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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is MIL being cheeky?

55 replies

Matches · 16/12/2011 16:03

We are going to MIL's for Christmas for the first time in ages.

We have had a strained relationship in the past. She wasn't a great mother. She is much harder on DH than his younger 2 siblings, and is much more giving towards them. For example, she babysits for them on a weekly basis but was very grudging when we asked her to babsyit for the 2nd time in a year, even though she likes our children. Bottom line is that DH has no expectations from her and we haven't asked her for anything, so she hasn't babysat for us for over 2 years.

However, things are jolly if superficial and the day should be fun. DH's youngest brother and his family are also going.

One thing is bugging me though. MIL is notoriously difficult to please with presents and has been known to throw them Xmas Hmm back at the recipient if she doesn't like them.

DH is bordering on terrified of displeasing her, so always asks what she wants. She always chooses something expensive. This year it's a kindle - £89. Now to be fair, she's not to know that we're really struggling financially at the moment, and aren't spending that amount on each other. But... still.

What really grates is that she never expects anything from the second and third son, even though she has done so much for them (her ds3 lived with her for a year recently after a relationship breakup). It's always H that she puts the big money demands on, even though her ds2 is far wealthier.

As well as the present, we are contributing to Christmas dinner in several ways, including booze. Again, her ds3 is likely to contribute nothing.

DH thinks we should just buy it for her as then she has what she wants and can't complain, and it's easy to get. He wants to know my view. I said it's up to him, but inside I'm a bit seething. I think it's cheeky to ask for a present that much. AIBU?

OP posts:
Jux · 17/12/2011 02:53

Pigletmania, yes I am. They are almost as vile as the original advert! You need Bendick's Bitter Mints for a seriously good chocolate experience Grin

pigletmania · 17/12/2011 08:14

Oh Jux I like them too, I have just ordered for my online Christmas shop, Terrys All Gold box of choccies, haven't had them since I was a wee nipper.

pigletmania · 17/12/2011 08:14

In fact I like most chocolate Xmas Grin

GlueSticksEverywhere · 17/12/2011 08:42

Ooh ferrero rocher!

My dad bought them for my ILs once . . . their faces! I had never heard of anyone not liking them before and it was really sweet of my dad to go to the effort. I could of punched them.

Jux · 18/12/2011 13:06

Oh I wouldn't behave like that if someone bought me some, but I would hand them over the dh sharpish as they're his faves. Then I'd insist on my right to buy another box of Bendicks so it's fair Grin

I have one, once a week, so they last until about June!

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