To think if mil wanted to spend £250 on us she could have chosen better than a...

[lecce]

2ft tall black and white framed print of John Lennon, taken c.1968 with Yoko in the background.

I love John Lennon, dh not so much. However, mil had no idea whether either of us likes him- was happily surprised to find I do. Much as I do, I don't want this gift. It is huge. It will dominate which ever room we put it in.

To make matters worse, we are trying to sell our house so it really can't go up now. It seems we may have found a buyer but, when we do move, the fun of decorating the new home, arranging furniture etc will be totally spoilt by having to accomodate this picture.

WWBU to 'accidentally' break it while moving? I cringe when I think about the amount she spent on it - why, without having any sense that we would like/want it? It was a joint birthday present. I do not expect to have anywhere near that amount spent on me and would be more than happy with a card. But. But - if she was going to spend that amount there is so much we could have had that would have been either useful or a lovely treat (money is fairly tight - certainly wouldn't spend that amount without thinking very carefully first.)

Tbh, I see it as another example of her controlling behaviour.

Leave the bastard!!

Smear it in cat muck and sell it to Yoko for one million dollars.

I'd eBay it, or sell it somehow. Then perhaps it could never be mentioned after the move, hopefully she'll notice it's not on your wall and get the hint you didn't like it...and not buy you another one.

This wouln't be a problem for me. I'd just say much as it is lovely, I don't want it in my home. Fortunately people wouldn't do that for me because they would know that would probably happen.

Just tell the truth. They were being insensitive buying something that is so personal taste.

It sounds quite impulsive that she done this, do you think she may have mental health problems, seems like a grand spend for someone to make on another person without knowing that is something thye would want.

Im not saying all people who experience menatl health problems do this, but It can be very common for people make large purchases as gifts.

I'd just regift it to the sister that loves it. MIL will get over it.

Just start planning your xmas revenge present. Perhaps a lifesize marilyn monroe model (there's one for sale in our local fleamarket at a similar price, I can arrange postage)

Blimey I sympathise. What was she thinking??

Even if you 'lose' it what's to stop her doing it again? You're going to have to have the 'we'd rather choose our own things' conversation and be very firm about it.

Did she buy because she thought you and or DH would like it or to piss you off? If it was to piss you off you can then be as pissed off as you like but if she bought it because she thought you would like it then you should be polite and appear grateful. It was kind and generous and a bit misguided of her.