Lately, I’ve been feeling like my daughter and son-in-law are starting to see me as an old woman. It’s not that I’m complaining, but it just feels… strange.
Two days ago, I turned 46, and decided to celebrate with friends at a cozy restaurant. The evening was perfect. Later that night, I invited my daughter and son-in-law over for a dinner at my place.
When they arrived, my son-in-law handed me a beautiful bouquet of roses, and my daughter gave me an envelope. I smiled and looked at her, but deep down, I knew something unusual was about to happen. When I opened it, I was shocked. I couldn’t even look at my daughter anymore.
Here’s what was inside 👇👇
My daughter immediately encouraged me to open it.
— “Mom, you have to see what we got you!” she said, excitement in her voice.
— “You know I don’t like when people give me money. It’s so boring,” I replied.
— “Mom, it’s not money. You’re going to be really happy.”
I opened the envelope, and there it was—a voucher for a 10-day stay at a spa in the Transcarpathians, with all sorts of treatments: massages, thermal springs, and a diet menu.
— “Wow,” I said, staring at the gift. “How did you think of this?”
— “Natalia Vassilievna, don’t you like the gift?” my son-in-law asked, a bit surprised.
l gift. But on the other hand, who was this gift for? A dynamic, youthful woman like me, someone who’s always on the go and loves adventure?
— “Well, I’m grateful, of course,” I began, “but a spa? Isn’t that something for older people?”
— “Mom, it’s not just any spa. There are mountains, fresh air, and beautiful nature! We even found a place with comfy rooms and loads of activities!”
— “Activities? Like dancing for retirees?” I couldn’t help the sarcasm in my voice. “Sweetheart, you know I’m not into places like that. I’m not spending my days with people who are decades older than me.”
— “Mom, but you need to relax! It’s a unique experience.”
I shook my head. Why do they see me as an old woman? I’m not ready to spend my days in the Carpathians with senior citizens.
— “Relaxing can be done in other ways,” I said, my emotions bubbling up. “Why didn’t you think of a trip somewhere that would make me feel alive? Egypt, Italy… something vibrant, something I love.”
Noticing the tension, my son-in-law tried to step in.
— “We just wanted you to relax a bit, Mom. We thought it would be good for you.”
— “Good for me? Maybe it’s good for someone who finds pleasure in a thermal pool at 70, but not for me!” I couldn’t hide my resentment any longer.
I felt my energy drain away, and tears began to form. My daughter and son-in-law thanked me for the dinner and left without a word. No apology. I sat at the table, holding that ridiculous envelope in my hands.
How hurt I was! I can’t believe my daughter sees me like this. 😞💔
