I Overheard My MIL Lying to Her Friends about Me Doing No Chores at Home & Decided to Outplay Her

I Overheard My MIL Lying to Her Friends about Me Doing No Chores at Home & Decided to Outplay Her

When Allison invited her mother-in-law’s friends over for an early brunch, little did they know they were about to uncover the truth behind months of false tales and witness a family dynamic transform right before their eyes.

Six weeks ago, my life changed forever—I became a mom to a beautiful baby boy. It’s been the most incredible yet toughest journey. My husband, Sammy, had to leave for a work project right after our son was born.

Allison and her son | Source: Midjourney

So, we planned for his mom to move in with us to help during the first few months. She promised to handle everything so I could recover from the delivery and focus on our newborn.

Life at home is not how I imagined, though. From the moment she arrived, my mother-in-law (MIL) seemed more interested in resting than helping. She quickly claimed her spot on the sofa, diving into her favorite TV series.

Mother-in-law watches TV | Source: Midjourney

She also often mentions how her back pain keeps her from doing too much. I appreciate that she might be in discomfort, but it leaves me to manage everything—meals, cleaning, and, most of all, taking care of our son.

Each day feels like a marathon. I’m up with the baby several times at night, and by the time the sun rises, I’m already exhausted but need to start my day. Breakfast needs to be made, then the endless cycle of laundry, cleaning up, and of course, ensuring our little one is fed, changed, and happy.

Exhausted Allison | Source: Midjourney

Babies sure know how to double your laundry load! By mid-morning, I’ve usually forgotten about rest, my hair is a mess, and I’ve probably reheated my morning coffee three times already.

During these mornings and afternoons, my MIL continues her marathon too—of TV episodes. Occasionally, she’ll mention how much she wishes she could help more but is just too sore to move. Yet, as evening approaches, something remarkable happens. Her pain seems to miraculously fade, especially when her friends come over.

Mother-in-law having her tea party | Source: Midjourney

They don’t come every night, but when they do, it’s like a switch flips. Suddenly, she’s lively, chatting, and laughing, playing the perfect hostess in our kitchen, which she rarely uses for anything other than making coffee during the day.

Her transformation during these gatherings is stark. It’s confusing and, honestly, a bit hurtful. I find myself wondering how she can so easily entertain guests but not assist with simple tasks that would give me a moment to breathe or, dare I say, take a nap.

The tea party | Source: Midjourney

This contrast in her behavior has left me feeling both frustrated and skeptical of her claims of pain. I’m left to juggle the joys and trials of new motherhood essentially on my own.

This isn’t what I expected when we agreed that she would come to help. It’s a daily struggle, but I keep reminding myself that this phase won’t last forever. Still, a little genuine help would make a world of difference.

Tired Allison listens in | Source: Midjourney

Last night, something happened that turned my usual frustration into outright anger. I was finishing up some late-night cleaning when I heard laughter and chatter from the kitchen.

My MIL was there, hosting her friends as she often does when she transforms in the evenings. Curious, I paused to listen, not intending to eavesdrop, but what I heard left me stunned and hurt.

My MIL was speaking loudly, and clearly, telling her friends that she’s been the one taking care of everything at home. She claimed she was cooking, cleaning, and mostly caring for my baby. Then, she added something that really got to me.

Mother-in-law complains about Allison | Source: Midjourney

She said, “I don’t know what Sammy saw in her; she’s just lazing around all day, a real couch potato.” Her words were like a slap in the face. There I was, barely keeping my eyes open from exhaustion, and she was painting a picture of me as lazy and uninvolved.

The sense of betrayal was overwhelming. I felt anger boiling inside me. How could she lie so blatantly? How could she discredit all my efforts? It wasn’t just the physical exhaustion of caring for a newborn and a household that hurt. It was the emotional pain of being so unfairly judged in my own home.

Angry Allison | Source: Midjourney

I knew I couldn’t just confront her; that would only lead to more tension. So, I came up with a plan. A way to show her friends the truth without causing a scene. I decided I would invite them over myself, but earlier than they usually come. This way, they could see the real situation. They would see who was really on the couch and who was handling the chores and the baby.

So, today, I sent out a few messages, arranging for her friends to come over for what I called a special brunch. I planned it during a time when I usually have my hands full with baby duties and household chores.

Coincidentally, this was the time when my MIL usually settles in for her morning of TV. It was a simple plan, but I hoped it would reveal the truth. Maybe, just maybe, I could make her realize how her words and actions affect others around her.

Allison calls her mother-in-law’s friends | Source: Midjourney

This morning was a turning point in my home. I had planned a special brunch, inviting my mother-in-law’s friends to arrive much earlier than their usual evening visits. I was nervous but hopeful that today would bring some much-needed change.

