When her favorite clothes start vanishing, Stephanie dismisses it as forgetfulness — until she discovers her mother-in-law secretly selling them online, calling them “trashy.” Living together during renovations just got interesting, and the family will never forget this Thanksgiving dinner.
I thought I had a good relationship with Lucia, my mother-in-law, until she moved in with us while her home was being renovated.
A woman standing beside several suitcases | Source: Midjourney
It started with small things, minor disagreements about why I put rosemary in my pot roast, and the “proper” way to clean the hardwood floors.
I tried to be a good host, but Lucia did not make it easy. One day, I returned from my part-time job to discover she’d rearranged everything stored in the kitchen cupboards. She also insisted on hanging the laundry outside to dry, even though I asked her not to.
“The fresh air just makes it smell better,” she said.
Laundry hanging on a clothesline | Source: Pexels
“That’s what the scented fabric softener is for,” I replied, but she just wouldn’t listen.
“You’re both very headstrong and like to do things your way, it’s natural you’ll clash from time to time,” Michael said when I ranted to him over a date night dinner. “And besides, Mom will be going back to her place in another few weeks. It’s not that long.”
“It may as well be forever,” I sighed.
Then my clothes started disappearing.
A confused woman standing in front of a closet | Source: Midjourney
It started with a semi-sheer dress. I wanted to wear it to a work function but when I opened my closet, it was gone.
“Lucia, have you seen my dress?” I called as I headed to the basement to search the laundry. “The mauve one, with the ruffles?”
“The one that looks like a curtain?” Lucia popped her head out of the living room as I passed by. “No, Steph, I don’t think I have.”
A woman shrugging | Source: Midjourney
I never did find that dress and the missing clothes situation got worse. My skinny jeans vanished next, followed by my fuschia pink sundress and — this one really got me — my favorite silk blouse that Michael had bought me for our anniversary.
I was going half-crazy thinking I’d misplaced them. I unpacked my entire closet and reorganized it three times. Every time, I noticed something else that was missing like a favorite bra, my lace pantyhose, and a grey pencil skirt.
But the real kicker? I discovered the truth about what was happening to my clothes purely by accident.
Close up of a frowning woman’s face | Source: Midjourney
I couldn’t sleep one night and ended up scrolling through Reddit. There, I stumbled upon a post showing MY CLOTHES, with a caption that made my blood boil: “Cleaning out my DIL’s trashy wardrobe. Anyone want to buy some clothes that no respectable married woman should wear?”
I nearly choked on my chamomile tea. The username might as well have been “LuciaTheThief” because who else could it be?
The woman who’d been living in my house for three months, eating my food, and criticizing my cooking, was now apparently stealing my clothes.
A woman staring at her phone screen in shock | Source: Midjourney
“Oh my God,” I whispered to myself, scrolling through the comments.
Some people wanted to buy the clothes while others had posted nasty criticisms of my fashion sense. She’d replied to some with remarks like, “My poor son doesn’t know how to tell her these clothes are inappropriate” and “She dresses like she’s still in college.”
I clenched my fists so hard that one of my acrylic nails popped off. I was tempted to storm into the guest bedroom right then and demand my clothes back, but then I came up with a better plan.
A woman scowling at her phone | Source: Midjourney
Thanksgiving was right around the corner and this year, Michael and I were celebrating with members from both our families. Twelve people in total, including Michael’s older brother and one of his aunts.
“Revenge is a dish best served with turkey and cranberry sauce,” I muttered as I took screenshots of Lucia’s Reddit post.
I set my phone aside and fell asleep with a smile on my face.
A cell phone on a nightstand | Source: Pexels
On Thanksgiving, I graciously told Lucia to go ahead and prepare the meal according to her family recipes. It kept her busy while I hurriedly completed the final steps of my plan to teach her a lesson.
Afterward, I set the table according to Lucia’s specifications. It looked perfect by the time everyone arrived. Michael squeezed my hand under the table as everyone sat down, probably thinking I was finally making an effort with his mother.
If he only knew.
A woman standing at a dining table | Source: Midjourney
When everyone had filled their plates, I stood up, wine glass in hand. “I’d like to make a toast,” I announced.
“To family,” I began, “and especially to Lucia, who’s been such a… presence in our home these past few months.” A few chuckles around the table. “She’s taught me so much about generosity and giving to others.”
