Living with the In-Laws: A Month of Unexpected Challenges
“Semyon, you didn’t even ask me!” Margo slammed the grocery bags onto the table, causing apples to roll across the floor. “You told Mom, ‘Of course, you can live here,’ but did you consider how I feel?”
He hastily scrambled to gather the rolling fruit.
“Margosh, what else could I do? Her pipe burst, the apartment flooded—she can’t just be on the street. It’s only for a brief period, until the repairs finish…”
Trying to steady herself, Margo began putting the groceries into the refrigerator.
“Semyon, remember our agreement: important decisions must be made together.”
He appeared behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. “What important decision is this? It’s Mom. Two weeks won’t even feel like a moment.”
Margo stepped away, her gaze full of skepticism. “We have a two-bedroom apartment, Semyon. Where exactly will she sleep? The living room sofa? And what about our privacy?”
“We’ll find a solution,” Semyon replied confidently. “Mom said the sofa’s fine.”
Margo smirked, recalling a past incident. “Not exactly picky—remember last New Year? She refused my salad because I’d apparently cut the carrots incorrectly.”
“You’re exaggerating,” Semyon waved her off. “Everyone has their quirks. We’ll manage.”
The phone rang, showing “Mom” on the display.
“Yes, Mom… Of course, we’ll meet. Tomorrow at two? Okay, I’ll pick you up. Three suitcases?!” He glanced guiltily at Margo. “Alright, we’ll make it work…”
Crossing her arms, Margo asked quietly once he ended the call, “Three suitcases for just two weeks?”
“Well, you’re a woman, you should understand—cosmetics, dresses…”
“It’s May, Semyon. What kind of dresses need three suitcases?”
“Come on,” he sighed. “Let’s try to make it work for everyone.”
Margo exhaled deeply. “Okay, Semyon, I’ll try.”
Tatiana Evgenyevna’s arrival was right on schedule, bringing along not only three suitcases but multiple bags.
“Margooshka, sunshine!” The mother-in-law embraced her daughter-in-law, enveloping her in a heavy cloud of perfume.
“Hello, Tatiana Evgenyevna,” Margo replied, forcing a polite smile.
“You look pale!” Tatiana scrutinized Margo from head to toe. “Semyonushka, are you not feeding your wife? She’s as thin as a stick!”
“Mom…” Semyon warned quietly.
“Just joking!” Tatiana laughed, then surveyed the apartment. “So, where will I be resting?”
“We set up the sofa,” Margo pointed to the unfolded couch, neatly covered with clean sheets. “I hope it’s comfortable.”
Tatiana pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Of course, it is. I’m not staying long. Although my back isn’t as good as it used to be… I’ll manage.”
They exchanged glances, sensing the tension beneath the surface.
“Mom, do you need anything else?” Semyon asked.
“No, I’m independent. You won’t even notice I’m here!”
But Margo knew better. Within an hour, those words proved hollow.
“The first week turned into a nightmare.”
The mother-in-law claimed the entire living area: belongings strewn everywhere, the TV blaring nonstop, and the overpowering perfume scent had seeped into the wallpaper.
Worst of all was the kitchen. Tatiana Evgenyevna, a retired math teacher, cooked with meticulous precision—every ingredient had to be cut exactly, every seasoning measured like a scientific experiment.
“Margooshka, you’re overheating the pan,” she peered over Margo’s shoulder. “The onions will burn!”
“I always cook like this,” Margo replied calmly.
“Well, if you prefer burnt food…” Tatiana shrugged. “Semyonushka doesn’t complain; he’s easygoing.”
After ten days, Margo found herself counting down the minutes until the mother-in-law would leave. “Only four more days,” she thought, watching Tatiana rearranging dishes “properly.”
But on day fourteen, when Margo cautiously inquired about departure plans, Tatiana appeared surprised.
“Oh, didn’t Semyon tell you? The repairs are delayed. The foreman says wiring needs replacement. At least two more weeks.”
Margo felt a snap inside—two more weeks?
That evening, Margo confronted her husband.
“Semyon, why didn’t you tell me Mom’s staying longer?”
He shrugged, guilt evident. “I forgot. Work’s been hectic; I come home late.”
“I thought it’d finish sooner,” she lowered her voice. “Semyon, it’s difficult for me. She controls every move, moves my things…”
“Mom just wants to help,” he rubbed his face tiredly. “Not now. I’m exhausted.”
Margo wanted to press the issue but saw he was drained; she postponed the conversation.
