My name is Aunt Zhang, I am in my fifties, and I was a factory worker before I retired. Although life is dull, I have a sensible son, Xiao Li, which has always made me feel gratified. Xiao Li has been smart and well-behaved since he was a child, with excellent academic performance, and after graduating from university, he successfully entered a large engineering company and rose to the position of engineer in a few years. As a mother, I am full of hope for my son's future, and I also hope that he can start a family and find me a daughter-in-law as soon as possible.
More than a year ago, Xiao Li brought back a girl named Xiao Zhang. Xiao Zhang and Xiao Li met at work, and they were both colleagues in an engineering company. When we first met, Xiao Zhang gave me a good impression, she was beautiful, her speech and demeanor were also very decent, and most importantly, she was sincere to Xiao Li. Seeing that the two of them have a deep relationship, I am also relieved in my heart, and I feel that Xiao Li has found a good partner.
Over the past year, Xiao Zhang has often come to our house for dinner, and every time she will bring some small gifts, help me with housework, and talk to me about her and Xiao Li's daily life. Every time I see her talking and laughing with Xiao Li, I am very happy. Although I don't express it much, I already think of her as my future daughter-in-law in my heart.
However, things have changed in the previous months. That day, Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang sat opposite me and said solemnly: "Mom, we have discussed, we want to set up an engagement banquet this year, and then a wedding banquet next year." "I was stunned for a moment, I didn't expect them to have such a plan.
"Why do we have to do it separately? Shouldn't engagement and marriage be done in one go? I asked, puzzled.
Xiao Li explained: "Mom, we think that this way we can share the cost and have more time to prepare. And now many young people do this, get engaged first, and then get married when the economic conditions are better. ”
Hearing this, I suddenly felt a little unhappy in my heart. I have always believed that engagement and marriage should be coherent, and doing it separately is not only troublesome, but it may also cause gossip from relatives and friends. Especially in traditional families like ours, doing so is undoubtedly asking for trouble.
"What will others think of you doing this? Will relatives and friends feel that our family is in financial difficulties and can't even afford a wedding? I asked worriedly.
Xiao Zhang also joined in the persuasion: "Auntie, we just think this is good for everyone, don't worry, we will prepare the engagement banquet and wedding banquet well, and we will not let you lose face." ”
Although they were right, I still couldn't get over this hurdle in my heart. I think that holding a wedding separately will make the relationship between the two people weaker, and even cause unnecessary conflicts. After all, marriage is a major event in life, and it must be solemn and serious, and it is good to do it in one go.
"I don't agree," I said firmly, "a wedding is a wedding, and it's done all at once, so everyone can worry about it." ”
Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang looked at each other, obviously not expecting me to be so resolute. They wanted to say something more, but I had already decided not to give them another chance to persuade them.
Over the next few days, the atmosphere at home was a little tense. Although Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang did not bring up this topic again, I could feel their helplessness and disappointment. I know it's important to them, but I also have my own insistence. I just hope that they will understand my painstaking efforts and finally make the right decision.
Li and Zhang clearly had no intention of giving up on their plans easily. That night, Xiao Li came home with a somewhat solemn face. He sat on the couch, was silent for a moment, and then said to me, "Mom, can you think about our proposal again?" Xiao Zhang and I really think it would be better this way. ”
I looked at his eyes full of anticipation, and my heart was a little shaken, but I still insisted on my position: "Xiao Li, Mom knows that you are here to save trouble, but the wedding is not a trivial matter, and it is really not good to do it separately." ”
Xiao Li sighed and said, "Mom, it's not that we want to save trouble, it's that young people do it now." We didn't want to get too nervous about the wedding and affect our relationship. ”
"Are your feelings so fragile? Just because the wedding will be affected? I asked rhetorically, a little agitated.
Xiao Li lowered his head and stopped talking. I know he has a hard time in his heart, but it's too important for me to give in.
A few days later, Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang decided to ask relatives and friends to help persuade them. They found Xiao Li's uncle, uncle, and a few friends who had a good relationship. That night, we got together as a family and the atmosphere was a little tense.
Xiao Li's uncle spoke first: "Big sister, I think Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang's proposal is very good." Now young people like this way, get engaged first, and then get married when the conditions are good, so we don't have to take it too seriously. ”
The uncle also chimed in: "Yes, children nowadays have their own ideas, and we elders must respect their opinions." ”
I looked at them and felt very uncomfortable. Over the years, I have broken my heart for this family, and now I finally look forward to my son's marriage, but I have to face so much pressure. I know they mean well, but my insistence also has my reasons.
"I understand your intentions, but this can't be done so hastily. Weddings are a major life event, and separating them from each other will make people think that there are no rules in our family. I tried to say calmly.
