At my mother-in-law’s birthday last weekend, I wore ripped jeans, a crop top, and a jacket — nothing outrageous, just something I felt confident in. The moment I walked in, she scanned me from head to toe and pressed her lips together. I noticed, but chose to ignore it and enjoy the evening.

Later, once everyone had arrived, she decided to make her point loudly: “Back in my day, women didn’t need to show skin to feel confident.” My face burned. I’d heard comments about my clothes before, but this one was aimed at me in front of the whole family.

Before I could stop myself, I replied, “Or maybe you just didn’t have the confidence to dress how you wanted.” The room fell silent. She gasped, complained about “respect,” then burst into tears and ran to her room. Suddenly, I was the villain who “ruined her birthday.”

I didn’t yell, I didn’t swear — I simply stood up for myself after yet another jab. Now I’m being told to apologize, but honestly, I think respect should go both ways. She publicly shamed me, and I responded. So tell me — am I really the one who owes an apology here?