When Oksana opted to omit carrots from the Olivier salad, Stepan reacted strongly, noting that his mother always included them. This sparked a heated argument between them, escalating into a fight.

As Stepan and Oksana transitioned from their honeymoon phase to everyday life, their deep affection for each other remained intact. Their home was filled with harmony, with Oksana’s adeptness in housekeeping, instilled by her mother, complemented by Stepan’s cooperative nature, often assisting his wife with household chores. However, a trip to the Carpathians with friends during the New Year’s holiday unveiled cracks in their relationship.

A seemingly trivial disagreement arose when Oksana omitted carrots from the Olivier salad she was preparing, prompting Stepan to question her decision, citing his mother’s customary inclusion of this ingredient. While this dispute appeared minor, it served as a catalyst for a recurring issue: Stepan’s frequent comparisons of Oksana to his mother. Whether in cooking or housework, Stepan often remarked, “My mom does it this way…”

One day, as Oksana expressed her feelings of dejection, she courageously broached a topic they had long avoided. She confided in Stepan, likening their dynamic to a trio – him, her, and his mother. Drawing parallels to her upbringing, Oksana emphasized that her father never compared her mother to anyone, even during disagreements. Her father’s attentiveness always made her mother feel valued.

Exhausted from the emotional strain, Oksana retreated to bed, leaving Stepan deep in contemplation, grappling with her words. Sitting beside his sleeping wife, Stepan had a profound realization: his constant references to his mother were detrimental to their relationship. He acknowledged his role in undermining their happiness. This epiphany spurred him to take action, paving the way for reconciliation and growth in their relationship.