I grinned and agreed when my daughter-in-law, Kayla, insisted that I make a “elegant” Thanksgiving feast because my typical items were “too cheap.” However, I was already preparing a dinner she would never forget behind that smile. A dinner she would regret asking for.
Kayla has always had a way of making me feel uncomfortable. She is the ideal wife in the eyes of my son Arnold, but I have put up with years of her patronizing comments and demanding behavior.
She ultimately pushed me too far this Thanksgiving, though, and I felt it was time to correct her without speaking.
Jasmine here, and I’m the type of person who values family unity above everything else. However, even the most patient mother might reach her breaking point when her daughter-in-law turns your life into a never-ending balancing act of holding your breath.
Five years ago, my son Arnold met Kayla at work.
I could see he was in love the moment he presented her to the family. Why wouldn’t he be, too? One of those women that is adept at presenting herself is Kayla.
She seems to love her spouse, speaks with a refined sweetness, and is always immaculately dressed. She seems like the ideal companion.
However, the true Kayla is hidden beneath that exterior. A bossy, patronizing, and demanding woman who has made it her goal to discredit me whenever possible.
A family gathering a few months after their engagement was when I first realized her true character. I had prepared green beans, mashed potatoes, and my famous roast chicken. Since he was a youngster, Arnold had cherished such delicacies.
Kayla responded, “This is nice, Jasmine,” with a kind grin as we sat down. It feels extremely cozy.
I grinned and said, “Thank you,” but I could tell she was insulting me with her phony words.
She leaned down and whispered, “You might want to update your recipes,” when Arnold went to get beverages later. These foods are so antiquated.
“Outdated?” I inquired. “Well, I tend to stick with what makes Arnold happy because he loves these dishes.”
“Oh,” she said with a smile. “He’s used to eating a little more upscale with me, that’s all.”
For the sake of Arnold, I refrained from retaliating and correcting her. But I didn’t want to overlook her rude demeanor. After supper, I made the decision to discuss it with Arnold.
“Maybe we can talk, Arnold?” With hesitation, I started.
Yes, Mom. What’s going on?
It has to do with Kayla. She’s been a bit contemptuous of me recently,” I added cautiously. “I don’t want to go too far, but I think she’s—”
“Mom,” Arnold cut in. Kayla adores you. It’s likely just a misunderstanding if she has ever said anything. To be honest, you might be exaggerating the situation.
I let out a sigh. “I’m aware of what I heard, Arnold. She said my cooking was out of date—
He argued, “Mom, she’s trying to help.” You’ve always had a bit of a fixed mindset. Perhaps she simply wishes to contribute something fresh. Don’t worry about it too much.
I knew I wasn’t making a huge deal out of it, but my son felt I was.
I stopped grumbling to Arnold after that. I didn’t want to ruin my relationship with my son, and the argument wasn’t worth it.
For Arnold’s sake, I made the decision to keep my head down and make my relationship with Kayla amicable.
I reasoned that she could become more receptive to me if I respected her and complied with her desires. However, I was mistaken. My obedience was merely an invitation for Kayla to push me farther.
She used every family meal as a chance to establish her dominance.
Can you prepare the fish dish I had at that upscale restaurant, Jasmine? As though I were her cook, she would remark, “I’ll send you the recipe.”
I nodded in the hopes that Arnold would see how much I was attempting to win her approval. However, he didn’t. Rather, he complimented her on her thoughtfulness.
“Mom, she’s only contributing some diversity. Isn’t it pleasant to give something fresh a try?
Pleasant? It was draining. The week before Thanksgiving was the last straw. I was folding clothes when Kayla called.
“Hi, Jasmine!” She gave a little chirp.
“Hello, Kayla,” I said warily. “How may I help you?”
“Well,” she started, “I’ve been considering Thanksgiving and I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s a really significant feast. This year, we ought to upgrade the menu. Do you not think?
My patience was already beginning to wear thin. “Upgrade the menu? What are you saying?
“Well,” she went on, “your typical dishes are, um, okay. However, I was considering doing something a bit more sophisticated this year. I’ll forward a recipe list to you. They will provide a distinctive touch to the dinner.
“Kayla,” I said. Thanksgiving is a time for tradition and family. Since everyone like the same foods, I’ve been preparing them for years.
“Oh, I know!” she exclaimed casually. But for once, wouldn’t it be good to try something new? To be honest, your food is a little, well, simple. Additionally, this will benefit everyone because Arnold and I are attempting to eat healthier.
simple. I kept hearing that word.
“Yes,” I gritted my teeth and muttered. “Send the recipes to me.”
She sent me an email, and I almost dropped my phone. Each dish was full with esoteric, high-priced ingredients. Organic items, international cheeses, and truffle oil.
I could see that finding the items would require days of scurrying around specialty shops and cost a little fortune. I so made the decision to give her another call.
I remarked, “Kayla, it’s not always easy to find these ingredients.” “Are you certain you want this?”
