Son and DIL insulting vacation we paid for

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our son and DIL haven’t joined us for our annual beach house vacation since before COVID, so we were thrilled that the came along this year and brought their two boys. DH and I pay for the rental, which is several thousand. We think it’s a very nice house and location. Our kids and their spouses contribute groceries and meals.

The son/DIL who haven’t joined in years have been complaining nonstop, calling it a “trip” and saying things like “these curtains are so flimsy, we can’t sleep in the morning” and saying “anytime you have to make up the bed and bring your own toilet paper, it’s not a vacation, it’s a trip.” They some of it jokingly, but have real complaints and annoyances about the house. No rental is perfect, but what can you expect? Should we ask them to stop?

OP, I am wondering if you have any kind of relationship with your DIL. If not, why? Why wouldn't you say something to her 1:1 (example): "let's go see this window, and what we can do to help!" And if MIL needs here son to go get a $5. paper blind at home depot, maybe (wait for it) MIlL can tell her son to do that.

If they say anything about making the beds, just say - it's vacation - no one has to do anything! You know, communicate.

MIL, is communication always so hard for you? Why?

Hilarious. The two women (DIL and OP) will talk about the curtains, and the man (adult son) goes to Home Depot and gets a blind and puts it up. Some internalized sexism going on here, PP, even if you can't see it.

And nope, son and DIL can figure out their own freaking solution to the thin curtains, poor delicate souls. Every bedroom will have the same thin curtains, I'm sure. Will they think to offer to buy those blinds for everyone else's rooms, too? Doubtful.

The son and DIL are being rude, period. They need to suck up their comments, even the ones made in supposed jest. OP is right to feel insulted. OP, simply ignore every one of these comments if you can (don't stoop to their passive-aggressive level).

They're being jerks. I bet that if they ever stay at your house they also snark about things but less vocally and not in front of you. Poor manners.

PP's made up conversation in her head between MIL and DIL sounds like a conversation a mother might have with her 6 yr old child. What in the world? When do two adults talk to each other like this? "What can mommy do to help?" What a joke, and the PP is daring to question the communication skills of someone else?

These responses are overblown.

If I invited a family to stay with us, and they could not sleep, you bet damn well I would seek to resolve the situation in a hospitable manner (in a house I rented).

Otherwise, why would I have even invited them?

Maybe DIL's delivery wasn't spot on, but maybe this would give an OP an opportunity to get to know her better. Maybe OP and DIL can take a ride to Home Depot together.

I really don't care what the solution is, as long as there is a solution for your guests, and you don't actually choose to ignore it or make it worse, OP.

No way would I try to alienate a family member over a house I rented. But some of you, including OP, seem to like drama.

Op is basically saying "too bad for my guest!" Have some couth, OP. Don't worry so much about being right.

But it is a family beach vacation that all adults are participating in…right? Last time we were on vacation we actually had the same problem with thin curtains that didn’t keep light out. I went into town and picked up some cheap curtains to hang. It would have felt a bit odd to complain to my parents and ask them to come up with a solution… I’m am capable adult and this is not exactly a difficult problem to solve. They are my parents after all, not hotel staff.

Is that how you feel about hosting guests?

That says much about you, OP.

[Anonymous]

I hate beach house rentals for the same reasons stated by your son and DIL. If I’m cooking or cleaning, it’s not a vacation (see the Onion article that gets posted in every beach house thread about Mom assuming all regular duties in closer proximity to the ocean).

That said, I’d either politely decline the trip, or go for the sake of family togetherness and put on a happy face. It’s rude to agree to the trip and then complain about all these things that are par for the course at beach rentals (crappy cookware, crappy curtains, etc.). You know what you’re getting into; if it’s too much of a hassle, stay home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our son and DIL haven’t joined us for our annual beach house vacation since before COVID, so we were thrilled that the came along this year and brought their two boys. DH and I pay for the rental, which is several thousand. We think it’s a very nice house and location. Our kids and their spouses contribute groceries and meals.

The son/DIL who haven’t joined in years have been complaining nonstop, calling it a “trip” and saying things like “these curtains are so flimsy, we can’t sleep in the morning” and saying “anytime you have to make up the bed and bring your own toilet paper, it’s not a vacation, it’s a trip.” They some of it jokingly, but have real complaints and annoyances about the house. No rental is perfect, but what can you expect? Should we ask them to stop?

OP, I am wondering if you have any kind of relationship with your DIL. If not, why? Why wouldn't you say something to her 1:1 (example): "let's go see this window, and what we can do to help!" And if MIL needs here son to go get a $5. paper blind at home depot, maybe (wait for it) MIlL can tell her son to do that.

