"My MIL Accuses Me of Freeloading: She's Pushing My Husband to Divorce Me, 'Check the Desk Drawer!'"

my name is Lara my life at 45 was a testament to what hard work and Independence could achieve over $10,000 a month wasn't just a number it was my Declaration of success in a high stakes game back when I was kneee in the MLM hustle making a name and some solid cash for myself Tom came into the picture he was all charm and smarts totally taken with the way I managed my business with a kind of Independence that seemed to draw him in like a moth to a flame he started showing up more offering to help out with business stuff or just to grab a coffee I wasn't looking for anything serious mind you I liked my freedom liked making my own rules and breaking them if I felt like it but Tom he had a way about him a persistence that wasn't pushy but kind of endearing you're not like most folks I meet in this gig I told him once over coffee most guys Run for the hills when they hear network marketing Tom chuckled taking a sip of his coffee maybe I like the view from the hills gives me a chance to see who's climbing up to meet me it was this blend of humor and sincerity that Drew me to him our meetings became more frequent and Tom's interest in my world grew he asked questions real ones that made me explain my business in ways I hadn't even considered it was refreshing invigorating and dare I say flirtatious we'd sit and chat about everything under the sun and it wasn't long before he started talking about his mom now I've always been close to my own folks so hearing him speak so respectfully about his mother caught my attention it wasn't just talk you could tell he meant every word held her in high regard yeah my mom's the real deal he'd say with a kind of Pride that lit up his face she's been through a lot you know raised me all on her own she's my rock hearing that stirred something in me I've seen my own parents stick out the tough times their love and respect for each other are constant through it all I guess that's what got me seeing Tom in a new light so when he asked me to marry him it wasn't the grand gesture or the promise of a life of ease that got me to say yes it was the simple honest love he had for his family we got hitched and those first few months were something out of a dream laughs late night talks about where we wanted our little Empire to go weekend getaways just because we could I was happy genuinely happy thinking I'd found someone who got me who respected my hustle and had my back after the initial Bliss of our unconventional meeting and the Whirlwind romance that followed settling into married life with Tom brought its own set of challenges one thing that started to stick out was Tom's relationship with his mother Carol it wasn't just close it was suffocatingly tight they were on the phone multiple times a day and our weekends were monopolized by visits to her place it started to gnaw at me the extent of his attachment and the expectations it placed on us especially me one Saturday morning as we were up for yet another weekend at carols I couldn't hold my tongue any longer Tom do we have to spend every weekend doing chores at your mom's I mean doesn't she have anyone else to help out Tom looked at me like I just suggested we Moon the neighbors Lara she's old and it's just us who else is going to do it I sighed frustration bubbling but it's every weekend don't you think it's a bit much I've got stuff I'd like to do too you know his brow furrowed and he C crossed his arms a clear sign he was digging in look Lara she's my mom she's always been there for me and now it's my turn I thought you'd understand that the conversation was going nowhere a stalemate between his unwavering loyalty to his mother and my growing resentment towards the situation it was a red flag flapping furiously in the Wind of our relationship but I chose to ignore it convincing myself it was just a phase as weeks turned into months the red flags multiplied Tom's sarcasm about my work began to surface more frequently it was subtle at first almost playful but there was an undercurrent of disdain that I couldn't Overlook one evening after a long day of video calls and client follow-ups I settled next to Tom on the couch laptops still warm from use I nailed another big client today this could be a GameChanger for us I said said trying to share my excitement Tom's eyes glued to the TV grunted in response hm oh yeah that's great but don't you think it's time you considered a real job you know one that doesn't have you glued to that screen all day I bristled my enthusiasm cooling into annoyance a real job Tom this is a real job I'm making more than we'd ever dreamed of what's not real about that he Shrugged not meeting my eyes I don't know Lara it's just all this network marketing stuff seems a bit dodgy doesn't it the word stung a slap to everything I'd worked so hard to achieve dodgy you know what Tom maybe you should spend a day in my shoes before you start judging the conversation ended there but the tension lingered a thick fog between us that didn't dissipate Tom's inability to value my career coupled with his his abnormal attachment to his mother left me feeling isolated in my own marriage the red flags were no longer just flapping in the wind they were blaring Sirens warning me of the storm