Lucia beamed, probably thinking I’d finally learned something from her endless lessons about charity and community service. That’s when I reached under the table and pulled out the garbage bag I’d stashed there earlier.
A woman lifting a trash bag | Source: Midjourney
“In fact, she’s generously donated all of these clothes to the women’s shelter downtown,” I continued, “accidentally” letting the bag split open.
Out tumbled Lucia’s favorite cashmere sweater, her designer jeans, and — oops — was that her La Perla lingerie skittering across the hardwood floor?
Lucia took one look at the clothes, all items I’d carefully chosen because I knew she loved them, and spat her wine out like a fountain.
A shocked woman seated at a dining table | Source: Midjourney
The table went silent. Michael’s sister Jane stopped mid-chew. Then, surprisingly, Michael’s cousin Sarah started clapping.
“That’s so wonderful of you, Aunt Lucia!” Sarah exclaimed. “You’re always talking about giving back to the community. How generous of you to donate your designer clothes!”
Others joined in the applause, praising Lucia’s apparent selflessness. I watched as her face cycled through confusion, horror, and fury, knowing she couldn’t say a word without exposing her misdeeds.
A smug woman | Source: Midjourney
It was the perfect trap.
The rest of dinner was deliciously awkward, with Lucia pushing food around her plate and avoiding everyone’s eyes.
I’d never seen her so quiet during a family gathering. Usually, she’d be holding court, sharing stories about Michael’s childhood, or dropping not-so-subtle hints about grandchildren.
After dinner, Lucia cornered me in the kitchen.
An angry woman | Source: Midjourney
Her face was flushed, either from anger or the three glasses of wine she’d needed to get through dessert.
“How dare you humiliate me like that?” she hissed, hands shaking as she gripped the counter. “You went too far, Stephanie. Way too far.”
I continued loading the dishwasher, taking my time with each plate. “How dare I? That’s rich coming from someone who stole my clothes and tried to sell them online while calling me trashy.”
A woman loading a dishwasher | Source: Midjourney
“What? I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I paused, took out my phone, and showed her the screenshot I’d taken of her Reddit post. The blood drained from her face and her jaw went slack.
“I… well, those clothes were inappropriate—”
“Those clothes were mine,” I cut her off. I scrolled to the next screenshot. “Every single comment you made, every attempt to sell my things — it’s all here.”
An angry woman | Source: Midjourney
“And let me make something crystal clear: my house, my clothes, my life,” I continued. “You don’t get to make those decisions for me anymore. Actions have consequences, Lucia. Remember that next time you think about overstepping.”
The next morning, I found all my missing clothes neatly folded outside my bedroom door. Every single item was there, from the semi-sheer dress to the silk blouse.
No note needed — the message was clear.
A stack of folded clothes on a hallway table | Source: Pexels
I gathered them up and took them to my closet, then spent an hour sorting through my older clothes.
When Lucia came down for breakfast, I was already at the door with my donation bag.
“Going to the shelter?” she asked quietly.
“Yes. With my own clothes… the ones I actually want to donate.”
A woman carrying a trash bag | Source: Midjourney
She nodded, then surprised me by saying, “I’m sorry, Stephanie. I was wrong.”
I paused at the door, bag in hand. “I know you were.”
“It’s just…” she sighed, wringing her hands. “Those clothes, some of them seemed so revealing, and I worried about what people would think. About you, about Michael, about our family. But I handled it all wrong. It won’t happen again.”
“No,” I agreed, “it won’t.”
A woman holding a trash bag | Source: Midjourney
As I drove to the shelter, I couldn’t help but smile. Sometimes it takes a little public humiliation to teach someone about boundaries. And if Lucia ever tried something like this again? Well, I still had those Reddit screenshots saved on my phone.
Just in case.
But for now, we had reached a tentative peace. The following weeks brought fewer criticisms, more respect for personal space, and — miracle of miracles — not a single comment about my wardrobe choices.
A woman relaxing on a sofa | Source: Midjourney
Sometimes, it takes a dramatic gesture to reset a relationship.
Here’s another story: After weeks of planning the perfect Christmas Eve, my husband left the kids and me at home to attend his staff-only office party instead. But when another wife’s call revealed the truth about couples being invited, I decided it was time for a surprise visit.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
10+ Mistakes Every Parent Should Avoid for Their Child’s Financial Future
Fearing for their children’s futures, parents search for universal parenting techniques that will put their kids on the route to a prosperous job and a happy life. But times are changing, and the old principles of success are no longer relevant. Sometimes, parents’ actions, intended to be helpful, can actually create challenges for their children’s future.