Another week passed, and “two weeks” extended to “a bit more; wiring done but flooring problems.” Then “workers left for another project and will return soon.”
Gradually, Tatiana became more settled: bringing her own pillow, slippers, even her favorite mug. Meanwhile, Semyon stayed late at work, avoiding conflicts.
One evening, Margo couldn’t find her planner. After searching, she discovered it within a pile of her mother-in-law’s magazines, open with worn pages.
“Tatiana Evgenyevna,” Margo asked cautiously, “did you look at my planner?”
She turned from the TV. “Oh, that? I was just curious what young people do. In my days, we didn’t jot down every little detail.”
“It’s personal,” Margo said firmly. “Work notes, appointments… Please don’t touch my things.”
“Oh, how important we are!” Tatiana threw up her hands. “What secrets? I’m not a stranger—I’m your husband’s mother!”
Margo’s patience frayed. She stepped onto the balcony to call her own mother.
“Mom, I’m at my limit,” she whispered, closing the door behind her. “She’s been here a month, rummaging through my things and criticizing everything. And Semyon acts like he doesn’t see!”
Nina Yuryevna, calm and wise, listened thoughtfully.
“Maybe I should come for the weekend. Support you. Talk to Tatiana—we’re both future grandmothers; it’s important to find common ground.”
“That would be wonderful,” Margo sighed. “Come Saturday—I’ve missed you terribly.”
That evening, she told Semyon about her mother’s visit.
“My mom is coming Saturday, just for the weekend.”
Semyon stiffened, holding his shirt. “Saturday? Why so sudden?”
“Sudden?” Margo was surprised. “I haven’t seen her in ages, yet your mom has lived here for a month, and mine can’t come for two days?”
He sighed. “Now’s not the time for guests—you said it felt cramped.”
“Wait,” Margo reacted. “Your mom has basically taken over the living room for months, but mine can’t stay for a weekend?”
“It’s different,” Semyon tried to explain. “Mom had an emergency.”
“An emergency from a month ago?” Margo raised her voice. “I spoke with Valentina yesterday, your mom’s neighbor—they finished the repairs two weeks ago!”
Semyon looked embarrassed. “Maybe some things unfinished…”
“Nothing is unfinished!” Margo lost control. “It’s all ready. Your mom just decided to stay longer, and you indulge her—yet refuse my mom? Why, Semyon?”
A knock interrupted. Tatiana Evgenyevna appeared in the doorway wearing a robe.
“What’s all this noise? What are you fighting about?”
“My mom wants to come for the weekend,” Margo said coldly.
“Ninochka?” The mother-in-law smiled. “Lovely, but where would she sleep? The sofa’s taken.”
“Exactly,” Semyon agreed. “We should postpone.”
Margo looked between them in disbelief.
“Your mom can stay for months, but mine can’t?” she exclaimed. “Mom will sleep in our bedroom, you and I can take the living room—or you could take the folding bed, and I’ll stay with Mom.”
“That’s inconvenient…” Semyon started.
“And me sharing the living room with the TV on until midnight—is that convenient?” Margo pressed. “No, Semyon. My mom is coming, period!”
She turned and left, leaving them speechless.
The next day tensions escalated. Tatiana “accidentally” remarked how Margo “is rude” and “doesn’t respect elders.” Margo ignored it.
On Thursday, neighbors Anton and Lena visited. The mother-in-law dazzled them with tales and homemade pies. Margo overheard Tatiana whispering to them:
“Poor Semyon has a hard time with her. So stubborn, never gives in. I’m trying to help, but she snaps…”
Margo felt a surge of anger but remained quiet, realizing confrontation would only confirm the mother-in-law’s words.
Work became Margo’s refuge. With the season at the travel agency underway, she happily stayed late just to avoid returning home.
Especially close to colleague Andrey, recently divorced and familiar with family troubles.
- “I went through something similar,” he confided. “My ex-mother-in-law constantly interfered. I tolerated it for my wife, but eventually realized no one respects boundaries unless you enforce them.”
- “But how if your husband doesn’t support you?” Margo countered bitterly.
- “He must choose—wife or mother,” Andrey replied solemnly. “If he picks his mom, you need to reflect on your future.”
Margo nodded thoughtfully. Although his advice was true, it brought no ease.
Friday was especially rough. Returning home, Margo found Tatiana “tidied” the bedroom.
“I was preparing for Ninochka,” Tatiana said innocently while rifling through her closet. “You have so much junk! When did you last wear this?”