If they say anything about making the beds, just say - it's vacation - no one has to do anything! You know, communicate.

MIL, is communication always so hard for you? Why?

Hilarious. The two women (DIL and OP) will talk about the curtains, and the man (adult son) goes to Home Depot and gets a blind and puts it up. Some internalized sexism going on here, PP, even if you can't see it.

And nope, son and DIL can figure out their own freaking solution to the thin curtains, poor delicate souls. Every bedroom will have the same thin curtains, I'm sure. Will they think to offer to buy those blinds for everyone else's rooms, too? Doubtful.

The son and DIL are being rude, period. They need to suck up their comments, even the ones made in supposed jest. OP is right to feel insulted. OP, simply ignore every one of these comments if you can (don't stoop to their passive-aggressive level).

They're being jerks. I bet that if they ever stay at your house they also snark about things but less vocally and not in front of you. Poor manners.

PP's made up conversation in her head between MIL and DIL sounds like a conversation a mother might have with her 6 yr old child. What in the world? When do two adults talk to each other like this? "What can mommy do to help?" What a joke, and the PP is daring to question the communication skills of someone else?

These responses are overblown.

If I invited a family to stay with us, and they could not sleep, you bet damn well I would seek to resolve the situation in a hospitable manner (in a house I rented).

Otherwise, why would I have even invited them?

Maybe DIL's delivery wasn't spot on, but maybe this would give an OP an opportunity to get to know her better. Maybe OP and DIL can take a ride to Home Depot together.

I really don't care what the solution is, as long as there is a solution for your guests, and you don't actually choose to ignore it or make it worse, OP.

No way would I try to alienate a family member over a house I rented. But some of you, including OP, seem to like drama.

Op is basically saying "too bad for my guest!" Have some couth, OP. Don't worry so much about being right.

But it is a family beach vacation that all adults are participating in…right? Last time we were on vacation we actually had the same problem with thin curtains that didn’t keep light out. I went into town and picked up some cheap curtains to hang. It would have felt a bit odd to complain to my parents and ask them to come up with a solution… I’m am capable adult and this is not exactly a difficult problem to solve. They are my parents after all, not hotel staff.

Is that how you feel about hosting guests?

That says much about you, OP.

DP but I don't need my mommy or daddy to solve my problems. If I have a car, I might mention the curtains sucked but I wouldn't stare at her waiting for her to come up with the solution, because I can drive into town to Home Depot, improvise with sheets or towels, etc. Asking the host, who happens to be family, to solve any and all problems related to my specific comfort is weird. When I stayed at my mom's house and realized the sheets sucked I bought some for her to use. I didn't whine for days on end the way an actual child might.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our son and DIL haven’t joined us for our annual beach house vacation since before COVID, so we were thrilled that the came along this year and brought their two boys. DH and I pay for the rental, which is several thousand. We think it’s a very nice house and location. Our kids and their spouses contribute groceries and meals.

The son/DIL who haven’t joined in years have been complaining nonstop, calling it a “trip” and saying things like “these curtains are so flimsy, we can’t sleep in the morning” and saying “anytime you have to make up the bed and bring your own toilet paper, it’s not a vacation, it’s a trip.” They some of it jokingly, but have real complaints and annoyances about the house. No rental is perfect, but what can you expect? Should we ask them to stop?

OP, I am wondering if you have any kind of relationship with your DIL. If not, why? Why wouldn't you say something to her 1:1 (example): "let's go see this window, and what we can do to help!" And if MIL needs here son to go get a $5. paper blind at home depot, maybe (wait for it) MIlL can tell her son to do that.

If they say anything about making the beds, just say - it's vacation - no one has to do anything! You know, communicate.

MIL, is communication always so hard for you? Why?

Hilarious. The two women (DIL and OP) will talk about the curtains, and the man (adult son) goes to Home Depot and gets a blind and puts it up. Some internalized sexism going on here, PP, even if you can't see it.

And nope, son and DIL can figure out their own freaking solution to the thin curtains, poor delicate souls. Every bedroom will have the same thin curtains, I'm sure. Will they think to offer to buy those blinds for everyone else's rooms, too? Doubtful.

The son and DIL are being rude, period. They need to suck up their comments, even the ones made in supposed jest. OP is right to feel insulted. OP, simply ignore every one of these comments if you can (don't stoop to their passive-aggressive level).

