My husband was away on a business trip, so there was no immediate ally to turn to. This confrontation was one I had to face alone. I took a deep breath, summoning the courage I had buried deep within me. It was time to stand up for myself, time to put an end to this cycle of passive-aggression and outright hostility.

I went downstairs, still dripping and leaving a trail of water behind, to find her in the kitchen, calmly sipping her morning tea as though nothing had happened. Her nonchalance only fueled my determination. I approached her, my heart pounding, and spoke with a calmness that surprised even me.

“Why do you feel the need to treat me this way?” I asked, my voice steady but firm. “All I’ve ever wanted was for us to have a good relationship, but your actions make it clear that you see me as an intruder in your son’s life.”