In-laws

“Welcome to my nightmare” Darcy said with a roll of her eyes in reply to her friend’s complaint about having to have dinner with her in-laws that night. The two women had been for an early morning walk and were sitting enjoying a coffee before going their separate ways and getting on with their day.

“Come on Darcy, they can’t be that bad” she’d heard this line from her friend before but had never really questioned it.
“Can’t they?” Darcy said in a harsh tone “you can have them then.”
Faith laughed “I know I complain about Blake’s parents, but they aren’t really as bad as I make out. Your’s must have some redeeming characteristics?” and as Darcy just looked at her, she raised her eyebrows and said “don’t they?”
“Not that I’ve seen so far” Darcy said with a dark expression.
“It probably doesn’t help, that Luke is an only child.”

“You think?” Darcy asked, her words laced with sarcasm. But seeing her friend’s hurt expression, she apologised “sorry Faith. I didn’t mean to take it out on you. I’m glad you have a good relationship with your in-laws.” Looking away she continued “it’s not much fun knowing your husband’s family don’t like you.”

Faith reached out and grabbed Darcy’s hand. She gave it a squeeze “I’m sure that’s not it. They couldn’t help but like you” but as Darcy just looked at her and she saw the doubt in her eyes, she added “from what you’ve told me, I just think you are two different types of people who value different things and unfortunately they don’t appreciate what is important to you. That doesn’t make either of you right or wrong, just different.”

Darcy looked at Faith. Could she be right? Is that why it felt like she was always coming up wanting in their estimation? In the past she had tried to tell herself she didn’t care, but deep down she knew that was a lie. It hurt her. 

 Grateful for her friends intelligent insight, Darcy got up and gave Faith a hug. She said “thank you.”
As Darcy stepped back Faith smiled “you’re welcome” then changing her tone, she said with a wink “right now I’ve sorted your life out, I need to go and get ready to face my own demons.”
Darcy smiled, allowing her friend to lift the mood. She said “have a great night.”
It was Faith’s turn to roll her eyes this time and grinning she said “talk to you tomorrow, bye.”
“Bye Faith” Darcy said.

 

As Darcy made her way back to the car she thought about what her friend had said. Was she right and if she was, was she guilty of the same thing? Did she not appreciate what they considered important because it was different to what she valued? As she thought about it, she was ashamed to realise she probably didn’t. She had always blamed her husband’s family for the strained relationship they shared, but now she had to admit she was at fault too. While she'd like to believe she would have accepted them for who they were if they had been willing to do the same, she did share the responsibility for the continued tension. Frustrated with herself, as she made her way home, Darcy made a decision.  She would make an effort to change her approach with her in-laws and hopefully improve the situation. Maybe if she met them half way, they’d do the same. It was worth a try.