ahead yet I pressed on hoping for a change clinging to the memories of our early days but as time passed it became increasingly clear that Tom's loyalty was split in a way that left little room for us for me the endless we weekends at Carol's my mother-in-law's Place had turned from a mild inconvenience into a full-blown chore every visit was the same routine sit at the dining table nod along to Carol's lectures on housekeeping and the importance of saving every penny and watch Tom hang on to every word she said as gospel it was like stepping back in time and I was wearing fins one such afternoon as Carol went on about the virtues of homemade meals over eating out Tom chimed in his voice laced with that now familiar sarcasm yeah Lara maybe you should take a page out of mom's book all that time on your computer and what do you have to show for it a strange business that no one understands I felt my cheeks burn a mix of anger and embarrassment Tom we've been over this my strange business is paying our bills and then some I'm working not playing around on the internet I shot back shooting a look at Carol who wore a smug expression a real job doesn't have you stuck at home all day it's about getting out there dealing with real people not just numbers on a screen Tom continued the jab stinging more because it was made in front of Carol who nodded in agreement as if she had any say in our finances I bit back the retort on the tip of my tongue realizing it was feudal Tom was echoing his mother's outdated views and there was no winning against the united front feeling isolated and misunderstood I decided to seek Refuge with my parents they were old school in their own way but they understood the value of hard work regardless of the form it took their reaction to Tom's criticisms was a mix of anger and disappointment Lara it's clear he's jealous my dad said his brow furrowed in concern envious because you're succeeding without having to trudge to some office every day don't let his insecurities drag you down my mom nodded her hand squeezing mine you're doing amazing sweetheart Tom needs to see that he's supposed to support you not tear you down their words were a balm to my Fray nerves and with a renewed sense of resolve I returned home hoping to clear the air with Tom but what awaited me was far from the reconciliation I'd hoped for Tom was livid pacing the living room like a caged animal so you ran to your parents to complain about me about us he accused not even bothering to greet me I was taken aback by the intensity of his anger Tom I needed some perspective they're my parents who else am I supposed to talk to his laugh was harsh void of any humor perspective or you wanted them to take your side tell you how wrong I am they're poisoning you against me Lara that's not true and you know it I countered my own anger Rising they're worried about us about how we're not communicating it's not about taking sides but Tom wouldn't hear it no it's always about sides with you your business your money your parents what about me Lara when do I get to be a part of this marriage eventually the tension cooled and we found our way back to a fragile truce but the cracks remained widening with every sarcastic comment every dismissive gesture the air was thick with tension the kind that settles in your stomach like a bad meal as we sat around Carol's cluttered dining table as usual Tom and Carol were in their element a Duo of traditional views and thinly veiled Jabs at my expense today's topic of choice once again veered towards the proper roles in marriage a well Carol seemed to draw from endlessly you know Lara Tom started his voice laced with that familiar patronizing tone Mom's right there's more to being a wife than just making money maybe it's time you started focusing on what really matters I clenched my fists under the table my patience wearing in thin and what according to you really matters cleaning cooking being at your beckan call Carol jumped in her voice sharp exactly it's about making a home caring for your husband not glued to a screen all day I know plenty of women who'd be more than happy to take your place ones who understand the value of a proper marriage The Audacity Of Her words struck a nerve oh is that so I shot back my voice Rising despite my attempts to keep calm you think you can just replace me with some Stepford Wife who fits your outdated idea of a proper marriage tomk Allegiance was clear as he nodded along with his mother's cruel suggestion Lara you're missing the point he interjected it's not about replacing you it's about what's best for us for our family best for us or best for you and your mother I countered feeling the the weight of their united front since when did our marriage become a threers decision the humiliation of being openly discussed as replaceable as if I were nothing more than a poor fit in their perfect world was a new low feeling cornered and outnumbered I pushed back from the table my chair scraping loudly against the floor you know what if you're so convinced you can find someone better then maybe you should I spat out the hurt evident in my voice Tom looked taken aback as if he hadn't expected his words and his mothers to cut so deep but the damage was done the line drawn in the sand I thought marriage was about partnership support and