After my husband and I got married, we lived with his mother. She never liked me, and she didn’t hide it. I tried to stay out of her way as much as possible.

However, she absolutely adored my daughters, her granddaughters, and helped me raise them.

In our family, there was this strange tradition: everyone got birthday wishes and gifts—except me. My husband and mother-in-law were always celebrated, and we’d throw big parties for the kids with guests and lots of food. But for me, it was always the same:

“Why do you need flowers? What else could you possibly want? You already have everything.”

Of course, it hurt my feelings.

Over time, I moved to the US to work and sent all the money back home.

This September, I turned 60 and decided to celebrate properly. I booked a restaurant, invited family, got myself a new outfit, and freshened up. I had been working nonstop for the past two years, and this was the first time in a long while that I wanted to treat myself to a real celebration.

As always, nobody gave me anything, except for my in-laws, who gave me a small cash gift. I guess everyone figured I didn’t need anything because I was the one working abroad. But I didn’t feel hurt, because I’d already made myself a gift—I planned a vacation abroad and bought a nice lawn mower.

My decision shocked everyone. The kids expected me to send the money back to the family again. My daughters left without saying goodbye, and my husband hasn’t spoken to me since. But I don’t regret my choice and am getting ready for my trip.

What do you think? Did I make the right decision?