At this time, Xiao Zhang also spoke, and his tone was earnest: "Auntie, we really just want to lighten some of the burden. You can rest assured that we will prepare the engagement banquet and wedding banquet well and will not let you lose face. ”
I looked at Xiao Zhang's sincere eyes, and my heart was a little shaken, but I still couldn't help but say: "You young people don't understand, weddings are to be done in one go, and holding them separately will make people feel that our family is not harmonious." ”
When Xiao Li heard this, he was obviously a little dissatisfied: "Mom, we just want to make things simpler, not for any face-saving reasons." Why don't you understand our struggles? ”
My heart tingled, but I still insisted on my opinion: "Xiao Li, it's not that Mom doesn't understand you, but there are some things that cannot be compromised." The wedding must be done in one go, this is our family style and our dignity. ”
None of us spoke again throughout the night, and the atmosphere became even more tense. Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang were obviously a little disappointed, and when they left, their faces were full of helplessness.
Over the next few days, Li and Zhang were apparently still trying to convince me. They came up with various options, including paying part of the cost themselves, and even being willing to take out a loan to hold the wedding. I know they really want to make things easier, but my position hasn't changed.
As time passed, Li and Zhang's patience seemed to wear out. Xiao Li's emotions became more and more depressed, and he went home less and less. Sometimes I would hear him and Zhang arguing in a low voice in the room, and I knew that they had a lot of conflicts over the matter. Looking at my son's confusion and helplessness, I didn't feel good in my heart, but I still stuck to my principles.
One night, Xiao Li suddenly came home with a solemn face. He sat on the sofa in silence, I felt a little uneasy in my heart, and asked, "Xiao Li, what's wrong?" Is there anything that doesn't go well at work? ”
Xiao Li shook his head, sighed, and said, "Mom, Xiao Zhang and I decided to be separated for a while. ”
Hearing this, my heart sank: "Why? Haven't you been doing well? Why do you suddenly want to separate? ”
Xiao Li's eyes flashed with complicated emotions: "Mom, we are not because of emotional disagreement, but because of this wedding." I don't really know what to do anymore. ”
I was stunned, I didn't expect things to come to this point. I know that the relationship between Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang is very deep, but the dispute over this wedding has strained their relationship. Looking at my son's painful appearance, my heart was filled with self-blame and guilt.
That night, I was lying in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. I pondered whether my persistence was really worth it. As a mother, I always wanted my son to be happy, but now it seems that my persistence has caused him distress and pain.
Early the next morning, I decided to talk to Xiao Zhang. She heard my voice on the phone, obviously surprised, but agreed to my invitation anyway. We met at a café and the atmosphere was a little awkward.
"Xiao Zhang, I know that you and Xiao Li are very troubled about the wedding." "I've always stuck to my own ideas, but it's hard to see your relationship strained. ”
Xiao Zhang nodded, tears flashing in his eyes: "Auntie, I know you are for our good, but we really don't want to be so nervous because of the wedding." ”
I took a deep breath and continued, "Xiao Zhang, I am also for Xiao Li's happiness, but I ignore your feelings. I came to you today to discuss a compromise plan with you. ”
A glimmer of hope flashed in Xiao Zhang's eyes: "Auntie, you say." ”
"We can start with a simple engagement ceremony, it doesn't need to be too grand, just let relatives and friends know that you are engaged. Then we will prepare for next year's wedding together and try to be as decent as possible. I proposed.
Xiao Zhang thought for a while, nodded and said, "Auntie, I agree with your proposal." In fact, Xiao Li and I also want a transition so that everyone has time to prepare. ”
Seeing Xiao Zhang's reaction, I was relieved and felt that I had finally made the right decision.
In the next few days, I found an opportunity to talk to Xiao Li about it. After listening to my proposal, he had a long-lost smile on his face: "Mom, thank you for understanding us. Xiao Zhang and I will definitely prepare well for the wedding and will not disappoint you. ”
Things seem to be starting to move in a good direction, but the contradictions are not completely resolved. Although Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang agreed to my proposal, their dissatisfaction and doubts still existed.
A few weeks later, our family sat down together to discuss the details of the engagement ceremony. Xiao Li looked a little nervous and looked at Xiao Zhang from time to time, but Xiao Zhang kept his head down and didn't want to talk more. I know they're still struggling with their previous arguments.
"Xiao Li, Xiao Zhang, this engagement ceremony is simpler, don't be too extravagant." I tried to lighten the mood, "We'll prepare well for next year's wedding, and we'll make sure it's decent." ”
Xiao Zhang barely squeezed out a smile: "Auntie, we will do our best." ”
The process of preparing for an engagement ceremony is fraught with challenges. We need to find the right venue, have invitations from friends and family, and take into account the opinions of both families. Every detail needs to be carefully considered for fear of any mistakes.
