Concerns Arise For Woman After Receiving Morality Book From Her Mother-In-Law

"It is our desire that this little book may portray a Christian moral."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• November 25, 2023

In family relationships, the exchange of gifts or messages can often carry deeper meanings. When these interactions involve in-laws, especially mothers-in-law, the situation can become even more nuanced and potentially fraught.

It's not uncommon for individuals to receive items that may seem innocuous at first but might hold an underlying message, intentional or otherwise. These situations can lead to misinterpretations, hurt feelings, and even family conflicts, depending on how they are perceived and handled.

Dealing with in-laws can sometimes be tricky, especially when they give you something that seems to have a hidden message. This is what happened to a person who shared their story on Reddit.

OP got a book from her mother-in-law, but it wasn't a typical book. Titled "Two Roosters in the Pig Pen," this book, written by William Yutzy and illustrated by Olin Bontrager, tells a dark story about two roosters who fight so much they end up being eaten by pigs. It's supposed to be a children's book, but it's actually pretty graphic and scary.

OP, who got this book, thinks it's like a warning from her mother-in-law, saying that arguing can lead to bad stuff. But her husband thinks OP is making too big a deal out of it.

The book itself says it's supposed to teach about the problems of fighting and the importance of treating others well, based on a Bible verse. This situation is kind of confusing. Is the mother-in-law really trying to send a warning, or is it just a strange choice of a book?

OP's MIL left her a disturbing children's book which OP interpreted as a threat, the book is about morality, but OP's husband disagrees.

A disturbing book is "Two Roosters in the Pig Pen" by William Yutzy, and the book contains graphic illustrations depicting this unsettling story.

The content of the book is about strong moral message about avoiding arguments and conflicts, using scripture references to emphasize this point.

OP should throw the book away but let her mother-in-law see it

OP should highlight the ambiguity of books with clear lessons, leaving her frustrated yet unable to object since she gifted her the book.

This book suggests a passive-aggressive gesture that raises suspicion.

OP needs to return a book due to its inappropriate content for children.

This seems like a modern version of an Aesop fable.

OP should turn it into a humorous response.

This book has an unusual message.

OP should reciprocate with a gift - an author biography.

Older women impose their ideologies on their daughters-in-law.

OP is not overreacting.

When you receive a gift, especially from someone like your mother-in-law, it can be confusing. In this case, the gift was a strange children's book about roosters and pigs.

It could seem like it's trying to send a message about fighting, but we shouldn't assume that right away. Instead, it's a good idea to talk to the mother-in-law and ask why she chose this book.

Maybe there's a reason that has nothing to do with sending a warning. Communication is key in situations like this.

Don't jump to conclusions and assume the worst. Give your loved ones the benefit of the doubt until you know for sure what they meant.

Damjan