I always told my daughter to choose her partner carefully. After all, I married a simple guy back in the day, though I could have chosen someone well-off. I regretted it my whole life. I had to constantly borrow money to get my daughter through school. That’s why I went to Italy to work.

I worked there for many years, bought a lovely apartment, and separated from my husband. I always helped my daughter. But Tanya ignored my advice. At 22, she announced she was in love and getting married. I immediately asked who he was.

‘Mom, Sashko is a wonderful guy!’
‘What kind of family is he from?’
‘A simple one.’
‘So not wealthy?’
‘Mom, he’s very hardworking and will succeed.’

I decided to come back immediately and see who this chosen one was. When I got back home, I suggested that Tanya visit the prospective in-laws. I packed Italian treats and flowers for our visit.

Honestly, I haven’t seen such a poor house in a long time. The matchmaker, clearly embarrassed, greeted us. Then came Sashko and his mother, both nervous. Valentina Nikolaevna wore an old robe and slippers. Women in Europe don’t typically dress like that—they tend to be more unkempt and have gray hair. She started making some sandwiches.

At first, everything went calmly. But then, the future matchmaker said:

‘Well, it’s beneficial that the young couple will live in your apartment.’
‘In mine?’ I asked again.
‘Well, yes, you’ve been earning in Italy for so many years…’
Did you expect me to present the apartment as a gift to them? What a son-in-law I’ve got—poor thing. They’ve settled in just fine!’ I couldn’t hold back.

Tanya ran out of the room in tears, and Sashko ran after her. The matchmaker turned pale and said:

‘We don’t need anything from you; we’ll manage on our own!’

I sat for a while, but my daughter didn’t come back, so I went home. Now the young couple doesn’t talk to me. They’re proud. Well, I won’t give them a penny for the wedding either. Let’s see how long their love lasts without money and housing. I had to teach Tanya this lesson so she wouldn’t regret it like I did. Do you think I did the right thing? Am I obligated to give them an apartment?”