When my future father-in-law handed me a pile of shirts to iron, saying it would prove my worth as a wife, I smiled and obliged, unaware karma was about to intervene.
Mark and I, newly engaged after three years together, were preparing for our engagement party. Mark’s parents, especially his father, hold traditional gender roles. FIL always said things like, “A woman’s place is in the home.”
During a hectic day of party preparations, FIL demanded I iron his shirts to “prove” myself. Despite my frustration, I complied, using a vinegar spray he had mistakenly prepared.
While ironing, FIL smugly commented, “See, you’re learning. Mark is lucky to have a woman who knows her place.” My frustration grew, but I kept my composure, knowing karma would soon take over.
At the party, the smell of vinegar from FIL’s shirt became apparent. Mark’s mother exclaimed, “What is that smell?” FIL, confused, blamed me. Mark revealed FIL’s mistake with the bottles, leading to FIL’s embarrassment.
The incident taught FIL a lesson. He never again mentioned traditional gender roles, realizing sometimes karma handles things perfectly.