1. Not allowing their kid to fail
Perfectionist parent often strives for perfection themselves, leading them to expect increasing levels of perfection from their child as they grow older — from the child’s artwork never being good enough to their bed not being made perfectly or not studying hard enough. The child faces constant criticism and reprimands but is never allowed to learn from their mistakes. Children of perfectionist parents may grow up to be perfectionists themselves or develop low self-esteem and lack confidence. Both outcomes can negatively impact their future careers.
- Anna’s mother always compared her to Mary, saying, “Look how tidy Mary is compared to you, Anna!” Despite Anna’s efforts to emulate Mary, she never measured up, and her mother’s criticism only intensified. Anna’s mother never allowed her the chance to improve her habits and learn basic skills. Now at 25 years old, Anna still compares herself to others and always comes up short in her own eyes. Needless to say, this constant comparison has taken a toll on her self-esteem.
2. Paying a child for good grades
This topic remains a subject of debate, but consider this perspective: imagine yourself as a contractor continually paying more for a product or service, with the child as the supplier providing it in exchange for money or rewards. It doesn’t sound like a good idea, does it?
- Alexandra’s parents sought to motivate their daughter to excel in her studies by offering money as an incentive. Initially, Alexandra’s grades improved, suggesting the approach was effective. However, her parents later discovered that she had been fabricating stories about an imaginary illness and sharing them with her teachers. She even falsely claimed that her parents constantly criticized her for poor grades. The sympathetic teacher then raised Alexandra’s grades out of pity. Following this incident, Alexandra’s parents discontinued the practice of paying for grades and sought guidance from a child psychologist.
3. Preventing their child from expressing their feelings
Sometimes, adults dismiss a child’s feelings as wrong — insisting that bruises don’t hurt, feeling anger toward a child who hit them is shameful, or being sad even with a valid reason is incorrect. Parents often do this with good intentions, wanting to teach their children proper behavior. However, it’s crucial to recognize that a fundamental skill for modern individuals is the ability to acknowledge and manage their feelings, emotions, and needs.
- Kate, now 37, vividly remembers how her mother forced her to give away her beloved doll to another girl, admonishing her for being “greedy” and scolding her for getting upset over a “stupid toy.” Kate never got her doll back. Over the years, she has worked hard to assert herself, learning to say “no” to demanding people, including her boss and coworkers. Despite this, Kate often feels guilty whenever she refuses to comply with their requests.
4. Failing to support their child in front of strangers
Every child needs the assurance that their parents will stand up for them in any conflict, regardless of the situation, and won’t blindly trust the words of authority figures like teachers, principals, or neighbors. When parents allow their children to speak up for themselves when they are ready to take responsibility for their actions, it helps them develop healthy self-esteem and a sense of personal accountability.
- Maggy was raised by her grandmother, who often said, “But what will other people think?” Although her grandmother loved Maggy and wanted the best for her, she constantly emphasized the importance of public opinion. As a result, Maggy struggles to make her own decisions and even relies on her friends’ opinions when choosing something as simple as dessert.
5. Drawing inspiration and comparing to successful people
Each generation has its own set of heroes whom young people aspire to emulate. In recent decades, the tales of personal success from wealthy and influential individuals have become widespread. However, it’s not as simple as learning their life story and achieving happiness. If it were that easy, everyone who reads their books would have solved all their financial problems by now.
- Alex developed a passion for computers from a young age. Inspired by the story of Steve Jobs that his dad shared with him, Alex immersed himself in learning everything about Apple. When it came time to choose a university, Alex initially believed he didn’t need higher education because Steve Jobs succeeded without it. Eventually, Alex realized the importance of education for his path and pursued college to advance his career. Now, Alex jokes, “What worked for Steve Jobs is just a waste of time for an ordinary guy like me.”
6. Pressuring their child to decide on their future career
The notion that a person should stick to one career for their entire life is likely outdated and impractical. Many modern occupations didn’t exist a decade ago, while others have already become obsolete.
- Since childhood, Max had a passion for exploring computers and understanding various software programs. Despite his parents’ concerns, he pursued this interest and eventually discovered online courses in software testing. Now, he is thriving in this field, leveraging his potential and skills.
