From the very first days of our acquaintance, Annie stated, “You are a stranger to me and will always remain one.” I will neither accept nor assist you. No need to ask me for help raising your kids—raise them yourself.

I remember those words well, and I never asked my mother-in-law for help again. All the care and support during difficult times always came from my own mother. Even though she lived in another city, she always found time for us. Meanwhile, Angela, despite living literally on the next street, never helped.

My husband and I lived in our own apartment, which we bought shortly after our wedding. We were financially independent from our parents and earned well.

When our first daughter was born, it was hard, both physically and emotionally, as she suffered from colic and cried constantly. My mother came every day to help with Nadya, help me clean, cook, and just give me a chance to rest.

Later, we had our second child, and again, my mother came to the rescue. She would stay overnight, cook delicious breakfasts and dinners, and help with the household chores. The grandchildren adored Grandma Lyuba, while Annie only appeared on holidays and not always.

But one day, my mother-in-law broke her leg during a dance class (she was taking choreography lessons) and suddenly decided that I was obligated to take care of her.

‘Son, where is your wife? Why did you bring me home from the hospital instead of taking me to your place?’ Valentina Andreeva was surprised.

“Mom, you stated that Katya is a stranger to you.” So she will not be taking care of you. We will hire a caregiver, and I will come to visit you after work when I can,’ my husband explained.

‘She is obligated to take care of me because she is my daughter-in-law!’ Angela persisted. ‘Is it normal to trust strangers with care when there are grown children?’

But my husband was no longer interested in listening to her complaints.

My mother-in-law took offense and no longer spoke to me or my parents. She also does not hurry to interact with her grandchildren.

Honestly, I don’t care. I did nothing wrong and did not leave her without help—I just gave her what she had chosen herself: distance in the relationship. And I don’t regret my decision one bit.

Who is right in this situation? How would you have acted?