husband. Not bossing him around like some.”
“Galina Petrovna,” Evgenia attempted to interject.
“What, Galina Petrovna?” her mother-in-law cut her off. “Am I not right? My Stas has changed. He used to be cheerful, now he’s always tense.”
Stanislav lowered his head, remaining silent as usual.
“And you know why! A wife should support her husband, not order him about!” Galina concluded.
Evgenia’s Breaking Point
Slowly, Evgenia rose from the table. Every eye was on her—Larisa’s filled with sympathy, Dmitry’s with discomfort, Stanislav’s avoided hers, and Galina’s gleamed triumphantly.
“Galina Petrovna,” Evgenia said softly but firmly, “I am tired of your constant barbs.”
“What constant barbs?” the elder woman feigned surprise. “I’m just sharing my observations.”
“Your observations are continuous insults aimed at me.”
“Oh, how sensitive! Larisa understands when elders offer advice,” Galina snapped back.
“Larisa is a fine woman, but I am not Larisa.”
“Exactly! Larisa knows her place!”
Evgenia grabbed her bag and headed towards the door. Behind her, Galina’s voice rose in protest and Stanislav’s confused attempts to explain echoed.
The summer evening was mild as Evgenia walked down the street, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions inside her: resentment towards her husband, anger at her mother-in-law, and a steadfast resolution that she could no longer endure this way.
At Home, Decisions Are Weighed
Back in her rented apartment, Evgenia lingered near the window, immersed in thought. This place held no ties for her. Her mind circled one urgent matter—she had to make a decision.
Her phone buzzed. A text from Stanislav read: “Zhenya, please come back. We need to talk.”
She set the phone aside, realizing there was nothing left to discuss. For three years, she had tried in vain to connect with his family.
When Stanislav returned home an hour later, his face wore an expression of guilt.
“Zhenya, why did you leave so abruptly?”
“And what else was I to do? Sit and endure your mother’s insults?”
“She is just worried about us.”
Evgenia turned to face her husband. Did he truly not see? Or did he choose to ignore it?
“Stas, be honest. Do you find what happened acceptable?”
“Well, maybe mom was harsh, but she didn’t mean harm.”
“Not meaning harm?”
“Zhenya, she just wants us to be happy.”
Evgenia shook her head slowly. To him, family meant only his blood relatives. She remained an outsider.
A New Challenge Emerges
The following evening, Galina Petrovna reached out herself.
“Dear Zhenya, don’t be angry with me.”
“I’m not angry,” Evgenia replied tersely.
“Good! Will you come to dinner tomorrow?”
“Why?”
“Why? Families should gather together.”
Closing her eyes, Evgenia felt the mocking nature of this invitation. First insults, then an invitation to share a meal.
Stanislav convinced his wife to attend the next day, hoping it might be the last time.
During dinner, the family chatted calmly. Larisa spoke about the children; Dmitry shared work stories. Evgenia remained silent.
“How is your job, Zhenya?” Galina Petrovna suddenly inquired.
Evgenia looked surprised. Her career had never seemed to interest her mother-in-law before.
“Good,” she answered cautiously. “I recently received a bonus.”
“That’s wonderful!” Galina exclaimed artificially.
Evgenia grew more suspicious; the enthusiasm was forced. Something was afoot.
“Because your money should be put to good use! Pay for my grandchildren’s studies!”
A hush fell over the table. Evgenia stared at Galina, stunned beyond belief by the audacity of the request.
“Yes, Mom is right,” Dmitry nodded. “My twins want to attend a university in the capital. The expenses are very high.”
Evgenia faced her husband’s older brother in shock. Did he, too, find it acceptable to dip into her pockets? Outrage and hurt boiled inside her.
- Stanislav gently urged, “Zhenya, think about it. The boys are talented and deserve a chance.”
Betrayal engulfed her. Even her spouse supported this madness. Her hands trembled with fury as she stood abruptly.
“Have you all lost your minds?” she said quietly but firmly.
“Come now, dear Zhenya,” cooed Galina Petrovna. “We are family.”
“Family? To me, family means respect—not being used as an ATM!”
“Don’t shout at my mother!” Stanislav snapped.
“I’m not shouting—I’m telling the truth!”
Evgenia scanned the faces at the table: Larisa looked downcast; Dmitry focused on his plate; Galina stared daggers at her; Stanislav defended his mother.
“You want my money?” she raised her voice. “My hard-earned money?”
“Our money!” Galina corrected. “You are your son’s wife!”
“And what of it? Does that give you the right to control my salary?”
“It does! Family trumps selfish desires!”
Evgenia laughed bitterly. Were selfish desires wanting to control one’s own income?
“You know what?” she said, grabbing her bag. “Let Larisa handle the family finances. She’s compliant. Leave me alone.”
“How dare you speak like that?!” Galina Petrovna exploded.
“I dare. And how!”
“Zhenya, sit down,” Stanislav requested. “Let’s discuss calmly.”
“There’s nothing to discuss. I’m done with this circus.”
She headed for the exit as angry voices rose behind her. Stanislav caught up in the hall.
“Where are you going?”
“Home. To pack.”
“Pack? What do you mean?”
Looking into his eyes, she glimpsed confusion. Finally, he understood—the game was over.
“It means I’m leaving, Stas. For good.”
Evgenia’s New Beginning
Back at home, Evgenia methodically packed her suitcase. With no shared property to divide, the process was straightforward. Stanislav stayed late at his mother’s, likely to receive some consolation.
Once her packing was complete, Evgenia only had to wait for morning to depart.
Stanislav returned late, froze at the sight of the luggage.
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.”
“Zhenya, let’s talk this through. We can find a compromise.”
“What kind of compromise, Stas? Giving half my salary instead of all?”
“Don’t exaggerate.”
“I’m not exaggerating. I’m exhausted fighting your family. Tired of feeling like a stranger among kin.”
Stanislav tried to embrace her, but she pulled away.
“I need to sleep. I’m leaving early tomorrow.”
Evgenia departed at dawn while her husband still slept. The phone was soon flooded with his calls, which she ignored.
On Monday, she filed for divorce. The lawyer accepted the papers without questions. It was a simple case with little property involved.
Evgenia transferred her bonus to her mother, hoping someone would appreciate the unexpected funds rather than take them for granted.
Stanislav sent messages daily, begging her return and promising to speak with his mother. But Evgenia did not respond.
She was drained from battling the current. The marriage had exhausted her completely. It was time to end it.
Within a month, the divorce was finalized. Evgenia rented a new apartment, changed her phone number, and began a fresh chapter.
“For the first time in three years, I finally found true happiness,” she reflected.
This new life involved no one daring to demand her money, where her opinions mattered, and where she could simply be herself—not the convenient daughter-in-law.
Conclusion: Evgenia’s story powerfully illustrates the emotional toll that family expectations and financial entanglements can impose. Her journey from enduring disrespect and financial demands to reclaiming her independence demonstrates the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal well-being within familial relationships. Ultimately, asserting one’s self-worth and making difficult decisions can lead to genuine happiness and freedom.