smelly stuff

[ohgoodlordthatsmoist]

MIL has been told on about 6 occasions that a certain (expensive) brand of cosmetic brings me out in a rash, yet she keeps buying me it (mostly because she likes it )
Would i be unreasonable to buy her some very pongy jo Malone stuff for Christmas (I know she doesn't like it as we got it for her birthday once and hubby got an earful about how generic and thoughtless it was and that she didn't like it)

Wow jo malone is generic?

I think it was the fact that it was a general set of something husband didn't know she would like rather than a set of her usual perfume stuff

If she feels comfortable enough to say she doesn't like it, you should do the same

Stop dropping hints about how they bring you out in a rash and just outright say "stop buying me them. I don't like them and they give me a rash"

Oh she has been told nicely and bluntly but it doesn't stop her. She knows better apparently, between this brand and 'lovely' marks and spencer tops I would just rather she didn't give me anything

Take the gift in good grace, smile thanks and give to someone else for their birthday. Never tell someone what to give you unless asked. If she is doing it on purpose, gratitude steals her thunder. If she is just not getting it and is trying to be kind then why would you make her feel bad?

Wrap them back up and give them to her for every birthday/xmas. Or if you open ot in front of her either hand it straight back and tell her she might as well keep it or that it's a shame she'swasted her money again but the charity shop will take it.

She has no interest in your feelings or opinions.

Get her the rose Jo Malone. That's quite pungent.

What's the brand that brings you out in a rash?

I agree with just give it straight back to her

I'd rewrap it and give it back.

Don't give it back to her. Then she's got your present. Or maybe that's what she is hoping for.....

I would tell her now you're not doing adult presents any more, and give her nothing. If she gives you the stuff you don't like, say thank you and point out that, as she knows, you are allergic to this stuff but you always do a swap with your friend whose MIL always buys her something she's allergic too as well. Say "I hope I'm not as forgetful when I'm your age" too.

She'd be getting Jeyes Fluid in a Jo Malone bottle off me.

How is your relationship normally with MIL? Because if I'd let them know multiple times it causes me an allergic reaction, i would ask myself some questions

The bitch in me would kick up a fuss when is unwrapped like she did or maybe she's hoping you'll give it her back !?

Could your husband not have another quiet word with her? Or could you not drop into a conversation that you tried some on again an had to go to the chemist or doctors who have said you shouldn't wear this type?

My son's mum, who I'm still really close to, bought me a box of 4 Cartier perfumes at Xmas last year, not my taste at all as I prefer quite sweet smelling scents. Upon smelling them I realised if it's not the same it's so similar to what she wears. I still appreciated it though, as I know she always bothers to get me a birthday present and Xmas present every year. Last month for my birthday she bought me a gorgeous Stella McCartney handbag that had pride an place on my shoulder at a family wedding :) so I let her off the perfume blip but still she ALWAYS puts thought into my presents when she doesn't have to and I greatly appreciate them considering I'm no longer in a relationship with her son

That's what makes me wonder how your relationship with her is? As if she's been told multiple times an is still buying it

• my son's grandma ! Haha not my son's mum

My mil does this every occassion. I have told her numerous times, these expensive cosmetics are just not my cup of tea. She thinks she knows best as it is stuff that she likes, so surely everyone else must. I now accept them graciously, put them on ebay, and buy myself something that I actually like, with the proceeds.

Accept them with gratitude (kill her with kindness) and then stick them up on eBay and buy yourself something you actually want with the money.

I have an elderly uncle who always buys me expensive gift sets from one particular brand every Christmas and birthday. I don't use or particularly like that brand, but he always looks so chuffed with himself when he hands it over that my heart breaks a bit about asking him to get me something else. So I just say thank you and eBay them on the sly.