For years, I let my mother-in-law’s snide remarks slide. But when she gifted me an insult disguised as a birthday present, I decided enough was enough—and my revenge was flawless.
She never liked me. Not because I wasn’t kind or loving, but because I didn’t fit her image of the perfect wife for her son. I was a single mom when we met, and she never let me forget it. Her favorite hobby? Comparing me to Laura, her coworker’s “ideal” daughter.
I ignored it for years, thinking peace was worth swallowing my pride. But my best friend, Claire, saw the truth. “She’s bullying you,” she’d say. I knew it—but I didn’t know how to fight back.
Then came my birthday.
A week before, my mother-in-law called, sugary-sweet. “I have a surprise for you!”
I should’ve known better.
On the day, my husband and daughter made me feel loved—until she arrived, clutching a gift bag with a grin that didn’t reach her eyes.
Inside was a dress so large, it could’ve fit three of me.
“Thought you could use it,” she said lightly. “You know, for later.”
The dig was obvious. But instead of crumbling, I smiled. “How thoughtful.”
That night, I plotted.
The next day, I bought an empty gift card to the priciest restaurant in town, wrote “$500” on it, and called her with fake sweetness.
“Let’s start fresh,” I said. “Take Laura to dinner on me.”
She fell for it. “How lovely!”
A week later, my phone rang. “YOU LIED! WE HAD TO BEG LAURA’S PARENTS TO PAY!”
“Oh dear,” I said, feigning shock. “But family helps family, right?”
The silence was priceless. Then, a furious click.
After that? The jabs stopped. The calls dwindled. She’d finally learned: mess with me, and you’ll regret it.
And next time? I won’t be so subtle.