Just a week before the engagement ceremony, things suddenly changed. That night, Xiao Li hurriedly returned home, his face pale: "Mom, Xiao Zhang's parents are against us holding a separate engagement and wedding, they think this is not in order. ”
When I heard the news, my heart sank again. Looking at Xiao Li's anxious appearance, I felt extremely powerless. Things seem to be back to square one, and our efforts are once again being challenged.
"Mom, I really don't know what to do." Xiao Li's voice was a little desperate, "Xiao Zhang's parents insist that we have a wedding together, otherwise they won't agree to this family business." ”
I know that the relationship between Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang has been tested a lot in this incident, but I also understand that the opinions of both families are equally important. As a mother, I can't let my son go through so much stress in this wedding.
"Xiao Li, don't worry, Mom will try her best to solve this matter." I comforted.
That night, I found Xiao Zhang again. Her face was full of anxiety and helplessness, and she was obviously heartbroken by the incident.
"Xiao Zhang, I know your parents care about this wedding." I whispered, "We can discuss it again and find a solution that will satisfy everyone." ”
Xiao Zhang nodded, tears flashing in his eyes: "Auntie, I don't want to embarrass Xiao Li either." Let's figure it out together, shall we? ”
We decided to discuss with both parents again and hope to find a compromise solution. That night, we had a family meeting and we sat together, and the atmosphere was still tense.
"Xiao Li, Xiao Zhang, we all understand your intentions." Xiao Zhang's father said, "But the wedding is a big event, and we can't treat it casually." ”
Xiao Li's voice was pleading: "Uncle, aunt, we really just want to make things easier, and we don't want to affect our relationship because of the wedding." ”
Xiao Zhang's mother sighed and said, "We understand your intentions, but we also hope that you can understand our concerns. ”
After a long discussion, we finally came to an agreement: the engagement ceremony and the wedding ceremony can be held separately, but it must be ensured that both ceremonies are solemn and decent, and no gossip from relatives and friends is allowed.
That night, I finally breathed a sigh of relief and felt that things had finally taken a clear direction. Although the process is full of twists and turns, I believe that the harmony of the family and the happiness of my son are the most important things.
The engagement ceremony was held as scheduled, and our family and Xiao Zhang's relatives and friends gathered together. Although the scale is small, the scene is warm and the atmosphere is very harmonious. Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang exchanged engagement rings amid everyone's blessings, with happy smiles on their faces. Seeing them so happy also makes me feel extremely satisfied.
After the ceremony, we sat together and chatted in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. Xiao Li's uncle and uncle also came, and everyone recalled the bits and pieces of Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang together, and they were full of emotion. Xiao Li's uncle sighed: "Big sister, look at how happy Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang are, it's a blessing that our family can have such a good daughter-in-law!" ”
I smiled and nodded, looking at the smiling faces of Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang, and felt extremely relieved in my heart. I know that we have gone through many twists and turns along the way, but in the end, we have come to this point.
Time flies, and soon it's time to prepare for the wedding. Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang prepared every detail with great care, from the wedding dress to the wedding menu, which was carefully selected and arranged. At their request, I was also involved in the preparations for the wedding and tried my best to provide some advice and help.
On the day of the wedding, the sky was clear and sunny. We had our wedding in a luxurious hotel, and friends and family were there to congratulate us. Xiao Li was wearing a handsome suit, and Xiao Zhang was wearing a beautiful wedding dress, and the two stood in the center of the auditorium, staring at each other, their eyes full of affection.
When Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang exchanged vows, I was very excited. Watching them swear to be together for the rest of their lives with the blessing of everyone, I couldn't help but shed tears of excitement. At this moment, I felt extremely happy and satisfied, and felt that all the hard work and perseverance were worth it.
After the wedding, everyone attended the wedding banquet together, and the atmosphere was lively. Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang spent an unforgettable night with the blessings of relatives and friends. Looking at their happy appearance, I also felt extremely relieved in my heart.
A few days later, Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang came to me and brought their wedding photos. In the photo, they are smiling brightly and overflowing with happiness. I looked at the photo and felt extremely satisfied and gratified.
"Mom, thank you for your continued support and understanding." Xiao Li held my hand and said gratefully.
I smiled and nodded, and said, "Xiao Li, Xiao Zhang, if you can be happy, Mom will rest assured." We've been through a lot along the way, but most importantly, we've been able to come together as a family to face life's challenges. ”
Xiao Zhang also said gratefully: "Auntie, thank you for your tolerance and support. We will definitely cherish this marriage and make it even better. ”
Seeing their happy appearance, I felt extremely relieved. I know that in the coming days, although there will be various challenges and difficulties, as long as we are united as a family, we will be able to overcome everything and meet a better future.