I’ve been married to Richard for three years now. We have a great life in the suburbs, good jobs, and a strong relationship. Well, except for one little thing that’s really bothering me.
My mother-in-law, Monica.
Monica acts all sweet when we’re together. She hugs me and calls me “sweetheart” and “darling,” but behind closed doors? That’s where the real drama starts.
I remember this time when Richard and I were having a family BBQ. I was making salads in the kitchen when I heard her chatting with Richard’s cousin in the living room.
Monica is one of those people who always finds something to complain about.
Everything was fine until she showed up with her own “backup pie.” Why? Because she “wasn’t sure if everyone would enjoy MY cooking!”
But the worst moment? That would be when she trapped Richard in the garage during our housewarming party.
“Richard, honey,” she said,
“I’m just worried. Katie seems nice, but don’t you think you rushed into this marriage? Sarah from church has a lovely daughter who just finished med school. She always asks about you! Such a shame you never gave her a chance.”
Richard shut that down right away. “Mom, I love Katie. Please stop trying to set me up with other women! I’m married.”
These moments were annoying for sure but manageable. What really got to me was her strange obsession with getting into our bedroom.
I still can’t understand what she thought she’d find there; whatever it was, she was determined to discover it.
It started three months ago when Monica excused herself during dinner at our place.
We have a nice guest bathroom next to the living room downstairs—but no! She had to use ours upstairs instead!
“Oh, I just prefer more private bathrooms,” she said when Richard asked why. “You never know who’s used these guest ones.”
I thought it was weird but kept quiet.
Then about a month later, things got even stranger.
After waiting some minutes once she went upstairs, my curiosity took over—I followed her quietly.
“Monica? What are you doing here?”
“Oh! Katie!” She turned around looking shocked. “I was just searching for the bathroom.”
“The bathroom’s through that door,” I pointed out.
“The one you’ve avoided since coming up here.”
“Well… umm… I got lost! These big houses can be so confusing—so many doors!” She laughed nervously before adding: “While I’m here though, your dresser could use some organizing; I’d love to show you my method sometime…”
That night after Monica left, I told Richard everything.
“Rich! Your mom went through our personal stuff—our private papers—our drawers!” I paced back and forth in our bedroom feeling upset. “This isn’t okay! What on earth was she looking for?”
“Come on Katie,” he replied calmly.”I’m sure she’s confused; Mom wouldn’t do that intentionally.”
“Confused? This isn’t even close to being the first time she’s done this—you know it too! Enough is enough—I’m putting a lock on our bedroom door like we did on the home office!”
The holiday dinner approached fast & both Monica and Sally were coming over.
I reminded myself again about locking that door!
But guess what? The key vanished completely after searching everywhere for 30 minutes until finally Richard admitted he had it!
“Okay fine,” I sighed.”On one condition: let me put glitter on that doorknob; if your mom doesn’t try getting inside then there won’t be any issues right?”
He agreed probably thinking my idea sounded silly or something…
We dashed upstairs only too see Monica standing by our bedroom door covered head-to-toe in golden glitter!
“You!” Monica looked like an angry disco ball now!
“You did this purposely! Look what your wife did!”
Sally gasped rushing over beside her mother saying “Katie how could u?! Mom’s new cashmere sweater is ruined!”
Couldn’t help smiling as i replied ”Well if you’d used guest bath like normal person none of this would’ve happened—why were u trying get into OUR room again?”
“Katie that’s too much,” interjected Richard angrily.”You crossed way beyond line.”
“I’ve never felt so humiliated!” cried out his mom dramatically
“Sally we’re leaving—and Rich—you need serious think about kind of woman you’ve married!”
“The kind protecting privacy?” shot back at him.I added maybe YOU should consider why you’re obsessed snooping around OUR space!”
He confronted ME clearly upset by actions taken against his mother
“That wasn’t necessary at all.”
“You embarrassed whole family.Mom will probably find glitter stuck hair weeks later.”
