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Should I accept my mother's invitation when her apology left the real issue untouched?

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My mother texted, "Sorry dinner upset you. Come over Saturday and I'll make your favourite." At dinner, I'd announced a promotion. She immediately asked whether my younger brother was still looking for work, then spent the next half-hour asking him about interviews. I didn't expect a speech, but I'd barely finished my sentence.

On the way out, I told her I'd wanted a minute to enjoy my news. She said my brother needed encouragement and that I already knew she was proud of me. I replied, "I don't always know that, actually," then left sooner than planned.

My brother later congratulated me privately. He didn't ask for the conversation to turn towards him. I don't want this to become a contest between us. My mother does show affection through cooking, and I think Saturday is her attempt to make things better.

If I go, am I letting the point disappear again? If I insist on a fuller apology first, am I refusing the kind of repair she knows how to offer? I want a meal with her, but I also want her to understand why the first one hurt.

Discussion

2 community replies

You could accept the meal and ask for ten minutes before cooking starts: 'I'd like to come. Can we also talk about what I meant when I left?' That lets her offer food while making clear that the conversation hasn't vanished. You don't have to choose between her invitation and your explanation.

Your brother's private congratulations are worth protecting from the argument. The request to your mother can stay very small: 'When I bring good news, please ask me about it before moving to someone else's problem.' That doesn't ask her to care less about his job search or compare which child deserves attention.

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