to want MIL to give me my watch back!?

[Lucy87]

Ok so I have a lovely relationship with MIL and I love her dearly, and thus why I will never make a big issue of this, but just wanted some other opinions. Not sure if I am BU to feel annoyed.

About a year ago DP and I were staying at her place for about a month between flats (very kind and I am forever grateful!) and during that time he bought me a truly lovely watch (was about 180 quids worth).

Anyway, about a month after he gave it to me, it must have fallen under a bed at her place, but being scatty as ever, I didn't notice it was gone.

A month ago she announces she's found the watch - and has taken a liking to it, and is wearing it. I am OS presently, but when I brought it up while we were chatting on the phone the other day, "Oh so I hear you found that watch, do you love it? ... Oh you do? .... Oh ok, by all means keep it [cringe]".

I feel secretly annoyed. She must think because I didn't realize at the time I'd lost it / didn't get upset I didn't care. I am famously bad at keeping a track of my things sometimes, but I would really like the watch back. My DP chose it for me, and also I just loved it, I keep meaning to buy a new one, but do I have to go to that trouble? I think the polite thing for her to have done would have been to offer it back!!! She never did that. Just said, "Oh yes I do love it".

Maybe I should have said, "Oh that's so lucky, I'd love it back", to begin with... Maybe this is just too silly/petty, I should move on and stop being so ridiculous. I love her and realize how lucky I am to have such a good relationship with MIL.

AIBU?

I think you should have said something when she first found it.

I think if you loved it so much you would have noticed its absence.

I think she should have given it back as soon as she found it and should not have started wearing it.

So, I think YABU and YANBU- sorry to be fickle

WHY did you say ... "Oh so I hear you found that watch, do you love it? ... Oh you do? .Oh ok, by all means keep it [cringe]". ???

Why not say 'oh you found my watch, I'm so glad, i felt so bad about loosing it, DH will be so glad ive gotten it back'

You GAVE it to her, no point in complaining!

she shouldnt give you it back because youve already told her its ok to keep it!, it wouldnt cross her mind now.
You either need to speak to her properly and say look im sorry i just felt bad when you said how much you liked it but i really would like it back as it was sentimental from dh...or buy her another one and say similar things..she thinks its fine cos you said it is.

Get your DH to ring her and ask for it back, make it sound like him that doesn't want her to keep it, he bought it especially for you etc ...

Oh for goddness sakes, you told her to keep it! what do you expect?

If it were me, and you have a good relationship with her, (and ti sounds like you do) I would ring up and simply, say,

"Look I didnt mean what I said about you keeping the watch, i had not thought it through, dp is upset I gave it too you so would it be ok to have it back"

And if she is as lovely as you say she is, she will not get upset about it.

Lol oh dear! You've given it to her now though.

I can't think of a way how you can ask for it back without it sounding awkward. Does DP know about this? Maybe he could plead a tactful case for you?

Why on earth did you tell her to keep a beautiful watch given to you by your DH???????

eh????

Weird of your MIL to be wearing the watch knowing it was yours. Most would have packed it up and sent it to you recorded delivery.

But why on earth did you say she could have it? That's odd too. You were under absolutely no obligation to do that. But then again, surely most people would have said, "Oh no, it's your watch. Don't be silly. Have it back when you next come."

You all sound very odd to me!

I think it's tough now. You've given it to her. Maybe take better care of the precious things that your DH gives you? I'd be really really annoyed if I were him.

On second thoughts though what will dp say? First you lost it then you gave it to his mum! I'd secretly go out and buy another one I think

how bizarre

your poor dh

wonder what he'll get you for this xmas!!

your poor DP...could he not have a word with his mum and say as HE nought it for YOU he would like her to return it..?
perhaps he could buy her one for christmas??

nought = bought obv.

I know I am overly precious. I guess I said that because I felt awkward that when I first mentioned it, testing the water, not implying I wanted her to have it, she didn't offer it back immediately.

... DP couldn't care less, he did buy it for me / choose it, but I was with him at the time... He buys me a present almost every week (I am exceptionally lucky, I know).

I am going to move on - I have been home in bed ill for a week after an op so I am over analyzing everything.

Thanks for your grounding advice ladies. There are a lot worse things!