I’d spent years biting my tongue around my mother-in-law, but when she handed me a “birthday gift” meant to shame me, I snapped—and my revenge was sweeter than I imagined.
From day one, she made it clear I wasn’t the daughter-in-law she wanted. I wasn’t wealthy enough, polished enough, and worst of all, I had a child from a previous marriage. She adored reminding me that her son could’ve done better—usually by mentioning Laura, her coworker’s “perfect” single daughter.
I told myself ignoring her was the high road. But my best friend, Claire, disagreed. “You’re letting her win,” she’d say. I knew she was right, but I didn’t know how to fight back—until my birthday.
A week before, my mother-in-law called, oozing fake sweetness. “I have a BIG surprise for you!”
I should’ve known it was a trap.
On the big day, my husband and daughter spoiled me—until she arrived, clutching a gift bag with a smirk. “Happy birthday!”
Inside was a hideous, tent-sized floral dress.
“Wow,” I choked out.
“You’ll grow into it soon,” she purred. “Unless my son wises up first.”
The insult was so blatant, it was almost impressive. But this time, I didn’t cry. I smiled. “Thanks. I’ll treasure it.”
That night, I hatched a plan.
The next day, I bought an empty gift card from the most expensive restaurant in town, scribbled “$500” on it, and called her with fake remorse.
“I want to make amends,” I lied. “Here’s a gift card for you and Laura.”
She ate it up. “How generous!”
A week later, my phone exploded. “THE CARD WAS EMPTY! WE LOOKED LIKE FOOLS!”
“Oh no!” I gasped. “What a mix-up! But Laura’s parents helped, right? They’re so supportive.”
The silence was glorious. Then, a hissed threat before she hung up.
The aftermath? Radio silence. No more digs, no more Laura mentions. She’d finally met her match.
And the best part? She’ll never see my next move coming.
