I always thought my mother-in-law liked me. I spent months planning a special family vacation for her and my husband’s anniversary, and I cooked her favorite meal. But when I served dinner, she loudly joked, “On our vacation, please cook something edible!” Everyone laughed, but I didn’t. It was humiliating, especially after all my effort. I realized she never really liked me—she just tolerated me for the fancy trips.
Determined to teach her a lesson, I showed her the invoice for the private yacht I’d booked, explaining that from now on she’d have to pay her share because I wouldn’t cover everything after her insults. She was furious and told my husband she couldn’t afford it.
My husband said I should go easy on her, but I think it’s only fair. Generosity has limits when it’s met with disrespect.
This experience taught me to set boundaries and demand respect—even from family. Sometimes payback is about standing up for yourself.