My wife Megan always poured her heart and soul into our family’s monthly dinners, but instead of gratitude, she faced harsh criticism from my relatives. After seeing her break down in tears one too many times, I decided to set up a secret test to uncover the truth behind their relentless complaints. What I discovered was both shocking and heartbreaking.
Our family’s tradition of monthly dinners has been a cherished custom for generations. It started with my grandmother, who would gather her siblings for a meal every month, strengthening their bond. When my father and his siblings grew up, they carried on the tradition, and as kids, my siblings and I eagerly awaited those evenings to reconnect with our cousins and share some laughs.
These dinners weren’t just simple get-togethers. My dad would go all out with the decorations, while my mom ensured the table was filled with delicious dishes. I still remember one time when my dad even ordered pizza for us kids, which turned into one of the most memorable nights of my childhood. Now that my siblings and I are adults, we’ve taken on hosting duties, keeping the tradition alive.
A few months ago, my older sister Angela hosted one of these dinners, serving an incredible chicken pie that everyone, including Megan, raved about. We take turns hosting, and when it was our turn, Megan was excited to be part of the tradition. She volunteered to cook, saying, “You know I find cooking therapeutic, babe. Don’t worry, I’ll handle everything.” That’s just how Megan is—thoughtful and eager to contribute.
However, the first time Megan cooked for my family, things took an unexpected turn. As soon as my relatives learned she had prepared the meal, the complaints started. “I knew it!” Angela exclaimed. “The food tastes so bland!” My brother Dan chimed in, “Why is the chicken so dry?” Even my mom added, “Maybe use less seasoning next time.”
Megan’s face fell, and I could see how crushed she was after putting so much effort into the meal. “I think the chicken is perfect!” I tried to cheer her up, even asking my younger brother David for his opinion. He backed me up, but the damage was done. Megan barely held it together, promising to cook something different next time.
That night, I found her crying in the bedroom. “They shouldn’t have treated you like that,” I said, holding her close. “Your cooking was amazing. Don’t let their comments bring you down.” Though I managed to convince her to try cooking for the next dinner, the cycle of criticism repeated. Megan prepared my mom’s favorite roasted chicken and Angela’s beloved red sauce pasta, perfecting the recipes through hours of practice. Yet, at dinner, the remarks were even crueler.
“This pasta is awful,” Angela declared, while my mom discreetly spit out the chicken. Megan’s shoulders slumped, and she quietly retreated to the kitchen, where I found her in tears again. That’s when I overheard my mom whispering, “She’s not even trying.” It was a breaking point for me.
Later, as I comforted Megan, she said something that made me suspicious: “They never complained when you cooked. Are they doing this on purpose?” Her words stuck with me, and I decided to test my family’s behavior. For our next hosting turn, Megan cooked the same dishes, but we pretended I had prepared them.
When dinner was served, I proudly announced, “I cooked everything tonight using Mom’s recipe for the chicken. I hope you all like it.” To my surprise, my family couldn’t stop praising the meal. “This is the best pasta I’ve ever tasted!” Angela exclaimed. Mom, who had criticized the same chicken just weeks before, gushed over how perfectly it was roasted. Even Dad and Dan joined in, complimenting the flavors.
As I watched the scene unfold, it became painfully clear that their complaints had nothing to do with Megan’s cooking. “I have a confession,” I said, catching their attention. “Megan cooked everything tonight, just like she has for months.” The room fell silent as my family’s faces turned red with embarrassment. My mom stammered something about Megan “getting better at cooking,” but the damage was done.
Later that night, I apologized to Megan for putting her through all of it. “I’m done with these monthly dinners,” I told her. “We won’t be hosting or attending anymore if all they want to do is humiliate you.” Megan, ever the kind soul, encouraged me to keep attending, but I refused. “I don’t care about traditions anymore,” I said. “They disrespected you, and I can’t stand that.”
When we stopped attending, my family started asking questions. I told them bluntly, “You ruined it by constantly criticizing Megan. We’re not coming back.” My mom tried to argue, accusing me of “ruining the family tradition” over my wife, but I stood firm. My younger sister Gloria later confirmed my suspicions, revealing, “Mom and Angela never approved of Megan. They think she’s too different and doesn’t fit in with the family.”
Hearing that validated my decision to prioritize Megan over toxic family dynamics. She deserved better than their petty judgments. Moving forward, we decided to create our own traditions—ones built on love, respect, and kindness. Megan and I now host dinners with friends who appreciate her amazing cooking, and every meal feels like home.
Looking back, I know I made the right choice. Traditions should bring people together, not tear them down. By choosing Megan and standing by her, I protected the most important tradition of all—our happiness and mutual respect.
Do you think I made the right decision?
Lila Hart is a dedicated Digital Archivist and Research Specialist with a keen eye for preserving and curating meaningful content. At TheArchivists, she specializes in organizing and managing digital archives, ensuring that valuable stories and historical moments are accessible for generations to come.
Lila earned her degree in History and Archival Studies from the University of Edinburgh, where she cultivated her passion for documenting the past and preserving cultural heritage. Her expertise lies in combining traditional archival techniques with modern digital tools, allowing her to create comprehensive and engaging collections that resonate with audiences worldwide.
At TheArchivists, Lila is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to uncover hidden gems within extensive archives. Her work is praised for its depth, authenticity, and contribution to the preservation of knowledge in the digital age.
Driven by a commitment to preserving stories that matter, Lila is passionate about exploring the intersection of history and technology. Her goal is to ensure that every piece of content she handles reflects the richness of human experiences and remains a source of inspiration for years to come.