“Tatiana Evgenyevna,” Margo tried to calm herself, “I appreciate your care, but please ask before touching my things.”
“Ungrateful!” the mother-in-law shook her head. “I just want to help. At your age, I already managed kids and the home.”
Margo held back a harsh reply as Semyon called, explaining he’d be late celebrating a project.
That evening, Tatiana praised how exemplary Semyon was as a child and how important a wife’s role is to create a pleasant home. Margo nodded silently, longing for the moment to end.
Saturday brought Nina Yuryevna for lunch, as promised, bearing a homemade pie and gifts, including a scarf for Tatiana.
“Tanya, so happy to see you!” she said warmly, embracing the mother-in-law.
“Yes, yes, Ninochka,” Tatiana responded curtly but accepted the present.
The lunch was tense. Tatiana criticized every dish; Semyon tried to smooth tensions; Nina observed quietly but supportively.
Afterward, as Semyon offered to do the dishes and Tatiana went to rest, Nina spoke privately with Margo.
“It’s tough for you—I see it all,” Nina said softly.
“Oh, Mom, so tiring. She controls every step, criticizes everything. And Semyon…”
“He’s afraid to upset his mother,” Nina finished. “Men often are. But you have to have a serious talk with him; otherwise, this won’t end.”
That evening, Semyon suggested a movie. But when they started Margo’s choice, Tatiana yawned dramatically and critiqued every scene, forcing them to switch to her program.
“That’s our life,” Margo whispered to her mother in the kitchen. “Always her way.”
“Stay strong,” Nina squeezed her hand. “You and Semyon must face this together—you love him, right?”
“I do,” Margo sighed. “That’s why I put up with it.”
“Patience is good, but only so much,” her mother advised wisely. “Sometimes you have to show strength.”
Sunday surprised them. At breakfast, Tatiana announced a message from neighbor Valentina:
“Repairs were done weeks ago, two weeks back! These workers didn’t tell anyone. Outrageous!”
Margo almost choked on her tea and looked at Semyon, who buried his face in his plate.
“Is that true?” Nina Yuryevna asked calmly. “Then Tatiana, you can go home?”
“Not so fast,” Tatiana protested. “I need to check everything. Maybe they messed up. And I’m still getting used to the new place… Semyon said I can stay as long as I want, right?”
Semyon shrugged vaguely. “Of course, Mom, but maybe check the apartment today.”
“That’s what I’m saying,” Margo interrupted. “Semyon, why don’t you take her to see for yourself?”
“Today?” Tatiana’s eyes widened. “We have guests—Nina is here.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Nina smiled. “I’m leaving tomorrow; you should focus on your own things.”
After breakfast, Tatiana went shopping, and Nina packed to leave. Finally, Margo talked to Semyon.
“Did you know the repairs finished?”
He lowered his eyes. “I suspected. Valentina called a week ago, but Mom wanted to stay.”
“And you didn’t tell me? This is my home too, Semyon! I deserve to know who lives here and for how long.”
“I didn’t want to upset Mom. She said she was lonely.”
“Aren’t you afraid of upsetting me? Do you know how many times I cried in the bathroom? I can’t take this control and nagging anymore!”
Semyon looked shocked.
“I didn’t know—you never said.”
“I did! Many times! But you only listen to Mom!” Tears followed. “I’m your wife, your family. If you can’t put us first…”
She left the sentence unfinished, but he understood.
“Margosh, let’s not be harsh,” he attempted an embrace, which she avoided. “I’ll talk to Mom. I promise.”
“Today,” she insisted. “Either she goes, or I’ll stay with Olga. I need to think about us.”
Nina Yuryevna appeared again.
“I hate to interrupt, but you must solve this yourselves.”
“Mom’s right,” Margo agreed. “This is our choice, Semyon. Am I your priority or not?”
Later, as Tatiana returned, Semyon offered to help unpack. Margo overheard their voices growing louder in the kitchen.
“Mom, you can’t stay here forever,” Semyon said firmly.
“So you finally care! It’s your fault turning your son against his mother!” Tatiana exclaimed.
“No one’s turning anyone,” Semyon responded with uncommon resolve. “But Margo and I have our own life. You must respect that.”
Minutes later, Semyon emerged, determined.
“I’ll take Mom home today. Help her check the apartment.”
Margo exhaled, relieved, pressing his hand gratefully. Maybe hope remained.
