After wrapping up a grueling 12-hour shift, all I could think about was collapsing into bed and enjoying a quiet weekend. But as I walked in the door, my husband, Evan, was already in the kitchen, seemingly unfazed by the fact that I had just worked an exhausting shift.
“They’re coming,” he casually announced, as if it was no big deal.
“Who’s coming?” I asked, still half-dazed from the day.
“My parents. They’ll be here in the morning,” he replied, stirring something that didn’t smell particularly appetizing.
I blinked in disbelief. “Wait, what?” I managed to say, still processing the news.
“They’re staying the whole weekend. They want to check out that food festival,” Evan explained nonchalantly.
It took me a moment to gather my thoughts. His parents, the same ones who hadn’t even bothered to text me on my birthday last weekend, were now planning a two-day visit to attend a food festival? Meanwhile, I was barely keeping my eyes open after working back-to-back shifts all week.
I let out a slow, frustrated breath. “So after all that, I’m expected to entertain your parents?”
He seemed unaware of the magnitude of the situation. “Well, they’ll be out most of the time—”
“But they’re sleeping here. Eating here. And I’m supposed to be ‘on’ all weekend, right?” I interrupted, my patience thinning.
He scratched the back of his neck and tried to downplay the issue. “It’s just two nights.”
The thought of two nights with my mother-in-law critiquing my home decor, and my father-in-law monopolizing the couch, was enough to make me lose any remaining patience. This would be two days of feeling like a guest in my own home, while they discussed the food festival and ignored the fact that my birthday had come and gone without a word.
And Evan? He just didn’t see the problem.
“I’m done,” I said, trying to keep my frustration in check. “Let them come. But I’m not playing hostess this time.”
Evan’s face dropped. “What does that mean?”
I grabbed a bottle of water and headed for the bedroom. “It means I have plans this weekend. Good luck with your guests,” I called over my shoulder.
His voice echoed as I walked away. “Wait… what plans?”
I couldn’t help but smirk. He’d find out soon enough.
The Arrival of the In-Laws
True to their word, Evan’s parents—Nelson and Trudy—arrived bright and early the next morning. The sound of their SUV rolling into the driveway was the first sign that my quiet weekend was officially over. As much as I wanted to stay in bed and recuperate, I knew I had to face them.
I heard the familiar sounds of luggage being dragged inside, along with their voices echoing down the hallway. My mother-in-law’s high-pitched squeal about some “cute little lamp” in the foyer followed by my father-in-law’s deep laugh were all too familiar.
I stretched, got dressed at my own pace, and finally made my way into the kitchen. Evan was already there, searching through the cabinets for something to serve his parents. He glanced at me, his expression pleading.
“Morning,” he said carefully, attempting to make small talk. “Sleep okay?”
I opened the fridge and took out some orange juice. “Morning, all,” I muttered to no one in particular, though I could hear footsteps approaching behind me.
Nelson was the first to step in, offering me a quick, distracted nod. “Hey, good to see you.”
Trudy followed, her eyes immediately sweeping over me, no doubt noting my messy hair and casual leggings. “Good morning,” she chirped, her voice dripping with false cheerfulness. “We were just admiring your… decor.”
I forced a smile, though the tension was palpable. “Glad you like it,” I said flatly. Grabbing a mug, I added, “Coffee’s fresh.” If they wanted more interaction, that was all they were going to get from me this morning.
Navigating Unwanted Company
As the morning went on, I tried to keep my distance while Evan prepared for his parents’ arrival. The house felt crowded with their presence, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being forced to play the gracious hostess when all I wanted was to relax and enjoy a break. But Evan seemed to have no understanding of why this bothered me so much.
Nelson and Trudy moved around the house, commenting on every little detail. From the furniture to the decorations, it was clear they were there to scrutinize everything they could.
I could tell Evan was trying his best to manage everything, but it was hard not to notice that I was the one left to entertain them, even if I didn’t want to. My patience was wearing thin, but I couldn’t let it show too much.
They were visiting for the weekend, and as much as I wanted to check out emotionally, I had to keep a level of composure. The last thing I wanted was to create a scene in front of them, but I was finding it harder to contain my frustration with each passing hour.
The Weekend Dragging On
Throughout the weekend, my in-laws continued their reign of our home. I spent most of the time in the background, trying to avoid engaging in conversations that felt forced. The worst part was that I felt like a guest in my own home, while Evan continued to be oblivious to my growing discomfort.
My mother-in-law never failed to mention my “interesting” furniture choices, while my father-in-law made himself comfortable in front of the TV, as usual. It was as though I didn’t even exist beyond being the one to cook, clean, and play hostess. Meanwhile, Evan appeared entirely unfazed by how much of a strain it was on me.
Every moment that ticked by seemed to drag on, and I couldn’t wait for the weekend to end. But even though I was frustrated, I couldn’t bring myself to lash out. Instead, I held my ground, doing the bare minimum, but making it clear that I wasn’t going to cater to their every need.
The End of the Weekend
By the time Sunday evening arrived, I could finally feel a sense of relief. Evan’s parents had packed up and left, and the house was quiet once again. I felt a weight lift off my shoulders as I collapsed into the couch, finally able to relax.
Evan, still completely unaware of the frustration I had experienced all weekend, asked if I was feeling better. I simply nodded, exhausted, but finally able to reclaim my space and peace. Though I hadn’t been able to avoid the visit altogether, I had made it clear I wouldn’t be forced into a role I didn’t want.
As the house returned to its usual calm, I allowed myself a quiet moment of satisfaction. The weekend had been exhausting, but I had survived.
