Overcoming Social Status and Cultural Norms

Planning a family trip with your in-laws can be an exciting adventure. However, sometimes unexpected challenges tied to social status and cultural norms arise. This young woman found herself faced with tough decisions influenced by family expectations and societal pressures.

A Clash of Backgrounds

The young woman shared her experience, saying, “I went on a family trip with my in-laws a couple of weeks back. My mother-in-law has this idea that I’m not very cultured or well-mannered because my family isn’t as well-off as hers. She thinks I lack proper etiquette just because we’re from different backgrounds.”

Unwelcome Exclusion

At the beginning of the trip, the family didn’t want her to join their plans. However, her husband insisted and practically begged them to invite her. Sadly, the exclusion wasn’t limited to her alone; even her brother-in-law’s girlfriend wasn’t invited.

The Dinner Dilemma

To make matters worse, when they arrived at the hotel, plans were made to dine at an expensive restaurant for dinner. Her husband didn’t mention it to her until the last minute, after he was already dressed up. She was shocked and hurt when he revealed that she wasn’t invited.

Cultural Comfort Concerns

Her husband justified the exclusion by explaining that his mother believed she wouldn’t be comfortable with the type of food and appropriate behavior at such a fancy place. Instead of arguing or feeling defeated, she made a decision. She packed her bags and left, catching the first flight home.

Consequences and Criticism

“After I left, my husband freaked out and called me countless times,” she shared. “He said I was being unreasonable and ungrateful, even accusing me of making him look bad in front of his family, despite him begging me to come along on the trip. When he returned home, he wouldn’t even talk to me and just ignored me. To make matters worse, his family indirectly criticized me on Facebook for leaving.”

Striving for Respect and Understanding

It’s unfortunate that this young woman had to face such humiliation and exclusion from her in-laws. No one deserves to be treated this way. It’s important for families to value and respect each other despite differences in backgrounds or financial situations.