They're being jerks. I bet that if they ever stay at your house they also snark about things but less vocally and not in front of you. Poor manners.

PP's made up conversation in her head between MIL and DIL sounds like a conversation a mother might have with her 6 yr old child. What in the world? When do two adults talk to each other like this? "What can mommy do to help?" What a joke, and the PP is daring to question the communication skills of someone else?

These responses are overblown.

If I invited a family to stay with us, and they could not sleep, you bet damn well I would seek to resolve the situation in a hospitable manner (in a house I rented).

Otherwise, why would I have even invited them?

Maybe DIL's delivery wasn't spot on, but maybe this would give an OP an opportunity to get to know her better. Maybe OP and DIL can take a ride to Home Depot together.

I really don't care what the solution is, as long as there is a solution for your guests, and you don't actually choose to ignore it or make it worse, OP.

No way would I try to alienate a family member over a house I rented. But some of you, including OP, seem to like drama.

Op is basically saying "too bad for my guest!" Have some couth, OP. Don't worry so much about being right.

But it is a family beach vacation that all adults are participating in…right? Last time we were on vacation we actually had the same problem with thin curtains that didn’t keep light out. I went into town and picked up some cheap curtains to hang. It would have felt a bit odd to complain to my parents and ask them to come up with a solution… I’m am capable adult and this is not exactly a difficult problem to solve. They are my parents after all, not hotel staff.

Is that how you feel about hosting guests?

That says much about you, OP.

I’ve never rented a home for an extended family vacation but my parents have and all I’m saying is I wouldn’t want my 70 year old mother waiting on me hand and foot trying to solve all my bad curtain and old pot and pan problems. Just as she would try to make it a good vacation for me, I would be considerate of her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our son and DIL haven’t joined us for our annual beach house vacation since before COVID, so we were thrilled that the came along this year and brought their two boys. DH and I pay for the rental, which is several thousand. We think it’s a very nice house and location. Our kids and their spouses contribute groceries and meals.

The son/DIL who haven’t joined in years have been complaining nonstop, calling it a “trip” and saying things like “these curtains are so flimsy, we can’t sleep in the morning” and saying “anytime you have to make up the bed and bring your own toilet paper, it’s not a vacation, it’s a trip.” They some of it jokingly, but have real complaints and annoyances about the house. No rental is perfect, but what can you expect? Should we ask them to stop?

OP, I am wondering if you have any kind of relationship with your DIL. If not, why? Why wouldn't you say something to her 1:1 (example): "let's go see this window, and what we can do to help!" And if MIL needs here son to go get a $5. paper blind at home depot, maybe (wait for it) MIlL can tell her son to do that.

If they say anything about making the beds, just say - it's vacation - no one has to do anything! You know, communicate.

MIL, is communication always so hard for you? Why?

Hilarious. The two women (DIL and OP) will talk about the curtains, and the man (adult son) goes to Home Depot and gets a blind and puts it up. Some internalized sexism going on here, PP, even if you can't see it.

And nope, son and DIL can figure out their own freaking solution to the thin curtains, poor delicate souls. Every bedroom will have the same thin curtains, I'm sure. Will they think to offer to buy those blinds for everyone else's rooms, too? Doubtful.

The son and DIL are being rude, period. They need to suck up their comments, even the ones made in supposed jest. OP is right to feel insulted. OP, simply ignore every one of these comments if you can (don't stoop to their passive-aggressive level).

They're being jerks. I bet that if they ever stay at your house they also snark about things but less vocally and not in front of you. Poor manners.

PP's made up conversation in her head between MIL and DIL sounds like a conversation a mother might have with her 6 yr old child. What in the world? When do two adults talk to each other like this? "What can mommy do to help?" What a joke, and the PP is daring to question the communication skills of someone else?

These responses are overblown.

If I invited a family to stay with us, and they could not sleep, you bet damn well I would seek to resolve the situation in a hospitable manner (in a house I rented).

Otherwise, why would I have even invited them?

Maybe DIL's delivery wasn't spot on, but maybe this would give an OP an opportunity to get to know her better. Maybe OP and DIL can take a ride to Home Depot together.

I really don't care what the solution is, as long as there is a solution for your guests, and you don't actually choose to ignore it or make it worse, OP.

No way would I try to alienate a family member over a house I rented. But some of you, including OP, seem to like drama.

Op is basically saying "too bad for my guest!" Have some couth, OP. Don't worry so much about being right.

