One of the most nerve-wracking worries we face is the thought of being embarrassed on our wedding day. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to Abby, and the shock came from her own mother-in-law (MIL). It upset Abby so much that she eventually had to ask her husband’s mother to leave the celebration. She is now feeling lost and worried, and has reached out to us for advice.

Here is Abby’s story:

My MIL always thought I wasn’t good enough for her son. She disapproved of me because I came from a less affluent family and had parents who were divorced.

On my wedding day, I was taken aback to see her smiling and engaging in conversation with every guest.

Towards the end of the reception, as we began opening gifts, she came up to me, kissed my forehead, and whispered, ‘You’ll need these from now on.’ The room fell silent and gasps filled the air as I opened her present.

My heart sank and I felt a wave of nausea when I saw what was inside—a pile of demeaning books.

The titles read: ‘How to Marry Rich and Keep Him,’ ‘How to Make Your Marriage Work If You Had Bad Parents,’ and ‘How to Survive Your Husband’s Che*ting.’

Anger surged through me, and I couldn’t hold back. I asked her to leave the party in front of all our guests. She smirked as she left, seemingly satisfied that she had spoiled what was supposed to be the happiest day of my life.

My husband believes I should try to forgive her and rebuild our relationship, but I’m struggling to let this go.

Am I overreacting?