A woman and her future daughter-in-law are at loggerheads following an out-of-character encounter. This has created division between the woman and her son.
An elderly couple embracing their son and daughter | Source: Pexels
A 48-year-old female revealed on Reddit in 2023 that her relationship with her future daughter-in-law fell apart after an interaction they had. The Original Poster (OP) explained that her then 22-year-old son would be getting married to his fiancée after being together since they were 20.
“I’d always liked her before now, she’s a smart girl, she fits in well with the family, she’s driven, and she makes my son happy. Everything was all roses until they got engaged,” wrote OP.
A man proposing to a woman | Source: Pexels
OP further said that she has always loved jewelry since she was a child and started collecting it once she became an adult. She would design them herself and ask family and friends to chip in so she could get them. She also used her disposable income to get whatever ring she wanted.
OP explained, “I wasn’t buying one every year, but over time I have a nice collection of rings. My favourite are a sapphire with a halo of diamonds, an emerald in a trilogy with 1ct diamonds either side, and a Ruby set in a pavé band.”
A woman in a white Hanok wearing an emerald ring | Source: Pexels
Following her explanation for her love for jewelry, OP shared where things went wrong between her and her future daughter-in-law. After her son got engaged, OP invited him and his wife-to-be over for dinner at her home.
While there, the daughter-in-law asked to speak to OP in private. At first, she was alarmed, thinking something was wrong because it sounded important. The DIL said she had seen her mother-in-law’s emerald ring through the years and had always wanted one, too. OP divulged:
“She pointed out that I wear it least often, which is true, and demanded that I gift it to her as an heirloom engagement ring.”
A woman wearing emerald pendant and ring | Source: Pexels
OP said the DIL was demanding this on top of the wedding gifts and expenses they had discussed as a family, which includes gold to the value of over $7,000. “This rubbed me the wrong way, and I admit I accused her of trying to pick through my estate before I’m even dead,” said OP.
She made it clear to the DIL that the ring was hers and it was her choice to even sell it on her deathbed if she wanted to. OP said her DIL had no right to expect that it be given to her and was “being a rude brat by demanding it.”
She disclosed her DIL yelled at her, saying such a treasured possession should not be sold and instead, she should consider giving it to her as an heirloom. According to the DIL, it is normal for heirlooms to be passed down even if the owner is still alive.
A silver-colored ring with clear gemstone and white pearl | Source: Pexels
Still, OP instructed her to leave her home if she was only there so she could demand her belongings, after which the younger woman stormed out along with her husband-to-be. OP shared her DIL is mad at her following their disagreement.
Moreover, her son sided with his fiancée and said his mother should have given the ring to her, as it would have been a “nice gesture” to welcome her to the family. OP’s son also mentioned that the act would be no different than when his sister occasionally borrows her jewelry pieces.
A family sitting in the patio | Source: Pexels
However, OP’s husband and daughter are on her side, and she is shocked by her son’s behavior, as it is the first time he has shut her down like this. She noted that the DIL already has a beautiful and expensive engagement ring while explaining it is not a situation where she has no engagement ring at all.
Redditors agree with OP that the jewelry is hers, and it should remain that way. One person stated that if the DIL wants an emerald ring so much, she should trade her engagement ring and have one specially designed for her.
Do you think OP was right to kick out her DIL following their altercation and for refusing to give her the ring? What would you do if you were in OP’s position?