As her friends arrived, they found my MIL asleep on the sofa with the TV blaring some morning show. There I was, in the next room, soothing my little boy who wasn’t feeling well. His little cries filled the air, quite the contrast to the usual laughter that echoes from the kitchen during her evening get-togethers.

Little crying boy | Source: Midjourney

The surprise on her friends’ faces was evident as they walked in. They weren’t used to seeing this scene. My MIL woke up, clearly disoriented and embarrassed, scrambling to turn off the TV and smooth out her hair. She tried to laugh it off, mumbling about not expecting anyone so early.

I took this opportunity to ask for her help with some simple tasks. First, I asked her to change the baby’s diaper. I told her the new diapers were in their usual place.

Mother-in-law tries to find the diapers | Source: Midjourney

She hesitated, fumbled through the drawers, and couldn’t find them. I had to step in to show her where they were, something so routine for me, yet unfamiliar to her.

Then, as I started preparing food for everyone, I asked her to fetch the big salad bowl from the cabinet. Again, she looked lost in her own kitchen, opening the wrong cabinets before I guided her to the right one. Her friends watched, slowly piecing together the reality of the situation.

Mother-in-law struggles to find a bowl | Source: Midjourney

The atmosphere shifted noticeably. There were no more chuckles or light banter. Instead, an uncomfortable silence filled the room as her friends saw the truth behind the daily life in our home. My MIL’s face reddened with embarrassment as she realized how her stories had unraveled.

The morning progressed, and her friends began to help with the brunch, seeing firsthand how much I managed on my own. As they left, their parting looks were filled with a mix of sympathy and a new understanding.

MIL’s friends look at Allison | Source: Midjourney

After everyone had gone, there was a quiet moment between my MIL and me. It was awkward at first, but then she began to apologize. She admitted that she had been unfair and promised to start helping more genuinely. I could see she was sincere, maybe embarrassed by her own actions being brought to light.

From that day forward, things began to change. My MIL started taking on more responsibilities around the house and with her grandson. She wasn’t perfect overnight, but the effort was real. We started to find a new rhythm together, cooperating and sharing the duties that come with maintaining a home and caring for a child.

Allison and her mother-in-law cradle her son | Source: Midjourney

This experience taught us both valuable lessons in honesty and respect. It wasn’t just about exposing the lies; it was about rebuilding trust and understanding the real meaning of family support. Now, I can genuinely say our home feels more balanced and peaceful. It’s amazing how much can change when the truth comes to light.

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.

My Boyfriend Demanded That I Give Him My Card to Pay Our Restaurant Bill

When Lisa earns her much-deserved promotion, she wants to go out and celebrate with her boyfriend, Troy. At the restaurant, Lisa learns that Troy just wants to put on a façade and be the ‘man’—disrespecting her and her hard-earned role. But when he gives his number to a waitress, things take a turn, causing Lisa to embarrass Troy and walk out of their relationship.

It was meant to be a night of pure celebration. After six months at my new job, I had finally earned a significant promotion and was eager to share the joy with Troy, my boyfriend.

He suggested the new upscale restaurant in town, famous for its ambiance and gourmet menu.

“Let’s just get dressed and go out, Lisa,” he said. “We don’t do this very often, so let’s make the most of it.”

I had to agree; we rarely did this—we rarely decided to go out and indulge in anything.

“Fine,” I agreed. “A night out is exactly what we need.”

And I believed that we needed it. Mainly because, as much as I wanted to believe that Troy and I were supposed to last forever, I had begun to see some cracks in our relationship. Something just felt different.

I was happy in my job, but Troy wasn’t happy in his.

“I do so much, but nobody bothers to recognize me,” he said grimly one evening when he came over for salsa night.

Troy sat on the couch and dug his chips into the salsa and guacamole, complaining about work the entire evening.

It was because of his moods regarding work that I didn’t tell him anything good about my job.

“Maybe you just need to give it more time,” I said, handing him a frozen margarita. “You just started there a few months ago.”

“Lisa, please,” he said. “You wouldn’t understand. Let me be.”

But when I had gotten news of this new promotion, there was no way that I was going to keep it to myself. I wanted to celebrate and be celebrated, and I hoped that Troy would want to do just that.

To my surprise, he seemed really excited about it, and he told me that he was proud of me.

“Really, babe,” he said when he came over to my apartment to pick me up. “This is a big deal, and I’m proud of you.”

The evening started beautifully. Troy showed up with a bouquet of flowers, and he sat down and waited while I got ready. Usually, he wasn’t pleased if I was still getting ready when he arrived, but this evening was different.

“Come on,” I said. “I’m ready!”

Troy put his phone away and stood up, leading the way out of my apartment to where his car was waiting for us.

We drove in silence, but for once, the silence wasn’t tense—it was peaceful, and I felt that maybe Troy was changing. That he was becoming someone who wanted to be here and be present with me.