She giggled and answered, “Oh, absolutely.” “The food you often prepare is too inexpensive. This time, I thought we could attempt serving a classy menu.
However, Kayla, I—
“Jasmine, you have my trust. You’ll figure it out, I’m sure.
Her self-assurance was frustrating. But I grinned to myself rather than arguing.
I hung up after saying, “I’ll take care of it.”
I meant it, too. Not in the manner she had anticipated.
When Thanksgiving Day finally arrived, the house was a flurry of activity. The air was filled with the aroma of spiced green beans, buttery sweet potatoes, and roasting turkey.
As usual, Arnold and Kayla were late, and Kayla walked in like she owned the place. She was radiant with victory. I could see by her smug smile that she was eager to celebrate her small triumph.
As she handed me a bouquet, she added, “Jasmine.” “You have surpassed yourselves. The meal will be flawless, I’m sure of it.
“Oh, it will be,” I smiled warmly in response.
The spread looked amazing as everyone sat around the table. Naturally, Kayla sat next to Arnold in the seat of honor, her gaze roving the dishes with approbation.
As she picked up her dish, she declared, “Everything looks wonderful.” “Let’s get started!”
I saw her boldly scoop a heap of stuffing and a heap of sweet potato casserole onto her plate.
Before taking her first mouthful, she took in the praise from the other guests as she glanced around the table.
Then it took place.
She froze mid-chew as her eyes widened.
As the taste registered, I could practically see the wheels spinning in her brain. She grabbed her water and took a sip to gather her thoughts, but it didn’t help.
I was aware that Kayla had no allergies, but I also knew her little secret. She detested eating nuts.
I therefore made sure to offer her the Thanksgiving meal that she was due.
The stuffing? Packed full with pecans.
Casserole with sweet potatoes? topped with a substantial shell of candied pecans.
Green beans? tossed with almond slices.
Roasted hazelnuts were served alongside the mashed potatoes as a garnish.
The highlight of the show? dessert. Pie with pecans. Macadamia nut chocolate chip cookies. Brownies with bits of walnut.
The other diners piled their plates high, raving about the meal.
“Jasmine, this is amazing!” My sister yelled. “This year, you’ve surpassed yourself.”
Kayla, meanwhile, ate turkey with simple mashed potatoes while sitting peacefully.
She nodded courteously and faked a tight-lipped smile as the praise poured in, but I could see the annoyance simmering beneath the surface.
Silence had replaced her moment of brilliance.
She was also unable to touch anything on the table when it came time for sweets, which are her favorite part of Thanksgiving.
I observed her pretending to be full as she pushed her dish away.
She remarked, “Oh, everything was just so filling.”
Arnold, unaware as usual, remarked, “But you love dessert, babe.” Do you not intend to have some?
“Not this evening. I’m keeping an eye on my caloric intake.
Although Kayla didn’t yell at me or confront me, her stern manner and artificial politeness were quite telling.
She drew Arnold away after dessert, her words rushed and biting in her whispers. While she spoke to him, she kept looking at me.
She pointed to the dining table, and Arnold nodded, his brows furrowing. He finally approached me, appearing a little uncomfortable.
With hesitation, he said, “Mom, Kayla said something about the food tonight.”
“Oh?” As I was washing the dishes, I answered. “What was it she said?”
“All right.” He stopped and looked at Kayla, who was now feigning to assist with cleaning. She believes that the nuts may have been purposeful. You are aware of her feelings on them.
I put the plate down and turned to face him.
I didn’t consider that, Arnold. You see, I got the recipes from Kayla. I just followed her advice to create a sophisticated dinner devoid of “cheap ingredients.”
His forehead furrowed. “The recipes were sent by her?”
I went to the desk to get my phone after nodding.
“If you like, I can show you the email. She made it apparent that she wanted something exceptional this year, so I tried my hardest to live up to her expectations.
Arnold stood there, trying to take in what I had said. He turned to face Kayla, who was now folding napkins in an attempt to appear occupied.
“Oh,” he said to himself, “she didn’t mention that part.”
I added softly, “She’s been very picky about what I serve, Arnold.” “All I wanted was for her to be happy, and for you as well. However, I suppose I misinterpreted her desires.
With a deep exhalation, he glanced from Kayla to me.
“The food was fantastic, Mom,” he remarked. “I really do mean it. Alright, I’ll discuss this with Kayla. I believe there was a misunderstanding of some kind.
“Thank you, Arnold,” I said with a smile. “Thank you for listening. That is really important to me.
Kayla remained uncharacteristically silent as the evening wore on, saying only brief goodbyes before they departed.
Once more, thank you, Mom. Before he left, Arnold remarked quietly, “Everything was perfect.”
Knowing that Arnold was now beginning to see Kayla as a human being rather than as the pinnacle of perfection who was incapable of making a mistake made my heart sing as I watched them go.
I didn’t argue, I didn’t yell, and I didn’t let her spoil my vacation that night. Rather, I demonstrated to her that entitlement is not acceptable at my table.
And I’m fairly certain she understood the message based on her quiet.
