“Mother-in-Law Favors Husband’s Sister with Cash, While We Get Mere Meals”: The Unfairness of Unequal Family Support

Every weekend, Ariana and Nathan would pack up their car and drive down to the quaint town where Nathan grew up. It was a peaceful place, surrounded by nature and filled with the nostalgia of Nathan’s childhood memories. Initially, Ariana loved these trips. They were an escape from the bustling city life, a chance to breathe fresh air, and an opportunity to bond with her in-laws.

Nathan’s parents, Vincent and Mia, were always welcoming, but the work awaited. Vincent, despite his age, was passionate about his large garden, which sprawled across the backyard like a mini farm. Nathan had grown up tending to this garden, and it was understood that every visit included helping out with whatever seasonal tasks were needed.

Ariana didn’t mind the work. She found solace in the physical activity, the digging, planting, and harvesting. It was rewarding to see the fruits of their labor, quite literally, and Mia always cooked meals from the produce they helped gather. These meals, delicious and hearty, were the extent of what Ariana and Nathan received for their efforts.

However, Ariana couldn’t help but notice the stark difference in how Mia treated her other daughter-in-law, Ellie. Ellie was married to Nathan’s younger brother, Arthur, who rarely visited, citing his busy job in the city. Yet, despite her infrequent appearances and minimal contribution to the household chores, Ellie was often spoken of in glowing terms. More so, Mia frequently sent Ellie home with envelopes of cash, “to help out with the city expenses,” as she put it.

This weekend was no different. After a long day in the garden, Ariana overheard Mia on the phone with Ellie, promising to send more money because Ellie wanted to buy some new furniture. The sting of the conversation was sharp and immediate. Here they were, covered in dirt and sweat from a day’s work, and there was Ellie, about to receive a sum of money for merely being a part of the family.

That night, over dinner, Ariana’s frustration boiled over. “Nathan, don’t you think it’s unfair?” she asked, her voice a mix of anger and disappointment. “We come here every weekend. We work hard. And your mom treats Ellie like she’s the one who needs help?”

Nathan, ever the peacemaker, tried to soothe her. “Ari, it’s just how Mom is. Ellie has always been good at winning people over. Let’s not let this spoil our relationship with my parents.”

But Ariana couldn’t shake off the feeling of injustice. It wasn’t just about the money or the help; it was about the recognition and appreciation of their efforts. As they drove back home on Sunday evening, the car was filled with an uncomfortable silence. Ariana stared out the window, her thoughts clouded with disillusionment. The disparity in treatment wasn’t just a simple family matter anymore; it was a growing wedge between her and Nathan, between her and her in-laws.

The following weekends, Ariana found excuses to stay home. She cited work, a friend’s birthday, anything. Nathan went alone, his expressions growing more troubled with each trip. The imbalance had introduced a crack in their marriage, a crack that widened with the passing weeks. Ariana’s absence was noted but never questioned, and the once cherished trips to the small town became a solo chore for Nathan, a reminder of the unresolved tensions that lay just beneath the surface of family obligations and love.