Need a check on my anger - SIL drops by when I said it wasn't a good time

[Anonymous]

I just want to flag that maybe she actually didn't get the "no" message. I'm only saying this is possible because I've had text messages go unanswered and then discussed it with a friend later on (e.g. "Is it ok to bring Larlo with us?"), only to have them show me their chain of the conversation, where they did respond. Is it unlikely? Yes. But it's also possible.

[Anonymous]

He has a history... ok.

IMO, though, your kid not listening caused a huge part of the issue.

[Anonymous]

I think that's when you're supposed to say "Thanks for stopping by. We have to prep for the party so we'll see you another day!" and escort her to the door.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that's when you're supposed to say "Thanks for stopping by. We have to prep for the party so we'll see you another day!" and escort her to the door.

SIL didn’t visit. She dropped off the gift. OP is transferring her irritation at her own kid for being kind of a brat and asking that gift be assembled multiple times, onto her SIL. Of course, this is simply the latest of SILs deep offences towards OP.

[Anonymous]

Need more details about her history with you? Is it comprised of similar instances?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did she drop it off wrapped? If so, your kid should have waited to unwrap it at the party.

That was my question. I would have actually, as the SIL, made sure an adult saw the wrapped gift and my instructions and thrown up deuces.

[Anonymous]

Kind of sucks that everyone is blaming the poor birthday kid that wants to put it together. Seriously, every kid wants to check out their gift! If anyone should be annoyed, it’s the birthday kid!

OP - you have to pick your battles, this. People generally do what is convenient for them. My SIL is the spawn of Satan. Years ago, during a family Xmas gift swap (with very strict rules since it was her idea), she swapped my DS (6 at the time) for his popcorn machine. In return, he got her adult size LL Bean mittens. No melt down from my kid because that’s not his style. I laughed and shouted, who takes a popcorn maker from a kid. She did not budge and mumbled, rules are rules. Feel better now OP?