The soft lighting and the stunning view of the city skyline from our table set a romantic backdrop for our evening. We toasted to my success, with Troy raising his glass of champagne high.

“To the most amazing woman I know,” Troy cheered, clinking his glass against mine. “And to many more successes to come.”

“To us and to the future!” I echoed, suddenly caught up in the moment.

We went through the menu and ordered our meals while Troy spoke about the shared dreams that we had—from the Bali holiday that we had been speaking about for a long time, to wanting to move in together soon.

“I just think it’s time,” Troy said. “And now that you have your promotion, it will be much easier for us.”

Everything went along well, until the waitress brought our food over. Troy kept glancing at her, hoping to catch her eye—he winked at her twice.

I didn’t want to make a scene about it—Troy did this whenever he had something to drink. He behaved as though being a flirt was second nature.

But then, as we neared the end of our meal, I noticed a change in Troy. His usual easy smile tightened when the check was brought to our table. He smiled at the waitress as she stepped aside.

“You should let me pay with your card,” he said, a strain of insistence in his voice.

I was surprised. On the one hand, I didn’t mind paying for the dinner because it was my promotion and I was making a lot more money than I had before. But at the same time, I had also hoped that Troy would want to spoil me for the night.

“Why can’t you use your own card?” I asked, surprised by the frown on his face.

Troy’s irritation was barely concealed.

“Clearly because you’re the one who got promoted, and I don’t have enough money for these fancy dinners, Lisa! You know that, and yet you act like you don’t.”

I was confused by his logic.

“I’ll just pay with my card,” I said, putting my handbag on the table. “It’s not a big deal.”

My boyfriend’s face hardened as he took a sip of his whiskey—he had switched from champagne halfway through the meal.

“It’s embarrassing, Lisa,” he said. “It’s like you’re actually trying to humiliate me by not letting me be the man who pays.”

I didn’t know how to react to Troy’s words. It didn’t make sense to me. And I couldn’t understand what the waitress had to do with who was paying for our meal.

I would have retaliated and stood up for myself, but I could feel my energy being drained by Troy.

I felt cornered. And because I wanted to avoid making a scene, I reluctantly handed over my card.

Troy smirked and picked up my card, signaling for the waitress with an exaggerated flourish, presenting my card as if he were performing a grand gesture.

“I’ll be right back with the card machine,” the waitress said.

Feeling uneasy, I excused myself to the restroom. I just needed a moment to be myself. Troy did this all the time. But I thought that the evening was going well and that he was changing.

Of course, I was wrong.

Before thinking it through, I pulled my phone out and logged onto my banking app. With a few swipes and clicks, I had blocked my card.

Let’s see him pay now, I thought to myself.

On my way back, I paused near the bar, my attention caught by Troy’s laughter from across the room.

He was flirting openly with the waitress, scribbling something onto a napkin—presumably his phone number.

He handed it to her with a wink. I was stunned. I was hurt. A rush of indignation surged through me.

I returned to the table as the waitress spoke.

“I’m sorry, but there seems to be a problem,” she said. “Your card was declined.”

Troy’s confident façade crumbled as he stammered, turning away.

“What?” he asked. “Surely that can’t be right.”

Feigning concern, I suggested that Troy call the bank.

He sat back in his chair and pulled out his phone, dialing the bank and putting the call on speaker.

The representative asked for the card number, which Troy read off my card, followed by a request for the account password.

Finally, Troy hesitated. He was at a loss.

“Okay, Sir,” the person said through the phone. “If you can verify the last three transactions, it would help.”

The waitress hopped from one foot to the other.

“I can answer that,” I said. “A lavender-scented candle, some skincare products, and a new book. And Sir, the name on the card is Lisa Simmons.”

The waitress’s expression cleared with understanding, and Troy was left floundering for a response.

I then pulled out another card and paid the bill myself.

“Lucky I have two cards,” I told Troy and the waitress. “But babe, since you enjoyed the service, I think you can get the tip.”

Troy, red-faced, scrambled through his wallet, pulling out only expired coupons and a few small bills.

I stood up, waiting for Troy to say something—anything, but he sat there tight-lipped.

“Hey, I didn’t take his number,” the waitress said, a smirk playing on her lips. “I just threw the napkin away.”

“I’ll find my own way home,” I told Troy as I walked out into the night.

As I walked outside, I didn’t know if I had made a mistake. But at the end of the day, no relationship should make a person second guess themselves or make them feel like celebrating themselves is wrong.

Which is something that Troy did all the time.

I think I’m finally done with him.

What would you do?

If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one |

When Kyra discovers, by accident, that her boyfriend, Henry, has been cheating on her, she goes completely numb. Until he sends her an invoice for everything that he had ever spent on her. Fueled by her anger, Kyra fights back, exposing Henry for who he is and asking for her monetary rewards in return.