But it is a family beach vacation that all adults are participating in…right? Last time we were on vacation we actually had the same problem with thin curtains that didn’t keep light out. I went into town and picked up some cheap curtains to hang. It would have felt a bit odd to complain to my parents and ask them to come up with a solution… I’m am capable adult and this is not exactly a difficult problem to solve. They are my parents after all, not hotel staff.

Is that how you feel about hosting guests?

That says much about you, OP.

DP but I don't need my mommy or daddy to solve my problems. If I have a car, I might mention the curtains sucked but I wouldn't stare at her waiting for her to come up with the solution, because I can drive into town to Home Depot, improvise with sheets or towels, etc. Asking the host, who happens to be family, to solve any and all problems related to my specific comfort is weird. When I stayed at my mom's house and realized the sheets sucked I bought some for her to use. I didn't whine for days on end the way an actual child might.

Yeah, but this is a rental. I suppose the DIL could use the sheets later. I know OBX traffic can be fierce, so maybe the DIL is only there a few days out of concession, and doesn't want to spend it in traffic. Maybe OP would rather pick a fight with her new DIL, then step up and take the high road. We could speculate all day, I suppose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our son and DIL haven’t joined us for our annual beach house vacation since before COVID, so we were thrilled that the came along this year and brought their two boys. DH and I pay for the rental, which is several thousand. We think it’s a very nice house and location. Our kids and their spouses contribute groceries and meals.

The son/DIL who haven’t joined in years have been complaining nonstop, calling it a “trip” and saying things like “these curtains are so flimsy, we can’t sleep in the morning” and saying “anytime you have to make up the bed and bring your own toilet paper, it’s not a vacation, it’s a trip.” They some of it jokingly, but have real complaints and annoyances about the house. No rental is perfect, but what can you expect? Should we ask them to stop?

OP, I am wondering if you have any kind of relationship with your DIL. If not, why? Why wouldn't you say something to her 1:1 (example): "let's go see this window, and what we can do to help!" And if MIL needs here son to go get a $5. paper blind at home depot, maybe (wait for it) MIlL can tell her son to do that.

If they say anything about making the beds, just say - it's vacation - no one has to do anything! You know, communicate.

MIL, is communication always so hard for you? Why?

Hilarious. The two women (DIL and OP) will talk about the curtains, and the man (adult son) goes to Home Depot and gets a blind and puts it up. Some internalized sexism going on here, PP, even if you can't see it.

And nope, son and DIL can figure out their own freaking solution to the thin curtains, poor delicate souls. Every bedroom will have the same thin curtains, I'm sure. Will they think to offer to buy those blinds for everyone else's rooms, too? Doubtful.

The son and DIL are being rude, period. They need to suck up their comments, even the ones made in supposed jest. OP is right to feel insulted. OP, simply ignore every one of these comments if you can (don't stoop to their passive-aggressive level).

They're being jerks. I bet that if they ever stay at your house they also snark about things but less vocally and not in front of you. Poor manners.

PP's made up conversation in her head between MIL and DIL sounds like a conversation a mother might have with her 6 yr old child. What in the world? When do two adults talk to each other like this? "What can mommy do to help?" What a joke, and the PP is daring to question the communication skills of someone else?

These responses are overblown.

If I invited a family to stay with us, and they could not sleep, you bet damn well I would seek to resolve the situation in a hospitable manner (in a house I rented).

Otherwise, why would I have even invited them?

Maybe DIL's delivery wasn't spot on, but maybe this would give an OP an opportunity to get to know her better. Maybe OP and DIL can take a ride to Home Depot together.

I really don't care what the solution is, as long as there is a solution for your guests, and you don't actually choose to ignore it or make it worse, OP.

No way would I try to alienate a family member over a house I rented. But some of you, including OP, seem to like drama.

Op is basically saying "too bad for my guest!" Have some couth, OP. Don't worry so much about being right.

But it is a family beach vacation that all adults are participating in…right? Last time we were on vacation we actually had the same problem with thin curtains that didn’t keep light out. I went into town and picked up some cheap curtains to hang. It would have felt a bit odd to complain to my parents and ask them to come up with a solution… I’m am capable adult and this is not exactly a difficult problem to solve. They are my parents after all, not hotel staff.

Is that how you feel about hosting guests?

That says much about you, OP.

I’ve never rented a home for an extended family vacation but my parents have and all I’m saying is I wouldn’t want my 70 year old mother waiting on me hand and foot trying to solve all my bad curtain and old pot and pan problems. Just as she would try to make it a good vacation for me, I would be considerate of her.

