Does your MIL do this?

And why do you need to read the contents of somebody else's cards?

It's just nosey!

I don't think you should read someone else's cards. Although they are on display, what's written inside them is private.

Surely you wouldn't pick up a letter in someone's house and start reading it?

Cards on display I might comment on the pic as in ‘awwww cute bear’ or ‘beautiful flowers’ or ‘I love Winnie the oooh too’ or ‘can’t believe Sarah is 5 already’ - but never in a million years would I dream of opening and reading inside them in someone else’s house! Think that’s really rude!

Exactly! Imagine “well if you didn’t want me to check what size pants you wear why did you have your washing out”

Cards are akin to letters. Just because a letter or card is on the side or on display is not an invitation. It is a message addressed to and intended for the recipient. Extremely rude to read anything addressed to someone else.

The message is on the inside of the card for a reason!

That seems really rude to me, and intrusive. I wouldn't read someone's wall calendar either. They are personal things for who lives there.

I think all the card readers are the type of people why so many people don’t like having guests.

Why should a person have to hide anything personalised when company visits just incase they are the nosey type.

If I have washing on the line are you going to go outside and check I’ve hung it properly too? Make sure the socks are all paired and pants the right way up. Since it’s out on display.

Going to open that folder of work documents on my desk because it’s clearly on display rather than just being where it lives.

I like the pp that likened it to a museum. Yes my home is full of things, look but don’t touch.

You’re here as a fun guest hopefully not fbi inspector.

you think wrong 😁

If people want you to read them, they invite you, or hand them to you.

Thinking about it, I don't even read the cards addressed to my husband or children! I ask my kids who they're from so I keep track of thank you, but it's up to them if they want to share.

Privacy and manners matter.

I think if you don't want people to read them, you don't display cards, surely?

People keep replying with things like “but they are on display” - have you never been to a museum? Look don’t touch 😂

Look AT doesn’t involve handle, open, read. People display cards to be admired as decoration for the given celebration, and because they are their cards. Doesn’t entitle anyone from out with that household to read what’s inside. You can look and say “what a lovely card” and move on. Why do you need to now who it’s from or what personal message has been written inside..?

My MIL and DM do this!
I don't mind at all...in fact it makes me proud and happy.
The greetings are always positive (why wouldn't they be?!)

DH is very good at cards and usually writes lovely things to me which I'm happy for anyone to see!

what makes you think they are on display FOR YOU?
Do you really believe the host will frantically display all the cards when you are due to turn up to give you something to read and browse while they're making you a cup of tea?

Photos are different, because you can see them just being in the room.
Opening a card not addressed to you? That's just wrong.

If you don't mind, you are free to invite your guests to have a look at yours, but don't assume everyone wants to share their private mail with you.

“Don’t put private things on public display” oh give over!

It’s putting a Valentine’s card on YOUR OWN mantel piece/ windowsill/ sideboard or whatever. You haven’t got it hanging in the Louvre for goodness sake.

You are allowed to put your cards somewhere you can appreciate them without having to squirrel them away in a secret place so no one reads them.

If you have a calendar in your kitchen it would be rude for someone to flip through it seeing when your next period is due or what time your dentist appointment is next week but that’s also “on public display”.

I feel like if you’ve put them on display then it’s fair game really.

I hadn't really thought of it before. I generally glance at the designs and if a theme emerges that's the recipient's signature "thing" I'll comment, eg "lots of cake/shoes/flowers, Alison" just as they'd say "lots of cats and owls for you this year Tortie. No surprise there then!" But actually reading people's cards is a bit much and if this extends to their appointment letters and financial information, some boundaries should be laid down. There are those who don't need these things pointing out to them and those who regretfully do.

Call it out "oi, nosy!" Maybe embarass her into getting some manners.

I wouldn't like it, especially valentines ! If your going to look and read them you don't need to comment on them, we walked into the kitchen one day to find mil reading a letter we'd left on the kitchen side ( you should be able to leave a letter in your own house without someone noising at it ) x

I genuinely thought cards were displayed to be admired and have often read people’s cards. Well, this has been an embarrassing revelation for me!

My mum does.

Wouldn't bother me. Cards are usually displayed so why wouldn't you want people to look at them? If it's something personal don't put it up in your living room.

It’s aimed at her MIL because it’s her Mil that’s doing it! It’s that simple. I’m sure if it was her mum doing it, she’d be complaining about her mum. You’re being over-sensitive. There have been others on the thread (me included) who’ve complained about their own mums doing it.

You know, I've never thought about this before but my MIL is the only one to do this... My parents don't and nobody else that comes into the home.

I admit I like looking at the cards at my parents but absolutely would not read them unless they say I can have a look or hand it to me or whatever.

My husband often writes beautiful long paragraphs inside cards with lots of inside jokes and other personal things and I do get annoyed when MIL takes it upon herself to pick them up and read them but I pick my battles 😂 Luckily she lives a few hours away and is a complete narcissist so we don't see her too often!

I dislike this too.

I have a relative who asks on Xmas day to read all the cards exchanged between family members. Not only does this mean you can't write a private message to a partner, but it also puts more emphasis on the cards than was perhaps intended. Eg a basic 'auntie' card from child niece, or a basic card from a multipack that contains a bog standard message is now spotlighted and commented on causing discomfort. I try to exchange cards outside of their company tbh.

Also, I don't want to have to immediate bin a nice card or squirrel at the back of a drawer to avoid others reading it. I want to be able to put it between my plant pots on a windowsill and admire the front and be reminded of the thoughtful friend etc who sent it.