“I Decided to Treat My Daughter-in-Law and Son the Same Way They Treat Me. I Believe It’s Fair and Just”

Sarah had always been a devoted mother. She raised her son, Michael, with love and care, always putting his needs before her own. When Michael married Emily, Sarah welcomed her daughter-in-law with open arms, hoping to build a close and supportive relationship. However, over the years, Sarah began to feel that her efforts were not reciprocated.

It all started with small things. Emily would often forget to invite Sarah to family gatherings or would cancel plans at the last minute without any explanation. Michael, caught between his wife and his mother, would often side with Emily, leaving Sarah feeling isolated and unappreciated.

One particularly cold winter day, Sarah received a frantic call from Emily. “Mom, can you please come over and watch Emma? I have a high fever and a terrible sore throat! I feel awful! Please help me!” Emily’s voice was filled with desperation.

Sarah hesitated for a moment. She remembered all the times she had been there for Emily and Michael, only to be met with indifference or ingratitude. She thought about the countless nights she had spent babysitting Emma so that Emily and Michael could have some time to themselves. She recalled the holidays she had spent alone because they had decided to spend them with Emily’s family instead.

“I’m sorry, Sarah, but I can’t come over right now,” Sarah replied, her voice steady but firm.

There was a stunned silence on the other end of the line. “What do you mean you can’t come? I really need your help!” Emily’s voice was now tinged with anger.

“I understand that you’re not feeling well, but I’ve realized that I need to start taking care of myself too,” Sarah said calmly. “I’ve always been there for you and Michael, but I don’t feel that same support in return. It’s time for me to set some boundaries.”

Emily hung up without another word. Sarah felt a pang of guilt but also a sense of relief. She had finally stood up for herself.

The days that followed were tense. Michael called Sarah, upset and confused. “Mom, why didn’t you help Emily? She really needed you!”

“Michael, I’ve always been there for you both,” Sarah explained. “But I can’t keep giving and giving without getting anything in return. It’s not fair to me.”

Michael was silent for a moment before responding, “I understand, Mom. But Emily is really hurt. She feels like you abandoned her when she needed you the most.”

Sarah sighed. “I didn’t abandon her, Michael. I just needed to take a step back and take care of myself for once.”

The relationship between Sarah, Michael, and Emily grew increasingly strained. Family gatherings became awkward and filled with tension. Sarah felt a deep sadness but also a sense of empowerment. She had finally taken a stand for her own well-being.

Months passed, and the distance between them only grew wider. Sarah missed her son and granddaughter terribly, but she knew that she couldn’t go back to the way things were. She had made a choice to prioritize her own needs and set healthy boundaries.

In the end, Sarah realized that sometimes doing what is fair and just for oneself can come at a great cost. She hoped that one day Michael and Emily would understand her decision and that they could rebuild their relationship on a foundation of mutual respect and support.