Aunt and grandma buying matching outfits for DD

[kitchenner]

My MIL bought my DD the same jumper as her adult DD has, so they can match...

She also got her an ornament for her bedroom to match the one her DD ( my DD's aunt ) has in her bedroom.

She didn't just do it and say it once, but kept repeating it all day and how sweet it was.

I know it sounds petty, but I don't even buy matching outfits for my DD and I. I just think something like that should be reserved for mum and daughter ? Am I just a miserable cow ?

Of course I graciously repeated over and over again how lovely it was and I would never say anything but I just feel a bit uncomfortable about it deep down.

MIL and family often force their ways and traditions on us. Whereas my family don't do that at all. I feel like whenever we get together it's always about them and when the auntie was small and she did this and that, like DD. I just feel alienated by it as I guess I'm around them a lot and if I ever talk about my side of the family and what we did etc, they just kinda ignore and can't be bothered.

I know I'll be told I'm a miserable cow.

In itself it sounds harmless so perhaps there is more to this within your relationship?

I'm wondering if it's the fact it's your MIL and the fact it's the "other side" of the family that means it's bothering you?

I've got a 9yo DD and an (almost 40) dsis. My dd absolutely idolises her and has done since a really young age. She loves matching stuff and often if my dsis would come for a sleepover she'd buy them matching pjs etc. I've always found it really cute and I love their bond.

I know your dd is only 3 but even before my dd had a choice she absolutely loved to match her cool aunty.
Now that she's a bit older, it's even more obvious but now equally driven by my dd. Not really relevant to your situation but my dd would see her aunt wearing a particular outfit then when shopping ask for something similar. But I'm the uncool "old fogey". My dsis actually borrowed an old dress of mine recently and my dd went on & on about how nice it was. Then dsis told her it was actually mine and I've never seen her opinion change so fast 😂

Anyway the last part isn't really relevant as your Dd is so young but my point is my Dd loved matching my dsis at that age. She doesn't have an aunt on her dad's side so I can't say how I'd feel if it wasn't my own dsis.

So don't put her in it when she sees her aunt.

Then they won't 'match' will they?