My DIL Spoiled My Long-Awaited Vacation — I Taught Her a Lesson in Respect
I thought I was a good mother-in-law and grandmother by availing myself to my son and daughter-in-law (DIL) as they needed. But I soon realized that I was getting the raw end of the deal when my DIL disrespected me. I had to take matters into my own hands to remedy the situation once and for all!
An exhausted woman sitting by a computer as her children play in the background | Source: Pexels
My tale is about learning to set boundaries, standing up for yourself, and demanding the respect you deserve. Maybe it’s also a little about internalizing societal expectations. So finally, after two years of working hard while babysitting my grandchildren for three hours daily, I was free for a bit!
When I wasn’t working and babysitting, I spent time suffering from excruciating backache and joint issues. I was worn out and completely exhausted so I had booked myself some time off. I was ready to take my well-deserved and much-needed vacation!
A woman sitting with a laptop | Source: Pexels
I had spoken to my son, George and my daughter-in-law (DIL), Sarah, way ahead of time about my plans. “Darlings, you are going to need to make babysitting plans for the next few weeks,” I told them. “What do you mean? Where will you be,” Sarah asked, unintentionally annoying me.
Now don’t get me wrong, she wasn’t annoying me because I was a mean mother-in-law (MIL) who hated her. But because of her selfish question. It seemed I was expected to always be around. “I am going on a vacation to the Bahamas. I already bought the tickets and booked myself at a lovely hotel.”
An older woman talking to a young couple | Source: Pexels
My son and DIL exchanged surprised looks before staring at me as if I’d grown a second head. “This is so unlike you, mom. Who are you going with?” I rolled my eyes at George’s response. He’d somehow forgotten that before he had kids, I was jetsetting every few months!
“That’s not true my love. I used to travel all the time when my time was mine,” I replied a bit irritated. I couldn’t believe how clueless he’d become when it came to my life. “Well, where are we going to get someone to babysit the kids for free every day?”
An older woman talking to a young couple | Source: Pexels
I realized at that moment that I’d spoiled these two. “Your parents are a start, Sarah. Arrange play dates with your friends’ children or something, I don’t know,” I said in frustration. Why was I the one who had to figure out what THEY did with their own children?
It dawned on me how much I had made them dependent on me. It wasn’t my intention, I think I took the Gam-Gam role a bit too far, and I so loved my little munchkins! They gave me so much to live for. But I was tired and needed a break.
A happy woman in the kitchen with her grandchild | Source: Pexels
Without waiting for their response, which I anticipated would make me angry, I turned to leave. “I will send you the details of when I leave, where I’ll be staying, and when I’ll return. Toodles!” I heard them falling over themselves as they tried to catch up to my quick stride.
They were LITERALLY trying to get ME to tell THEM what to do with their children! But I was having none of it and quickly closed the door before rushing to my car and driving away. Yes, I felt like I was escaping and running away from my responsibilities and I HATED that feeling!
A woman driving | Source: Pexels
When I arrived home, my DIL had left several voice messages that I had no intention of listening to. My therapist was the one who made me realize I was overworked and needed some time off. I was oblivious to that as I continued stretching myself to my limits.
She, my therapist, knocked it into my head that I was overcompensating by trying to be the best MIL and grandmother while losing myself. I stuck to my promise and sent George and Sarah all the details of my travels as a courtesy.
A therapist taking notes while talking to a client | Source: Pexels
The next few weeks were filled with Sarah trying to convince me to leave with the kids. When she wasn’t trying to do that, she tried to get me to stay and not leave. “I need to do this for ME, Sarah. You won’t understand,” I explained, trying to get her off my back.
If my DIL wasn’t the one pestering me, my son got in on it. But with the words of my therapist playing in my head, “Stick to your guns. You are doing this for YOUR well-being,” I remained resolute in my decision.
A younger woman negotiating something with an older one | Source: Pexels
When the fateful day came, I announced my departure to my son and left. For two glorious days on vacation, I had nothing but massages, long beach walks, drank piña coladas, and enjoyed the sunsets!
On the third day, my mood was spoiled when I suddenly received a disturbing message from my DIL. “George is on his business trip, my parents have house repairs, and I’m going on MY retreat,” her text began.
Unhappy-looking woman looking at her phone | Source: Pexels
“And you know what? It’s in the Bahamas!! Isn’t it amazing? We’re already boarding, I need you to watch the kiddos!” Annoyed is an understatement for what I was feeling! I couldn’t understand, so HER parents have repairs, and I have a vacation, so I can babysit the kids?!
I was MAD AS HELL! I was practically seething! This time I leaned on my own faculties and decided to teach her a lesson on mutual respect. When they pitched, I was my usual affectionate self to my grandbabies and hugged and kissed them.
A woman bonding with her grandchildren | Source: Pexels
I then spent an hour bonding with the pair while Sarah mumbled about how SHE had to MEDITATE tomorrow. But the next day, I got an irritated call from her. “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON? WHERE ARE YOU?!” she had the nerve to demand.
