While I was abroad on business, I learned that my mother-in-law’s closest friend had looted my wardrobe, but karma provided a twist that rendered any thoughts of vengeance useless. Consider someone digging through your personal possessions while you’re not present—now image your mother-in-law’s acquaintance trying on your luxury clothing. This is exactly what happened to me.
I’m Karen, a 32-year-old businesswoman and mother, and this unusual event happened just a few weeks ago when I was preparing for a business trip to New York. As I packed, my mother-in-law, Janet, entered my bedroom, telling me not to worry and promised to look after my husband, Dave, and our daughter, Marly, while I was away. I liked the gesture and entirely trusted her, something I would later regret.
Two days into my vacation, my neighbor and best friend, Lisa, sent me a startling SMS. She asked whether I knew anybody called Sheryl, and when I said no, she told me that Sheryl, a friend of Janet’s, had been spending time at my house. Lisa had noticed her donning my clothing and applying my makeup.
Surprised, I requested for evidence, and she showed me a video showing a middle-aged woman parading about my living room in my favorite red dress and applying what appeared to be Chanel lipstick. Enraged, I phoned Lisa, who verified that Sheryl had been entering my home whenever Dave was not around. Lisa had believed Sheryl was a cousin until she seen her through the window putting on my clothes.
I was upset, but I needed to keep my cool until I could go home. When I eventually did, I prepared for a confrontation. I approached Dave, who was oblivious of the situation, and inquired where Janet was. He directed me to our bedroom, where I saw my closet in terrible chaos.
Clothes were strewn about, cosmetics was left open, and, to my horror, my bridal dress was laying on the floor, smeared with red wine. Janet came, clutching Marly’s hand, and attempted to dismiss the mess as innocent fun. She stated that Sheryl had a date and wanted something beautiful to wear, so she felt it would be fine if she borrowed a few things. I couldn’t believe their arrogance.
Dave was equally furious, addressing his mother about the breach of our trust and privacy. As if on cue, the doorbell rang, and there was Sheryl, grinning, introducing herself. She stated Janet had told her it was acceptable to borrow my belongings. I told her softly but strongly that what she did was not sharing; it was trespassing and stealing. Dave instructed her to go and never return, and I insisted that Janet leave as well.
Tensions rose in our home during the following several days. While I was furious, I chose not to pursue vengeance. My buddy Lisa urged that I let karma handle it, and I took her advice to heart.
A week later, Janet called me in a panic. She told me that Sheryl was in the hospital due to a severe allergic reaction that had left her face swollen and covered in a rash. The physicians assumed it was caused by the cosmetics she had applied—my makeup. Janet, humiliated and remorseful, apologized for her conduct and sought forgiveness.
Though I was pleased to see karma in action, I realized it would take time to reestablish trust with Janet. She attempted to make apologies by replacing my cosmetics, washing my wedding dress, and even hiring a professional to tidy my closet. Dave also had a serious chat with her about respecting our limits, emphasizing that her behavior was inappropriate.
In the end, I didn’t have to raise a finger. Karma delivered its lesson, teaching Janet and Sheryl the painful reality. Our family got stronger as a result of the event, and Janet now respects the limits we established. Sometimes the best retribution is simply letting the world handle it—with a sense of humor.