Family party- stealing my thunder!

[popalittlepancakeintothepan]

Ok, I'm not seething angry, so please don't tell me I'm being ridiculous. I'm just a little surprised at this really!

I've arranged a family party for two family members' birthdays soon. Everyone was notified via FB yesterday. This evening, SIL has arranged a family party for the DAY BEFORE ours. It's not for a particular event, so could be done at a later date. My party, however, needs to roughly coincide with the birthdays, plus we're a bit restricted with dates due to bday boy working and not being able to take time off at weekends.

I was tempted to say I couldn't attend her party as I'll be busy preparing for my bloody party the very next day! I won't, I will pop in for a bit, but I do feel there's something a bit off here.

I think it's odd. I wouldn't want to attend a family do two nights on the bounce, and I like most of my family!

I also wouldn't want to attend completely separate parties two nights on the bounce - either have to arrange babysitters or can't have a couple of drinks? No thanks.

It does sound like she's trying to sabotage your party. Is there anyone that can have a word? Maybe saying that it would work better to have her party a week earlier/later as otherwise they can't attend?

Keep all your plans / ideas under wraps because otherwise she will copy you! And you should be able to host a party for your husband and son without it turning into a competition!

hmmm - odd but i don't know if enough to jump on her or DB - could it just be a thoughtless thing she thought of doing? I don't know if 'outdoing her' in your party day would help the relationship to be honest. I would just carry on with your party as normal and pop into hers to keep the peace. I have a crazy sometimes difficult SIL and while i don't necessarily got on with her, i keep the peace because i don't want to put my brother in the middle of it. Good luck and have a great party!