Building a warm relationship with my mother-in-law, Jane, felt like trying to hug a cactus. From the moment I met her, it was clear she was nervous about Jacob, her beloved son. Our interactions were awkward, filled with strained smiles and polite small talk.

On our wedding day, Jane surprised us with a beautifully polished silver tea set, an heirloom passed down through generations. I was touched, thinking it marked her acceptance of me. However, her behavior grew strange after that. Every visit, Jane would rush to check the tea set, leaving with a look of disappointment.

“Jacob, why does she do that?” I asked. He shrugged, puzzled.

One day, Jane erupted in anger. “The tea set is tarnished! My great-grandmother said this means someone in the family is cheating!” she accused.

Jacob tried to reason with her, but Jane was adamant. Determined to prove her wrong, we polished the set until it gleamed. Weeks passed, and the tea set remained untarnished. Jane, perplexed but calmer, apologized, admitting she had let superstitions cloud her judgment.

Over time, our relationship improved. Jane shared stories about her great-grandmother’s beliefs, which became a family joke. Despite the initial tension, these quirky tales brought us closer. One evening, Jane smiled at me and said, “Tiffany, I’m glad you’re part of this family.”

Touched, I replied, “And I’m grateful for you, Jane.”

We raised our glasses, toasting to family, laughter, and the bonds that had grown stronger through the strangest of circumstances.