IL conversation: ask for it to stop, or let it go?

[Anonymous]

Just put it on your "to do" list for when they visit.

To do:
Have a squabble about mini-vans.

Then when it happens, you can have the satisfaction of checking it off the list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just put it on your "to do" list for when they visit.

To do:
Have a squabble about mini-vans.

Then when it happens, you can have the satisfaction of checking it off the list.

Ha! Not op but this definitely helps me get past the predictable annoyances I face. Maybe I'll make up bingo cards.

[Anonymous]

Lots of good advice here. I'll offer as a passive-aggressive, last-ditch effort to borrow a friend's minivan for their next visit. Tell your friend not to clean it at all, and have in-laws stoop and crawl two rows ride in the back seat with festering sippy cups, crushed crackers and moldy socks.

(Obviously I'm a minivan owner.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Actually, minivans tend to get better gas mileage than similarly-sized SUVs. I assume you're driving a compact SUV or crossover if you're thinking that.

I would just nod and smile and deflect. You're not going to buy a minivan, them saying you should buy one isn't really hurting you in anyway, so just let it go.

We have both - and the minivan takes "cheap gas", so it takes half as much money to fill the tank!

[Anonymous]

Yes, I'd play a game with my DH. "How soon after your parents get here do you think they'll bring up a mini-van?". And then when they do bring it up, smile! You win. I also just wouldn't really respond. "Oh yeah huh" and then go about your way. The more arguments you put up for why you don't want a mini-van, the more they will see this as having it open for debate.

Good responses:
"Yeah"
"huh"
"I'll think about that"
"Um hmm"
"Interesting"

[Anonymous]

Zip-top might also be an option for certain occasions, like, say, a zoo. You know - where you don't want to park two vehicles.

[Anonymous]

*zipcar

[Anonymous]

Op we bought a minivan for this exact reason. My parents are local and DH's parents visit from a foreign country and don't drive.

We have had the minivan for three years. Number of times we all rode as a family? Maybe once.

I do love my minivan though so I don't regret the purchase. But we needed a second car anyway.

[Anonymous]

Suggest they purchase a minivan.

Does it bother your DH? If my DH finds something annoying with his parents, or I find something annoying with my own parents, I'm close enough that I say "Mom it is so annoying that you keep asking about this! I don't want a freaking minivan. Stop asking." And my DH would do the same with his own mom.