Holiday "Gift" From A Mother-In-Law Turns Awkward After She Follows Up With A Strange Request
What felt thoughtful at first suddenly came with some uncomfortable strings attached.
A few $25 to $50 restaurant gift cards should buy a simple dinner, not a whole new family argument. But that’s exactly where OP ended up after a text from their mother-in-law flipped the meaning of “gift” on its head.
During the December holidays, her mother-in-law (MIL) gave OP’s household and the kids a couple of gift cards, mostly for restaurants. Nothing huge, just small amounts meant for an easy meal or a quick treat.
Then one day, she messaged OP and her husband with a casual idea: “Shall we go out today and use one of the gift cards?” OP didn’t even understand the question at first, so she asked what gift cards MIL meant.
That’s when MIL clarified that she meant the ones she had given them. She also added that she couldn’t bring them because OP had taken all the cards with her. OP replied that she assumed she could take them because they were a gift.
MIL didn’t back off. She insisted that whenever OP’s family uses the gift cards, they need to take her along. OP found this ridiculous, especially because the amounts barely cover one person if they go out.
OP also mentioned that she has kept low contact with MIL for about a year, so this “rule” feels like a way to force access to the family.
Scroll through the screenshots below to see how people reacted to the "gift" with strings attached.
Let’s dig into the details
Reddit.comOP explained that her MIL gave her family (she, her husband, and kids) gift cards to use at restaurants, only to pop up one day to tag along
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To OP's surprise, MIL insisted that whenever they want to use the gift cards, they must take her along
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OP and her husband see this as ridiculous! In addition, OP revealed that she has been low-contact with MIL for a while, so this could be a tactic to get closer to their family
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We gathered some interesting comments from the Reddit community
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“NTA. Your MIL is manipulative and that is tacky.”
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“You could also do the better option and say you already used them without the snark.”
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“NTA. Your MIL is a master manipulator. She didn't give you gifts she gave you obligations.”
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“A GIFT does not come with stipulations. That’s not how they work.”
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“NTA - but props to MIL for being so devious - what an interesting way to insist on more contact.”
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“Girl, give her them cards back ASAP. Cause ain't no way I'll be dealing with that.”
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“A gift is a gift, and when you give something in that context you have no control over how the recipient can use it.”
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Gifts usually come with a bow, not an ongoing obligation. This is why the overwhelming majority of Redditors are understandably surprised at MIL's request.
A few Redditors have advised OP to tell MIL that she's already used the gift cards, while some people feel it's better to return them.
How would you handle this situation if you were in OP's shoes? Share it in the comments.