All calm and relaxed as I had anticipated that type of response, I answered, “I’m at the spa, getting a massage. Why do you ask?” Sounding more frustrated, my DIL replied, “Why would you not answer your phone?!”
A frustrated woman talking on the phone with her baby lying in a cot behind her | Source: Freepik
“The kids have been driving ME crazy, and I need a break!” I had finally had enough of her nonsense and took a deep breath before responding. “I hear you talking about what YOU need and want, but have you asked ME what my plans are?”
“Has it even occurred to YOU to find out if I WANT to babysit during MY vacation and time away?” I heard her gasp as she tried cutting in all respectful this time, saying, “Mrs. Thomas, I…” But I cut her off and continued my rant.
A frustrated woman talking on the phone | Source: Pexels
“Do you know what I am doing here, huh? Do you even CARE?” My voice went up a notch. “You receive what you deserve, Sarah. And maybe it’s time for YOU and George to learn a lesson about respect!”
My DIL was stunned into silence. She realized for the first time in two years the depth of her imposition. Her voice had softened as she stammered, “I… I didn’t think… I just assumed…”
A woman talking on a phone in a bathroom | Source: Pexels
I wasn’t done with her as I replied, “That’s exactly the problem we have, you assumed and KEEP assuming. I love my grandkids, but I also NEED my own time.”
“This was MY vacation. It’s time I took off so I can recuperate and have some self-care.” I could hear from the silence on the other side that Sarah was feeling guilty. She was FINALLY understanding where I was coming from.
An upset woman talking on the phone | Source: Freepik
“I’ve given you and Georgie two long years of my love and dedication.” I shared how I’d stretched myself because I wanted to be a good MIL and grandmother. I also wanted to be there for them as they transitioned into parenthood.
But then I went too far as they kept demanding more and more of my time. I confessed to my DIL that I started feeling burnt out. Yet, because I hadn’t felt the feeling before, I didn’t realize what was happening to me.
A frustrated woman talking on the phone | Source: Freepik
A friend I confided in suggested I see her therapist. That’s when it finally clicked that I was wearing myself thin. I was quite upset as I ended my rant by stating, “Next time, respect MY plans and ask, don’t just assume I’m here to serve your convenience!”
Sarah paused for a long time on the other end of the line and I was about to say something when she finally sighed. It appeared she finally understood the weight of my words and where I was coming from.
Two women conversation | Source: Pexels
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I should have asked. I’ll make other arrangements,” my DIL replied, sounding defeated. I won’t lie, I felt a tinge of regret for how I approached things, but decided it was something that had to be done.
After all, as they say, people treat the way you teach them to. I thanked her for understanding. “Now, I’m going to enjoy the rest of my vacation. I suggest you find a way to enjoy yours too, without relying on me.”
A woman playing with her children | Source: Pexels
I didn’t wait for a response before hanging up and felt the most serene wave of satisfaction! I had stood up for myself and drew boundaries that taught my DIL a valuable life lesson! I happily returned to my massage, content that I would not be disturbed anymore.
I felt the stress melt away from my body as the masseuse kneaded longstanding knots that had built up over the years. I was pleased to know that I had managed to reclaim my well-deserved break.
A relaxed woman getting a massage | Source: Pexels
Unfortunately, Mrs. Thomas isn’t the only person who’s had to take measures to teach people important lessons. Mark’s mother kept nagging his pregnant wife to the point that the younger woman had to leave. Not wanting his mother to miss her mistake, Mark found a clever way to teach the parent about respect and boundaries.
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.
Stewardess Breaks the Rules to Talk Some Sense into Raging Son of a Millionaire during a Flight – Story of the Day
Monica was tired of the spoiled rich boy who always flew with their airline. He was loud, rude, and didn’t care about the other passengers on the plane. But she got an idea one day and decided to trick him. Surprisingly, someone else also spoke up, and Monica did not have to worry again.
“LET’S GET WILD!” yelled Gerald Ross, the son of a real estate millionaire in New York and one of the most spoiled people Monica had ever met. She was a flight attendant from JFK to Miami, and everyone was tired of his antics.
Gerald held a champagne bottle and made his friends drink from it. They got even louder as a result, and no one could quiet them down. She would’ve understood if they were on a private plane, but Gerald and his friends always used this airline because his rich daddy was close friends with the owner. They had some deal.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Ugh, rich people,” Monica whispered to her co-worker, Julian, who rolled his eyes at the rowdy group of friends too. Although they were all in first class, they disturbed other passengers, and people were constantly telling them to shut up. But there was nothing they could do. Gerald wouldn’t listen and insulted them to boot.
This was not what Monica imagined when she decided to become a stewardess. Her father was a pilot who sadly passed away in a plane crash, but that didn’t deter her from her pursuit of the sky. She loved it and wanted to become a pilot. However, her mother couldn’t afford lessons, and flight attendant studies were much cheaper.
