What should have been my promotion party turned into a showdown with my mother-in-law, Susan. After years of hard work, I finally became Senior Project Manager, and my husband, Tom, planned a celebration. But just as I felt proud, Susan arrived late with a gift for Tom: a bright red sweater reading “REAL BREADWINNER.” My heart sank as I realized she was undermining my achievement.
Later, I confronted Tom about the incident, but he dismissed it as a harmless joke. Frustrated, I decided to teach Susan a lesson. When she announced a dinner visit, I ordered a three-course meal from a fancy restaurant, knowing she’d think I cooked it.
As she praised the meal, I revealed the receipt, saying, “I got it from that fancy restaurant downtown. I knew it’d be perfect for the real breadwinner.” Susan turned pale, and Tom looked confused.
A week later, I gifted Tom a sweater that read “Mommy’s Little Helper.” Tom blushed, and Susan’s face darkened. I had made my point: I wouldn’t let her belittle me any longer.