love not constant criticism and unrealistic expectations I said my voice steady despite the turmoil inside there was a heavy silence one that spoke volumes about the state of our relationship as I walked out of the room the sound of my footsteps echoed a Resolute declaration that I wouldn't be belittled or demeaned any longer after the last blowup I was done done with the weekend cleanups at carols done with the demoralizing just done Tom tried to guiltrip me about it calling me selfish saying I didn't care about family but I wasn't having any of it this time I had reached my limit then came the day that broke the camels back I noticed our joint account was bleeding money a lot of it money we'd been scrimping and saving for a new car our dream car my heart raced as I logged into our online banking only to see a massive transaction that nearly wiped us out I confronted Tom the moment he walked through the door where's the money Tom the car fund it's practically gone he couldn't look me in the eye I uh I had to use it for something important important what could possibly be more important than what we've been saving for I was fuming barely containing my anger it was for Mom's trip her dream cruise to Europe he mumbled it out like a confession I was stunned into silence for a moment you used our savings for a cruise without even asking me I couldn't believe what I was hearing Tom finally faced me his expression a mix of guilt and Defiance I thought you'd understand it's her dream her dream what about our dreams Tom what about our plans I was shouting now my voice echoing off the walls he had no answer just stood there looking pathetic that's when I decided to take matters into my own hands I called Carol hoping maybe foolishly that she'd see reason Carol this has to stop Tom used our savings for your trip this is a mistake you need need to cancel it I said trying to keep my voice steady her laughter over the phone was like acid cancel why would I do that it's a gift from my son and as for the money dear I'm sure you can earn it back the contempt in her voice was palpable you're not even going to consider it after everything this is how little you think of me I was grasping at straws but I had to try listen darling I'm not refusing a trip of a lifetime and if you're not happy well Tom's already prepared for that too check the desk drawer she said her voice cold I hung up and went straight to the desk my hands trembling there among bills and old receipts were the divorce papers signed and ready to go as if Tom had been planning this all along my heart wasn't just broken it was pulverized I signed them my hand steady but my soul in turmoil packing my bags felt like I was erasing a part of my life a part I once cherished as I zipped up the last of my luggage Tom finally spoke up his words were a cold dagger I saw how you talked to my mother no respect you don't deserve to be in this house you don't deserve me his words hit me like a slap the arrogance the conceit to think he saw himself as some prize worth fighting over after everything that happened it was laughable if it wasn't so tragic yeah well maybe I don't want to deserve a man who thinks so little of me who values his mother's happiness over his wife's my voice was calm but inside I was a whirlwind of emotion Tom just Shrugged a smug look on his face good luck finding someone who put up with you like I did he said I shook my head disbelief and anger mingling trust me Tom the only thing I'll be looking for is peace something you and your mother never gave me leaving that house I felt a weight lifting off me it was the end of one chapter and the start of another driving to my parents' house the emotions were overwhelming but as soon as I saw the familiar front door a sense of relief washed over me this was home this was where I belonged my parents were shocked at first but their support was unwavering you're back now and that's all that matters my dad said his voice firm and comforting mom was more fiery let him live with his mother if he loves her so much you'll find peace now without their constant badgering and she was right I threw myself into my work my Independence blossoming in the absence of Tom's and Carol's criticism saving money became easier without the drain of their demands slowly I started to build a life for myself one where I was in control where my achievements were celebrated not belittled living with my parents again I rediscovered what support and love felt like it wasn't long before I was able to move into my own place a small but cozy house that was all mine no Carol to judge me no Tom to disappoint me just me my work work and the peace I had longed for reflecting on everything that happened I realized Tom was no prize the real prize was finding myself again rebuilding my life on my terms I found strength I never knew I had and a sense of peace that was priceless months had passed since I left Tom and his overbearing mother behind settling into a rhythm of work savings and peace that had long eluded me my new new life was a quiet one filled with small Joys and achievements that were entirely my own then out of the blue my phone rang with a number I hadn't seen in a while it was Carol hello my voice was cautious the old feelings of tension instantly creeping back Lara it's Carol we need your help