Subject: I made a joke to my daughter-in-law at Christmas dinner, and now I’m wondering if it landed wrong. Thoughts?
I think I ruined Christmas. I made a comment to my daughter-in-law, Claire, at dinner: ‘Looks like someone’s overindulged this holiday! Careful, or you’ll need a new wardrobe.’ She got upset, left the table in tears, and later I found her packing. She said I humiliated her in front of the family and pointed out her body image struggles. Ben, my son, was furious too, saying I always belittle Claire, even if I don’t mean it. They left, and now the whole family’s upset. Did I really mess up that badly? Should I have apologized sooner?