That night, Semyon returned late, tired but resolute.
“Mom’s upset. She thinks you turned me against her.”
“What did you say?” Margo asked carefully.
“I told her I love you—that our home belongs to us. She can visit, but must give advance notice and stay no longer than two weeks.”
Relief eased Margo’s shoulders.
“How is she?”
“Not well. She cried, accused me of throwing her out, but I reminded her she has her own renovated apartment.”
“And?”
“She agreed reluctantly to live there but plans weekend visits to check up.”
Margo smiled slightly.
“I can handle a couple of hours’ visit.”
The next morning, Nina was leaving. Before leaving, she advised quietly:
“Remember, Margosha, boundaries must be set early—even with your mother-in-law.”
“I realized this too late,” Margo sighed.
“Better late than never,” her mother said wisely. “The important part is that Semyon supports you. That’s promising.”
After Nina’s departure, the apartment felt peacefully quiet. Margo happily rearranged the rooms.
“Strange to see the living room empty,” Semyon commented, helping with books.
“But it’s ours again,” she rested her head on his shoulder. “Thank you for standing up to Mom.”
“Sorry I waited so long. I didn’t realize how hard it was for you.”
Their calm was broken by a phone call from “Mom.”
“Semyonushka, can you come? I think the washing machine was connected wrong…”
Semyon exchanged a look with Margo.
“Mom, I’m busy now. Ask Nikolay Petrovich—he knows about such things.”
“But, Semyonushka…”
“I’ll come tomorrow after work. Today, Margo and I are spending time together.”
He ended the call, smiling apologetically.
“This won’t be easy, will it?”
“Not easy,” Margo agreed, “but we’ll get through it.”
“Two weeks passed. Life started to stabilize.”
Challenges remained, especially with the mother-in-law’s frequent “emergency” calls. However, Semyon learned to say no firmly when requests were excessive.
One Saturday, Tatiana dropped by “for tea,” bringing a pie and acting as if no conflicts existed.
“How’s it without me?” she asked, scanning the room critically. “Semyonushka, your shirt’s wrinkled. Doesn’t Margo iron for you?”
“I forgot to iron it,” Semyon answered before Margo could respond. “Everything’s fine.”
“How’s the repair work? Did it meet your expectations?” Margo inquired.
“Those workers are clumsy,” Tatiana waved a hand dismissively. “If not for Valentina, I’d still be suffering. By the way, Semyonushka, the living room chandelier needs changing.”
“Let me get you an electrician. We know reliable contacts.”
Tatiana pursed her lips.
“No need, Semyonushka always did it himself.”
“Mom, a professional should do it,” Semyon replied firmly. “I’ll pay.”
Tatiana grunted, declining to argue.
When she left, Margo and Semyon exchanged glances and exhaled.
“That was bearable,” Margo smiled.
“Progress,” Semyon agreed.
Later, Margo learned from neighbors Tatiana complained again about her. Hiding behind a shelf, she overheard:
“They kicked me out! I just wanted to help. Margo is ungrateful. Poor Semyonushka…”
Tempted to confront, Margo remembered her mother’s advice: “Don’t stoop to her level.”
After Tatiana left, Margo approached neighbors.
“Hi! Long time no see. How are you?”
“Fine,” Lena replied shyly. “Has Tatiana returned home?”
“Yes, to her renovated apartment. It’s tough when three adults with different habits share a small flat, especially with someone who doesn’t respect boundaries.”
Anton and Lena exchanged looks.
“Yeah, probably. Sorry if we offended you.”
“It’s okay. Every story has two sides.”
At home, Margo told Semyon, “Your mom keeps telling everyone what a bad daughter-in-law I am.”
He frowned. “I’ll talk to her.”
“Don’t bother. She won’t change. What matters is that we know the truth.”
“So what now?”
“We live our life, set boundaries, and refuse manipulation.”
Months later on their anniversary, Margo had arranged a restaurant and took time off.
But the day before, Tatiana called, saying she felt unwell and was scared to be alone.
Semyon hesitated.
“Mom, maybe call a doctor?”
“No, they might hospitalize me. I just want someone nearby.”
She worried about worsening at night.
Semyon looked at Margo. “What to do? She has high blood pressure.”
“Tomorrow is our anniversary,” Margo reminded him. “And your mom always falls ill when we have plans.”
“But what if she really is sick?”
“Okay. Go now, call a doctor, and come back. We’ll ask Valentina to watch her if needed.”