She was now paying for her own lessons, but it was a slow process. Soon, she would be a pilot too, and hopefully, she wouldn’t have to deal with young men like Gerald ever again.
“Hey, you! Yeah, I’m talking to you, steward!” Gerald called her attention, making the word stewardess sound like an insult. Monica had to fake a smile before approaching him. “Bring me another bottle NOW!”
“Mr. Ross, could you please quiet down a bit. There are other passengers on the plane,” she said, trying to calm the group down.
“Hey! Don’t you know who I am? I could get you fired like this!” the young man said, snapping his fingers to indicate that she could quickly lose her job. “GET THE BOTTLE NOW! AND SOME PEANUTS FOR EVERYONE TOO!”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
There was no use. Her colleagues looked bone-tired, even though the plane had barely taken off. They had a few more hours of this situation in store, and Monica couldn’t take it anymore. Instead of looking for the bottle, she entered the cockpit and took a seat behind Vince, the primary pilot who happened to be her boyfriend.
“Hey, are you ok?” Vince asked while checking dials and keeping everything in place.
Monica breathed a huge sigh. “Gerald Ross is here, and it’s barely been an hour since we took off. I can’t take it anymore,” she told him, wiping a hand on her forehead.
“I’m sure you can do something to keep them quiet,” Vince replied.
“Can you talk to him?”
“You know I can’t go out there. It would be a breach in protocol.”
“Hmmm, breach in protocol. Maybe, I could lie and spook him,” Monica said, placing a finger on her chin and thinking deeply. Just then, the sounds of more screams came from the first-class area, and she was forced to stand up. “Ugh…”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Unsplash
“You can do this, Monica. I believe in you,” Vince said, turning around and smiling at her. He loved her deeply. In fact, he had proposed to her last night, but Monica had so many dreams she wanted to accomplish before getting married. She had asked him for some time to think. At that moment, she wanted to say yes and quit this job forever.
But Monica would not let a spoiled daddy’s boy derail her career. That’s when she had a brilliant idea and marched outside back to the first class.
“Everyone, can I please have your attention?” she began, smiling fakely. “Due to some extenuating circumstances, I’m going to have to fly the plane, but I can’t do it because our colleagues are so busy with Mr. Ross and his friends. So, the plane is on autopilot for now with no one operating it.”
She didn’t know if her idea would work or if Gerald would be scared of it. She was going to have to lie through her teeth to convince everyone that there was no other option, and she needed that rowdy group to stop so she could concentrate on “flying” this plane.
Everyone’s eyes widened in surprise, and even Gerald’s group got quiet.
“Excuse me, what did you say?” a passenger questioned, almost angrily.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Where’s the pilot? I saw him go inside!” another flyer called out.
“What about the co-pilot?” another person wondered with worried eyes.
“Our co-pilot had an emergency, but the flight still continued because they had me aboard, and I’m almost done training for my pilot’s license. Now that our pilot is also experiencing some trouble, it’s up to me to fly this plane. But I really can’t do it if I have to worry about a loud, disruptive group in the cabin,” Monica continued, trying to remain vague to avoid raising any more suspicions from the passengers.
Finally, an older man in an expensive Armani suit, Mr. George Carter, stood up. “See, Ross? This is the kind of disaster you and your group have caused. We’re a flying machine, and you think we’re in some kind of club. I’m going to have a serious talk with your father when we reach Miami!” Mr. Carter exclaimed at the young man. “Now, sit down like a normal person, shut up, and let this lady fly the plane!”
Mr. Carter sat back down, and Ross’s group looked away in shame. The other passengers all nodded their heads, and one even thanked the older man. Monica smiled in delight as the spoiled boy looked at his lap in shame.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Thank you for your understanding, everyone. I’ll return to the cockpit, and don’t worry, I have aced all my pilot lessons,” Monica said and returned to the cockpit, where she had to stay the rest of the flight to keep up the ruse.
Luckily, Gerald and his friends did not make a peep for the rest of the flight, and they reached their destination without another hiccup. After landing, she explained to her colleagues why she lied, and they all thanked her deeply.
Several days later, Monica and Julian worked another route, and he had some gossip for her. “You know how Mr. Carter threatened to call Gerald’s dad? Well, he actually did it. He also talked to the owner of the airline, and as a punishment, he has been banned from flying with us,” her co-worker revealed.
“That’s fantastic,” Monica laughed as she got everything ready for the passengers’ in-flight meal. “Oh, didn’t I tell you? Vince and I got officially engaged that day. I guess watching that man scold Gerald made me super happy, and I decided to accept his proposal!”
“Congratulations!”
What can we learn from this story?
- Don’t be rude to people in the service industry. You must respect people in the service industry no matter who your father is or how much money you have. It’s common decency.
- A little white lie can serve a purpose sometimes. Monica lied a bit to the passengers, and they finally got fed up with the rich kid’s behavior.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about an older woman who was mocked on a plane.
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