Originally posted by: Tia.0
Nabni, very sorry to hear what your sister went through. And I can tell you honestly, I understand where you are standing right now. Because I have been there.
You see, my brother-in-law's ex-wife cheated on him with one of his friends. But he thought about his children and forgave her.
My brother-in-law is the nicest person I know. Even my husband isn't as nice as him. My husband only cares about very selective few like his wife, family and close friends for whom he can kill and die. But he is not generous with everyone. My brother-in-law is generous with everyone. You need help, you call him first and he will be there.
So you can understand how I felt when I heard that my then sister-in-law cheated on him. She was never rude to me. She actually liked me even though she hated my parents-in-laws for some reason even though they were super nice to her.
Anyhoo, I could not find in me to be as chummy with her as before because I follow a strict sense of fairness and justice. Everything has to be just and fair for me. I can't live with unfairness.
In my mind, I can't like someone I don't respect. When I like someone or love someone, respect comes free with it. In fact I respect them that's why I like or love them. But if they lose my respect, I can't bring back the same feelings as before. I become polite, but cool with those people.
But I tried. I tried to be happy with whatever my brother-in-law decided and maintained polite behaviour. I just couldn't be the same with her.
She asked me one day, why I changed my behaviour to her when her husband forgave her?
I said that she lost my respect. And I can't give that same respect back for free again. So now it's her turn. If she cares enough to want to get my previous attitude back, then this time she will have to earn it by being the best wife to my brother-in-law and the best mother to her children.
When I see her consistent efforts for a prolonged duration, I will forgive her.
Later they got divorced because she risked her children's life so she never earned my respect back. But I am a very straightforward person. I don't lie and I don't talk behind people's back. What I say, I say in front of their face. But that's me. My family (both in-laws and own family) know and love me for it. You don't have to take my way at all.
So trust me when I say that I can understand your struggles to try to be nice and polite to someone whom you no longer respect.
But all I will say is that keep a polite front and don't be rude for your sister's sake. She needs you now more than ever and observe quietly.
If he indeed change and makes your sister happy, may be when enough time has passed he can earn back his respect and position in your eyes.
But if he hasn't changed and your sister needs you to be there for her, don't close that channel of support by making her feel that she lost your respect too by compromising for whatever reason. 😊
I hope I didn't sound too preachy. Of course you will do what you want. I just wanted to tell you what I did in similar situation.