Does your 70 year old mother take everything personally?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate beach house rentals for the same reasons stated by your son and DIL. If I’m cooking or cleaning, it’s not a vacation (see the Onion article that gets posted in every beach house thread about Mom assuming all regular duties in closer proximity to the ocean).

That said, I’d either politely decline the trip, or go for the sake of family togetherness and put on a happy face. It’s rude to agree to the trip and then complain about all these things that are par for the course at beach rentals (crappy cookware, crappy curtains, etc.). You know what you’re getting into; if it’s too much of a hassle, stay home.

Can you post the article? I was not able to find it, for some reason, and I bet many readers could relate.

[Anonymous]

OP, does your DIL feel comfortable around your family?

Maybe that is her way of trying to start a dialogue?

How old is your DIL? I am presuming you are older?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate beach house rentals for the same reasons stated by your son and DIL. If I’m cooking or cleaning, it’s not a vacation (see the Onion article that gets posted in every beach house thread about Mom assuming all regular duties in closer proximity to the ocean).

That said, I’d either politely decline the trip, or go for the sake of family togetherness and put on a happy face. It’s rude to agree to the trip and then complain about all these things that are par for the course at beach rentals (crappy cookware, crappy curtains, etc.). You know what you’re getting into; if it’s too much of a hassle, stay home.

Can you post the article? I was not able to find it, for some reason, and I bet many readers could relate.

https://www.theonion.com/mom-spends-beach-vacation-assuming-all-household-duties-1819575406

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate beach house rentals for the same reasons stated by your son and DIL. If I’m cooking or cleaning, it’s not a vacation (see the Onion article that gets posted in every beach house thread about Mom assuming all regular duties in closer proximity to the ocean).

That said, I’d either politely decline the trip, or go for the sake of family togetherness and put on a happy face. It’s rude to agree to the trip and then complain about all these things that are par for the course at beach rentals (crappy cookware, crappy curtains, etc.). You know what you’re getting into; if it’s too much of a hassle, stay home.

Can you post the article? I was not able to find it, for some reason, and I bet many readers could relate.

https://www.theonion.com/mom-spends-beach-vacation-assuming-all-household-duties-1819575406

SO TRUE!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate beach house rentals for the same reasons stated by your son and DIL. If I’m cooking or cleaning, it’s not a vacation (see the Onion article that gets posted in every beach house thread about Mom assuming all regular duties in closer proximity to the ocean).

That said, I’d either politely decline the trip, or go for the sake of family togetherness and put on a happy face. It’s rude to agree to the trip and then complain about all these things that are par for the course at beach rentals (crappy cookware, crappy curtains, etc.). You know what you’re getting into; if it’s too much of a hassle, stay home.

Agree on all counts. I don’t love family vacations with my ILs but if I agree to go I don't complain about everything. That’s rude.

[Anonymous]

21 pages of people repeating the same things over and over. People must be bored this week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:21 pages of people repeating the same things over and over. People must be bored this week.

The other team can’t get the last word! 😂

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our son and DIL haven’t joined us for our annual beach house vacation since before COVID, so we were thrilled that the came along this year and brought their two boys. DH and I pay for the rental, which is several thousand. We think it’s a very nice house and location. Our kids and their spouses contribute groceries and meals.

The son/DIL who haven’t joined in years have been complaining nonstop, calling it a “trip” and saying things like “these curtains are so flimsy, we can’t sleep in the morning” and saying “anytime you have to make up the bed and bring your own toilet paper, it’s not a vacation, it’s a trip.” They some of it jokingly, but have real complaints and annoyances about the house. No rental is perfect, but what can you expect? Should we ask them to stop?

OP, I am wondering if you have any kind of relationship with your DIL. If not, why? Why wouldn't you say something to her 1:1 (example): "let's go see this window, and what we can do to help!" And if MIL needs here son to go get a $5. paper blind at home depot, maybe (wait for it) MIlL can tell her son to do that.

If they say anything about making the beds, just say - it's vacation - no one has to do anything! You know, communicate.

MIL, is communication always so hard for you? Why?

Hilarious. The two women (DIL and OP) will talk about the curtains, and the man (adult son) goes to Home Depot and gets a blind and puts it up. Some internalized sexism going on here, PP, even if you can't see it.

And nope, son and DIL can figure out their own freaking solution to the thin curtains, poor delicate souls. Every bedroom will have the same thin curtains, I'm sure. Will they think to offer to buy those blinds for everyone else's rooms, too? Doubtful.

