“Who Dressed Better?” My Mother-in-Law Told Me to “Don’t Dress Up” at the Family Halloween Party—Then Showed Up in the Same Outfit as Me and Reached for a Gift with My Name on the Tag

1. The Call That Sounded So Kind
That morning, my phone buzzed with her name.

“Oh dear,” my mother-in-law said sweetly, “don’t go overboard for the Halloween dinner tonight. It’s just a casual family thing. No need to dress up.”

Her voice was warm — the kind that could melt butter and hide a blade beneath it.

I laughed softly. “Of course, Mom. I’ll keep it simple.”
“Good girl,” she replied.

When the call ended, I stared at my closet.
I’d been planning to wear a deep burgundy dress — something elegant, something that made me feel confident.
But her words echoed in my head: no need to dress up.
So I chose something softer — a beige silk dress, minimal jewelry, hair in loose waves.
Simple. Polite. Safe.

I wanted peace that evening, not competition. I should have known better.      Continue reading…