During the wedding, my mother-in-law stood up from her seat and told the priest that she was against our marriage: she definitely did not expect such a response from me 

I never thought my wedding would turn into a real spectacle. It all started even before the ceremony: my mother-in-law decided that since she had no husband and was “young and beautiful,” she deserved to be the maid of honor. I tried to object, but for my husband, I gave in. “What could happen? – I thought. – After all, it’s just a tradition.”

But the worst happened.

For the ceremony, my mother-in-law showed up in a long white dress. In white! A dress that would have suited a real bride better. At one point, she literally tore the bouquet from my hands and proudly stood next to me, as if all attention should be on her. I struggled to hold back my tears and categorically refused to be photographed next to her.

Yet the most terrible moment came later. When we were at the altar reciting our vows, the priest asked the famous question: “Is there anyone who objects to this union?”

Then my mother-in-law raised her hand.

— I object, — she said loudly. — This is my only son, and I’m not ready to give him to another woman. Son, let’s go home, why do you want this wedding?

The guests gasped, someone snickered. My husband froze, not knowing what to say. I was boiling with anger, but at the same time, I thought of a way to save the situation.

With an unshaken expression, I turned to my mother-in-law and, loudly so everyone could hear, said something very unexpected . I share my story in the first comment, and you can tell me if I acted correctly 

I said in a sharp tone:

— Mom, did you forget to take your medicine again? The doctor warned: skip a dose, and you’ll start rambling. Shall I bring you some water to calm down? Today is the wedding! I am your daughter-in-law, and this is your son. Did you forget me?

Then I addressed the guests:

— Excuse me, my mother-in-law is seriously ill, and sometimes she doesn’t understand what she’s saying. Holy Father, let’s continue; her words mean nothing. She is confused.

— But I’m not ill! — protested my mother-in-law.

— Yes, yes, you are perfectly healthy, you just forgot your medicine a little. Now it’s over, and I will give it to you, — I replied gently.

She was confused, stepped aside, and sat on a chair, and the ceremony continued. We got married, and at that moment, I realized: sometimes, to protect your happiness, you have to be clever.