Semyon nodded gratefully. “I’ll be quick.”
But he returned late; the doctor found nothing wrong, yet Mom was upset and required calming.
Margo stayed silent but seethed inside.
The anniversary morning, Tatiana again claimed she felt worse and asked Semyon to stay with her.
Semyon looked guilty. “Maybe we should postpone the celebration.”
That was the breaking point for Margo.
“No, Semyon. We won’t postpone. Three years ago, we promised to be together. I will celebrate today—with or without you.”
She grabbed her bag and left.
Semyon called after her. “Let’s decide together.”
She freed her hand. “There’s nothing to decide. Either you come, or you don’t.”
She left, heart racing, tears welling, but confident in her decision.
At the restaurant, sitting alone, colleague Andrey approached.
“Margo? Why alone?”
“Celebrating alone; my husband chose his mom.”
He sat without hesitation. “Tell me.”
She poured out her heart—feeling like an outsider, mother-in-law’s control, husband’s weakness.
“Sometimes people need to realize what they might lose,” Andrey said. “Maybe then he’ll think.”
The phone rang—it was Tatiana.
“Margo, come home! How dare you leave your husband when his mother is ill!”
“Tatiana Evgenyevna, today’s our anniversary. I’m at the restaurant where we planned to celebrate. If Semyon wants, I’ll be glad. If not—it’s his choice.”
“Selfish! I’ll tell your mother what kind of daughter she raised!”
“Please do. Mom is open to talk. Say hello.”
She hung up.
“I have to go,” she told Andrey. “Thanks for listening.”
“Want me to walk you out?”
“No, I need to be alone.”
She didn’t return home but went to Olga’s, sharing everything.
“Stay as long as you need. Maybe Semyon will finally understand.”
Hours later, despite calls, Margo blocked contact, texting only: “Need time. I’m with Olga.”
She stayed three days, worked, and reflected on their marriage—a love complicated by living under her mother-in-law’s shadow.
On day three, a knock heralded Semyon’s arrival with a bouquet.
“May I come in?”
Margo stepped aside silently.
“I was wrong—in everything. I let Mom manipulate us, prioritized her over you without realizing how hard it was.”
“What changed?”
“I talked with my father. Do you know why they divorced? Because Mom controlled every step and had fits when he didn’t comply. I almost did the same—almost lost what matters most.”
He handed her flowers.
“I’m not just asking forgiveness. I’ll prove you’re my priority. I’ve found a caregiver for Mom, and told her I won’t allow manipulation anymore.”
“How is she?”
“Bad. She called me a traitor, but I said I’m not choosing between you. I’m setting priorities. You and our family come first.”
Tears filled Margo’s eyes.
“I want to believe. Truly. But…”
“No ‘buts,’” he held her hands. “I get it. I’ll change. Just give me a chance.”
That night, they discussed ways to rebuild their relationship. Margo set clear terms: no unannounced visits, no manipulation, and most importantly—Semyon’s unwavering support.
“We’re a team,” she said. “We must stay united.”
Three months later, healing was underway. Semyon kept his promises, hiring help for his mother and enforcing boundaries.
Tatiana, however, persisted, complaining to neighbors about her “cruel daughter-in-law,” but Semyon remained steadfast.
One Sunday, Nina Yuryevna visited. Though nervous, Margo found the meeting calm.
As Nina prepared to leave, the phone rang again—“Mom.”
“Semyon, you promised to come by. The bathroom light bulb is out; I can’t reach it.”
“Mom, we have guests,” he said calmly. “I’ll come after work.”
“But today! I can’t shower in the dark!”
“Use a table lamp or call the building manager.”
“So your mother-in-law is more important than your own mother?” Her voice trembled.
“Mom, it’s not that. We planned this visit in advance; I can’t drop everything on demand.”
“I see. Now I know my place in your life.”
She hung up. Semyon sighed apologetically at Margo and Nina.
“Sorry.”
“That’s okay,” Nina said gently. “Tatiana needs time to adjust. Don’t give up.”
After Nina left, Margo hugged her husband.
“Thanks for standing firm. I know it’s hard.”
“It’s right,” Semyon smiled. “Mom won’t change, but we can change how we respond.”
That night, Margo reflected. Her mother-in-law hadn’t transformed—still trying to manipulate and intrude. But now, with clear boundaries and unity, they were protected.
Confrontation would continue; Tatiana wouldn’t admit fault or change. But no longer could she come between Margo and Semyon.
That was their victory.