her voice was shaky a far cry from the competent often huy tone I was used to I was taken aback my help why would you call me after everything it's Tom she said and I could hear the strain in her voice he's sick Lara very sick lung cancer the news hit me harder than I expected despite everything I felt a pay of concern I'm sorry to hear that Carol but why are you telling me this because he needs you Lara he needs your support your forgiveness we need the money for his treatment you were always the one who managed to pull things together she pleaded I was stunned into silence for a moment the audacity of her request left me speechless you want my money after you practically pushed me out of your lives Carol's voice hardened you can hold on to your grudges Lara but this is life and death you were his wife doesn't that mean anything to you the old Carol was back it seemed being his wife didn't seem to mean much when you two were scheming behind my back I retorted my initial shock turning into indignation Lara please please I wouldn't be calling if there was any other way think of the good times of what you had with Tom she tried to soften her tone playing on my emotions Good Times Carol you made sure there were as few of those as possible you and Tom made your bedow you get to lie in it I said the years of frustration and hurt fueling my words there was a pause and then Carol's voice came through colder and sharper than before fine if that's how you want to play it but remember you're turning your back on Tom in his time of need not me the call ended and I sat there phone in hand a tumult of emotion swirling Within Me anger guilt sadness a cocktail of feelings for a man who had chosen his mother over our life together and for a woman who saw me as nothing more than a bank in that moment I realized the true extent of my freedom I was no longer bound by their expectations their demands or their crises my life was my own built on my efforts my sacrifices the call unexpected as it was served as a stark reminder of the life I had left behind a life filled with manipulation an emotional blackmail as I put the phone down a sense of resolve settled over me my departure from Tom and Carol's lives was not just a physical one it was an emotional and financial break too I had moved on building something that was entirely mine free from their Shadows I started diving into Investments reading up every book and article I could get my hands on slowly I began to see the fruits of my labor my world became numbers and Trends a far cry from the emotional turmoil I left behind word got around as it always does about Tom's worsening condition and how Carol was barely managing they'd blown through whatever savings they had living a life far removed from the comfort they once knew aun Carol ever the Martyr in her own story made sure everyone knew how I abandoned them in their time of need painting me as the heartless ex-wife I heard these rumors from Jenna one afternoon over coffee she hesitated before telling me probably expecting me to react but the truth was I felt nothing but a distant pity for them can you believe it Lara Carol's out there telling anyone who listen about how you left them high and dry Jenna said her voice tinged with disbelief I Shrugged taking a sip of my coffee let her talk Jenna her words don't touch me anymore I've moved on and I'm investing in my future something they never thought to do Jenna looked at me a mix of surprise and admiration in her eyes you're really over it aren't you I mean completely I nodded a smile playing on my lips completely my life's taken a turn for the better since I stopped letting them Define my worth I'm making smart Investments learning more every day their opinions their struggles they're just Echoes of a life I left behind it was liberating this feeling of complete Detachment from the chaos that once consumed me the rumors the pitying glances they mean nothing now I was building something lasting investing in myself myself and my future the contrast between my growing stability and their dwindling fortunes was Stark but it was the result of choice we each made as I continued to expand my knowledge and portfolio the satisfaction of seeing my investments grow was unmatched I was proving to myself more than anyone else that I could thrive on my own terms the independence and Financial Security I was building were my true Vindication far removed from the petty squabbles and desperate gossip of Carol making one evening as I reviewed my Investment Portfolio the growth and progress reflected in those numbers filled me with a sense of Pride this was real tangible proof of my resilience and foresight the rumors Carol's bitterness Tom's struggles they were just background noise to the symphony of my new life in this quiet moment of reflection I realized the true extent of my transformation I had not only survived the storm but emerged stronger wiser and more determined my past with Tom and Carol was a chapter closed a lesson learned and my future was a canvas I was eager to fill with the colar of success and peace

Channel: Revenge Reverie

Views: 1,943

Keywords: reddit top posts, problems in relationships, reddit stories, reddit real voice, reddit, relationshipsaita

Id: Kf9PsIjeW4w

Length: 25min 42sec (1542 seconds)

Published: Wed Feb 21 2024