“My Husband’s Parents Are Shameless: They Only Appreciate Us When He Has Money”

I feel a deep sense of sorrow for my husband, John. He is a kind-hearted man who always puts his family first, even when it means sacrificing his own well-being. His parents, however, seem to have no qualms about exploiting his generosity. They only seem to appreciate us when John has money to give.

John and I have been married for five years. From the beginning, I noticed that his parents had a peculiar way of showing their affection. They would shower us with praise and affection whenever John received a bonus at work or came into some extra cash. However, during lean times, their attitude would shift dramatically. They would become distant, critical, and sometimes downright hostile.

It all started when John got a promotion at his job. He was over the moon and wanted to share his success with his parents. We invited them over for dinner to celebrate. That night, they were all smiles and congratulations. They even brought a bottle of expensive wine as a gift. I thought maybe I had misjudged them.

But as the months went by, their true colors began to show. They started asking John for money more frequently. It was always for something urgent—a medical bill, a car repair, or some other emergency. John, being the dutiful son, would always oblige. He never questioned their needs or their intentions.

One day, John received an unexpected bill that drained our savings. We had to tighten our belts and cut back on expenses. When his parents called asking for money again, John had to tell them that we couldn’t help this time. The change in their demeanor was immediate and shocking.

They accused John of being selfish and ungrateful. They said he had forgotten all the sacrifices they made for him growing up. They even went as far as to say that I was a bad influence on him, turning him against his own family. John was devastated.

Despite their harsh words, John still tried to maintain a relationship with them. He would call them regularly, visit them on weekends, and help out in any way he could that didn’t involve money. But it was never enough for them. Their demands grew more outrageous, and their treatment of John became more abusive.

One particularly painful incident occurred last Christmas. We had saved up to buy gifts for everyone in the family, including John’s parents. We spent hours picking out thoughtful presents that we hoped would make them happy. When we arrived at their house on Christmas morning, they barely acknowledged our presence.

They opened their gifts with disinterest and made snide comments about how they were expecting something more substantial. It was clear that they were disappointed that we hadn’t given them money instead. John tried to hide his hurt, but I could see the pain in his eyes.

As time went on, the strain on our marriage grew. John’s parents’ constant demands and emotional manipulation took a toll on both of us. We argued more frequently, and the joy we once found in each other’s company began to fade.

I tried to talk to John about setting boundaries with his parents, but he was torn between his love for them and his need to protect our marriage. He felt guilty for not being able to meet their expectations and feared losing their approval.

In the end, John’s parents’ relentless greed and lack of empathy drove a wedge between us that we couldn’t overcome. Our marriage crumbled under the weight of their exploitation. John and I eventually separated, unable to withstand the constant pressure and emotional abuse.

I still feel sorry for John. He is a good man who deserved better from his family. I hope one day he finds the strength to stand up to them and reclaim his life.