The son and DIL are being rude, period. They need to suck up their comments, even the ones made in supposed jest. OP is right to feel insulted. OP, simply ignore every one of these comments if you can (don't stoop to their passive-aggressive level).

They're being jerks. I bet that if they ever stay at your house they also snark about things but less vocally and not in front of you. Poor manners.

PP's made up conversation in her head between MIL and DIL sounds like a conversation a mother might have with her 6 yr old child. What in the world? When do two adults talk to each other like this? "What can mommy do to help?" What a joke, and the PP is daring to question the communication skills of someone else?

These responses are overblown.

If I invited a family to stay with us, and they could not sleep, you bet damn well I would seek to resolve the situation in a hospitable manner (in a house I rented).

Otherwise, why would I have even invited them?

Maybe DIL's delivery wasn't spot on, but maybe this would give an OP an opportunity to get to know her better. Maybe OP and DIL can take a ride to Home Depot together.

I really don't care what the solution is, as long as there is a solution for your guests, and you don't actually choose to ignore it or make it worse, OP.

No way would I try to alienate a family member over a house I rented. But some of you, including OP, seem to like drama.

Op is basically saying "too bad for my guest!" Have some couth, OP. Don't worry so much about being right.

After you're finished your little trip to Home Depot, swing on by Williams Sonoma to pick up some Le Creuset for the kitchen. Son and DIL are very displeased with the kitchenware. And then head on over to Bed Bath & Beyond for some sheets with a a decent thread count, dammit! Oh and some plush towels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our son and DIL haven’t joined us for our annual beach house vacation since before COVID, so we were thrilled that the came along this year and brought their two boys. DH and I pay for the rental, which is several thousand. We think it’s a very nice house and location. Our kids and their spouses contribute groceries and meals.

The son/DIL who haven’t joined in years have been complaining nonstop, calling it a “trip” and saying things like “these curtains are so flimsy, we can’t sleep in the morning” and saying “anytime you have to make up the bed and bring your own toilet paper, it’s not a vacation, it’s a trip.” They some of it jokingly, but have real complaints and annoyances about the house. No rental is perfect, but what can you expect? Should we ask them to stop?

OP, I am wondering if you have any kind of relationship with your DIL. If not, why? Why wouldn't you say something to her 1:1 (example): "let's go see this window, and what we can do to help!" And if MIL needs here son to go get a $5. paper blind at home depot, maybe (wait for it) MIlL can tell her son to do that.

If they say anything about making the beds, just say - it's vacation - no one has to do anything! You know, communicate.

MIL, is communication always so hard for you? Why?

Hilarious. The two women (DIL and OP) will talk about the curtains, and the man (adult son) goes to Home Depot and gets a blind and puts it up. Some internalized sexism going on here, PP, even if you can't see it.

And nope, son and DIL can figure out their own freaking solution to the thin curtains, poor delicate souls. Every bedroom will have the same thin curtains, I'm sure. Will they think to offer to buy those blinds for everyone else's rooms, too? Doubtful.

The son and DIL are being rude, period. They need to suck up their comments, even the ones made in supposed jest. OP is right to feel insulted. OP, simply ignore every one of these comments if you can (don't stoop to their passive-aggressive level).

They're being jerks. I bet that if they ever stay at your house they also snark about things but less vocally and not in front of you. Poor manners.

PP's made up conversation in her head between MIL and DIL sounds like a conversation a mother might have with her 6 yr old child. What in the world? When do two adults talk to each other like this? "What can mommy do to help?" What a joke, and the PP is daring to question the communication skills of someone else?

These responses are overblown.

If I invited a family to stay with us, and they could not sleep, you bet damn well I would seek to resolve the situation in a hospitable manner (in a house I rented).

Otherwise, why would I have even invited them?

Maybe DIL's delivery wasn't spot on, but maybe this would give an OP an opportunity to get to know her better. Maybe OP and DIL can take a ride to Home Depot together.

I really don't care what the solution is, as long as there is a solution for your guests, and you don't actually choose to ignore it or make it worse, OP.

No way would I try to alienate a family member over a house I rented. But some of you, including OP, seem to like drama.

Op is basically saying "too bad for my guest!" Have some couth, OP. Don't worry so much about being right.

After you're finished your little trip to Home Depot, swing on by Williams Sonoma to pick up some Le Creuset for the kitchen. Son and DIL are very displeased with the kitchenware. And then head on over to Bed Bath & Beyond for some sheets with a a decent thread count, dammit! Oh and some plush towels.

Why so obnoxious? No wonder DIL wants to leave.