A housewife who has been a homemaker since her children were born was disrespected by her 25-year-old daughter-in-law, who said being a stay-at-home partner was not a job. Despite asking the daughter-in-law to stop with her insulting comments, she continued to insult the woman until she was kicked out of the house.
In a time where more women have joined the corporate world and workforce, the role of a housewife is often overlooked or, worse, frowned upon.
Undoubtedly, the chores and responsibilities of keeping a house together take time and energy. Some even result in hiring help to get through their days without being exhausted after a nine-to-five job.
A frustrated woman in a kitchen. | Source: Getty Images
As such, being a housewife is a significant and sometimes taxing job. It is a multifaceted role that requires a diverse set of skills, patience, and love for family. Unfortunately, not everyone sees the value of being a housewife and keeping a home together.
A woman shared her experience with her daughter-in-law, who has called her out for being a homemaker several times despite her plea to stop. Sadly, her son did not do anything to control his wife.
A young woman cleaning the carpet. | Source: Getty Images
According to the woman, she was a stay-at-home mom when her children were still young and took care of them as they grew up, tending to their needs and ensuring they were molded into good people. Now that her kids are adults, the woman remains a homemaker and is proud to be a housewife.
A woman fixing a curtain rod | Source: Getty Images
However, her daughter-in-law, Beth, 25, does not think being a homemaker is a job and has made this clear within 30 minutes of meeting her mother-in-law. The woman said:
“The first time I met her, and I told her I am a homemaker, she told me that’s not a job, and it’s lazy of me. I met her 30 minutes before that.”
An upset woman in tears | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, Beth did not stop there. The topic often comes up when she and her husband visit for dinner. Beth questions her mother-in-law’s being tired because having no work cannot exhaust someone. The woman has been open to her husband about her feelings, and they concluded that Beth may be jealous since she had to work.
A jealous and upset woman | Source: Getty Images
They tried talking to Beth and warning their daughter-in-law to stop, or she would be asked to leave their home. For a while, Beth stopped with the comments, but one evening, during a dinner party, she again shared her unsolicited opinion.
“I was talking about how I made the pie for tonight,” the woman said. “Beth made a comment that of course, I had enough time since I don’t work.”
The woman, fed up with her daughter-in-law, asked Beth to leave, adding that she was no longer welcome in their home. To make matters worse, the woman’s son took his wife’s side and called his mother names.
A woman cutting onions | Source: Getty Images
The woman defended herself, saying, “Not working doesn’t equal lazy.” As a housewife, she assumes all the responsibilities and chores at home, including taking care of the paperwork for their house. She also cares for their dogs, cooks every day, goes to the gym, and more.
According to the woman, being lazy would mean bumming around the house and watching television all day, which she does not do. She supports her husband at home, making sure he doesn’t have to worry about anything besides his work.
A woman cleaning the house | Source: Getty Images
Since sharing her experience on Reddit, the online forum community has shared their thoughts on the matter. One person doesn’t think that Beth is jealous but instead misinformed of a housewife’s responsibility.
The person also believes that today’s society’s standard for women to be independent and work has influenced Beth’s mindset. Over time, and as she understands more about household responsibilities, she may change her mind. However, the commenter doesn’t believe that Beth’s beliefs give her the right to disrespect her mother-in-law.
Another Reddit user shared their thoughts, claiming that it was the woman’s son who should mediate. “It sounds like you need to have a talk with him and make him deal with her,” the person said.
Several others sided with the woman and knew the challenges of being a housewife. They also agreed that the woman’s son was wrong for calling his mother out when his wife was disrespecting her. Meanwhile, others pointed out Beth’s young age, which may be a reason for her immaturity.
What do you think of this story? Do you agree with the mother-in-law’s actions?