- Laura, at 37, worked as a sociologist for a major consulting firm but found it challenging to maintain her career after having her son. During maternity leave, she rediscovered her love for photography. Starting with unique photos of her child, Laura progressed to offering photoshoots for friends’ and acquaintances’ kids. Over time, she opened her photo studio. Laura now earns as much as her husband and successfully manages her professional life while caring for her family. This shift exemplifies the evolving nature of careers and the importance of embracing new opportunities.
7. Arguing about money
Since children may absorb long-lasting messages from these circumstances, it’s crucial to avoid arguing about money or other matters in front of them. Instead of one-on-one conflicts, which can cause youngsters to take sides and become distressed, talks should be led in a way that promotes involvement.
- Chris grew up witnessing his parents argue about money. When he went to college at 17 and moved away, he struggled with managing his finances and spending on unnecessary items. He now fears starting relationships, believing that money is the root cause of his sadness.
8. Prohibiting the child from using social networks
Social networks have become today’s equivalent of the yards and neighborhoods where we used to play as children. Kids can learn valuable skills through computer programs integrated with social media platforms. While parents should remind their kids about online safety rules, depriving children of this experience can be harsh.
- Aria’s mother was surprised to discover that her 10-year-old daughter had learned to create cool videos. Even more surprising was the realization that Aria had learned this skill from using TikTok. Now, creating short videos has become a family hobby for them.
9. Teaching the kid that they have the stuff at home
Many of us recall times when we asked our parents to buy us things, only to hear, “We already have that at home; we don’t need it.” Some parents repeatedly expose their children to such situations, unintentionally discouraging them from getting what they truly need. This pattern can significantly impact their financial habits as adults. On the other hand, constantly satisfying a child’s every need can also have negative effects.
- Jan’s mother often tells him they have things at home and they don’t buy them from the store. Jan has learned to overlook his needs, and with each subsequent request, he withdraws more, knowing not to ask. When Jan grows up and earns his income, money will go towards trivial things because that’s how he’s learned to live.
10. Preventing children from getting into conflicts
The ability to engage with others is perhaps one of the most crucial professional skills one can possess. It’s important not only to help children make friends but also to teach them how to engage in healthy arguments. People often hold differing opinions, and there are various ways to express emotions. The sooner children grasp this concept, the easier their interactions with others will be, including in professional settings.
- Michaela spent her life avoiding conflicts, preferring to agree with others rather than engage in disputes. She believed that someone always had to be the “smarter” one, but this approach proved more harmful than beneficial. One day, Michaela learned about active listening and decided to apply this approach in her professional life. She excelled at paying attention to others’ perspectives while also expressing her feelings when others attempted to take advantage of her. Initially, people found her communication style unconventional, but conflicts with coworkers became more constructive, leading to mutually beneficial resolutions.
11. Helping their child learn to save money
The world is always changing, and old ways of making or saving money might not work anymore. We can’t predict what skills will be valuable in the future economy. That’s why it’s important to teach kids to be flexible and ready for change, not just to save money.
- Emily’s grandfather saved money his whole life “just in case.” But when that “case” finally happened, a financial meltdown made all his investments lose value. Emily saw this while growing up, and now she’s worried the economy could collapse at any time. She believes the best investment is in her skills and knowledge.
12. Trying to build a strong character with the help of sports
While there’s a widespread belief that sports are beneficial for discipline and character development, excessive competitiveness in professional sports can be detrimental to a child’s physical and mental health. This competitiveness can be fueled by both fellow young athletes and coaches. Only a few individuals become champions, and coaches often prioritize these select few, neglecting the rest of the team. Coping with this unfair treatment at a young age can lead to low self-esteem and confusion about alternative life paths if a child must stop playing sports.
- Tom’s mother pursued rhythmic gymnastics as a child but had to abandon her Olympic dreams due to a leg injury. When Tom was three, his mother enrolled him in gymnastics classes, hoping he would excel. However, Tom struggled in this sport, leading him to lose interest in school, feel like a failure, and struggle to identify his strengths. Now, Tom is studying to become a child psychologist to help parents navigate the challenges of raising children without making the same mistakes.
Being protective of your children is natural, but it’s important to set boundaries. Respecting their privacy is crucial for a healthy parent-child relationship and their personal development. Violating their privacy can have serious negative effects, especially on their mental health.
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