In-laws and $$, wwyd?

powercropper
Tue, 08 Sep 2015 11:51:39 +0000

Your husband needs to take this money and shower YOU with some love. Does he not realize what an awkward position you were put in during this whole house chaos?!

Please show his this thread:

Dear Hubby of really kind person,

I have heard of the chaos and stress that your parents’ buying-but-not-moving into a new house has caused your wife. It sounds like she really stepped up and went above and beyond what would have been expected of an “in law.” She did it out of love, yes, but you really messed up trying to not accept the thank you gift that your parents offered.

First, it can be insulting to the giver to refuse a gift. And second, it sounds like your wife put in a lot of effort in this situation, and so you were refusing a gift on her behalf as well.

Take the money. Tuck some of it away if you feel so compelled. Then take the rest and splurge on your wife. Take her away for a weekend getaway. (Or at least a fancy night out to the symphony and dinner.) Verbally thank your wife for loving well on your parents during a difficult time.

And jewelry. Buy your wife some jewelry. She deserves it.

I understand where you are coming from, not wanting to trade your love for family for a pile of cash. But think of the bigger picture here, and let your parents feel generous. Allow them to save face here, since they surely know their abrupt decision not to move caused a lot of trouble for everyone.

And let your wife feel appreciated.

Sincerely,

A Stranger who just had to declutter and sell a parent’s home
(and all I got was a seafood dinner and a box of photos!)