I called a cleaning company and ordered a full deep cleaning — carpets, windows, kitchen, everything. When it was done, I kept all the receipts and added the costs of my medication and the taxi — because after all that stress, my stitches had started to hurt again. Then I sat down and wrote a short, formal letter:
“Dear [mother-in-law’s name],
While I was in the hospital recovering from surgery, a party was held in my home to celebrate your birthday.
After the event, the house was left in an unacceptable condition. I am enclosing photos as proof, along with copies of the receipts for cleaning, dry cleaning, and medication. The total expenses amount to 62,700 rubles.
I kindly ask that you reimburse this amount within ten calendar days. Sincerely, [my name].”
I printed everything — the photos, receipts, and letter — and sent it by registered mail with delivery confirmation. I left a second copy on my husband’s desk.
No explanation. Three days later, my mother-in-law called. Her voice was trembling with anger.
She shouted that I was “disgracing the family,” that “you don’t do that to relatives.”
I calmly replied, “You don’t do that to relatives when you throw a party in their house after they’ve had surgery. I’m simply asking for compensation.” Then I hung up. A week later, a bank transfer arrived — the exact amount I had written in the letter.
No comment. Since then, she has never held another party in our house.
