My boyfriend’s mother insisted on calling me by his ex’s name long after their breakup, and it really bothered me. For a long time, I didn’t say anything about it.However, a family celebration presented me with the perfect opportunity to address the issue. What I did that day might have just ended my relationship.
My name is Leylah, and I’ve been with my boyfriend, Todd, for five wonderful years. He’s a great guy, and we’ve had a solid relationship since he broke up with his high school sweetheart, Emma.
They had been together since childhood, and their bond was so strong that Emma was considered part of his family.
When Todd and Emma broke up two years before he and I got together, it wasn’t just Todd who had a hard time moving on. His mother, Tammy, was incredibly close to Emma and treated her like a daughter. I think Tammy had hoped Todd and Emma would eventually marry and start a family together.
At first, Tammy would occasionally call me by Emma’s name, but she usually corrected herself, and I let it slide
. I wanted to be accepted by Todd’s family, so I didn’t make a fuss. I also understood that Tammy might need some time to let go of the relationship she had envisioned for her son.
But as time went on, Tammy started calling me by Emma’s name more frequently, to the point where it became constant. Todd would correct her each time, but she just wouldn’t stop. I tried to be patient, but it was wearing on me.
A few weeks before Tammy’s 60th birthday, she invited the whole family for a celebration. She asked everyone to bring food for the party, and naturally, Todd and I were invited, along with his sisters and brother-in-law.
At one point during the gathering, we were all in the kitchen when Todd’s oldest sister mentioned my cooking. She said Todd always praised my meals and desserts, which made me blush.
Then, out of nowhere, Tammy loudly chimed in: “Why don’t we let Laura make the birthday cake this year?” Todd’s sisters giggled, trying to hide their amusement. I was taken aback but pretended not to notice the slight and responded enthusiastically, “That’s a great idea!
” I didn’t tell Todd about what had happened, but I decided to take advantage of the situation.
On the day of the birthday party, the atmosphere was filled with excitement. As soon as the topic of the birthday cake came up, I made my move. With a mock expression of confusion, I exclaimed, “Oh, the cake! I was so looking forward to tasting Laura’s famous baking. Wasn’t she bringing the cake?”
The room went silent. Tammy’s face contorted with disbelief as she stammered, “What do you mean, Laura? You were supposed to make the cake, Leylah!” Todd tried to lighten the mood with a chuckle, saying, “Maybe Laura got stuck in traffic?” But it only made things worse.
Todd’s younger sister suggested we all just enjoy some ice cream from the freezer, but Tammy wasn’t having it. She grew more frustrated, exclaiming, “A birthday without a cake is like a summer without sun! Leylah, how could you?”
I remained calm and replied, “I thought Laura was in charge of the cake. Isn’t she the one you’ve been talking about all day?” The tension in the room was palpable, and after a few more heated exchanges, Todd and I were kicked out of the party.
As we were leaving, Todd’s uncle, who had been quietly watching the drama unfold, broke the tension with a laugh, saying, “Well, I guess we’ll call this the birthday that Laura forgot!” His humor lightened the mood, but the damage was done.
Todd’s mother managed a small smile, but it was clear she was still upset.
Todd, on the other hand, was furious with me.
He hasn’t spoken to me since, and I’m worried that I may have gone too far. The car ride home was filled with silence as we both reflected on what had happened. At one point, he finally said, “You certainly made this a birthday to remember.”
Now, I’m left wondering if I did the right thing. What do you think? How would you have handled such disrespect from the family of the man you love?
