Opinion

Mother-in-law versus Wife: Who should take the front seat in a car? [Opinion]

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The front-seat of a car dispute between wives and mothers-in-law has attracted many views on social media
The front-seat dilemma between mothers-in-law and wives continues to generate diverse opinions | Credit: Meta

The front-seat drama between mothers-in-law and wives often plays out in many Nigerian homes. This article highlights the need for respect and boundaries in relationships, as well as the importance of financial independence for women to avoid disrespectful situations.

In Nigeria, where tradition and respect are deeply rooted in family life, it’s not uncommon to see a mother-in-law hold a certain status within her son’s marriage. But when does tradition overstep boundaries and create unnecessary drama? 

A viral video that caused a stir on social media captured one such moment. A couple was set to go out with the husband’s mother, but as soon as the wife was seated in the car, the mother-in-law demanded the front seat, asking her daughter-in-law to get down and sit in the back. 

To make matters worse, the husband downplayed the situation, telling his wife, "It's not that deep." But is it really not that deep?

This situation highlights a bigger issue. Asking a grown woman who was already seated to vacate her seat for no real reason shows a lack of boundaries and an outdated sense of hierarchy. 

This situation would have been easily avoided if the mother-in-law had respected herself and accepted that sitting in the back seat is not a mark of disrespect.

The problem with this behaviour

The car situation, on the surface, might seem trivial to some, but it indicates a deeper issue. The mother-in-law's insistence on taking the front seat reeks of power dynamics, where she feels the need to assert dominance in her son's marriage. Respect is earned and mutual, but in this case, it was demanded.

Although the people in this video are not Africans, we have seen situations like this play out in Nigeria too many times to count. 

Yes, Nigeria is a country that values tradition, but respect should be mutual. It is important to acknowledge that this kind of behaviour does more harm than good. It creates unnecessary tension and, more importantly, disrespects the autonomy of the wife. Just because it’s the mother-in-law doesn’t mean she should always get her way.

Importance of financial independence for women

One takeaway from this situation is the need for women to maintain some level of financial independence. When a woman can afford to leave such drama behind, literally, like this wife did by driving her own car, it empowers her. 

Having her own financial footing ensures that she doesn't have to endure unnecessary humiliation or belittlement. Financial independence provides the freedom to make choices and the power to stand firm when things get out of line.

Role of relationships

While the mother-in-law’s actions were clearly inappropriate, we can also see the situation from another angle. The wife could have offered the seat herself out of respect. It’s a common gesture in Nigeria, where offering the front seat to an elder is seen as a sign of respect. However, the key point is that it should have been her decision, not forced upon her.

Ultimately, how one manages these situations comes down to the kind of relationship you have with your mother-in-law. 

Some Nigerian mothers might even feel flattered if their son’s wife offers them the front seat out of respect. Some wouldn’t even expect their daughter-in-law to give up her seat. Others, however, might use that as an opportunity to establish dominance.

Women should interact with their mothers-in-law based on the relationship they have, not on rigid societal expectations. Some mothers-in-law are understanding, supportive, and avoid such power plays, while others might test the boundaries. 

It’s crucial for couples to set clear expectations and protect their marriages from unnecessary interference. At the end of the day, it’s not about who sits where in a car, it’s about mutual respect and boundaries. 

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the organisation TheRadar

6 ways you can maintain a healthy relationship with your Nigerian in-laws

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported tips to help you develop and maintain a healthy relationship with Nigerian in-laws. 

Understanding their importance in your spouse’s life, setting boundaries, picking your battles wisely and showing respect and gratitude are some of the ways you can have and enjoy a happy home, especially because in the Nigerian culture, marrying someone means marrying into their family.


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Funmilayo Aremu-Olayemi Admin

Funmilayo Aremu-Olayemi is a reporter with over four years of experience. She covers a wide range of beats, such as health, lifestyle, and human-angle stories. Her work has been published in the Nigerian Tribune and Elegantz Magazine, USA.

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