SIL annoyingly nosy about gifts
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Anonymous
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SIL is incredibly nosy about the gifts DH and I give each other for xmas. She wants to know exact brands, models, etc for each gifts ("oh you got a bracelet? Is it gold? where did you buy it? Any diamonds on it? Is it a custom piece? Oh and DH got a widget? What brand? I heard only XYZ brand is worth buying. Did you consider the upgrade?" etc).
It's exhausting and pretty weird. DH and I don't even open our gifts in front of the family - we do it just the two of us at midnight on xmas eve every year - and even so SIL is always awkwardly interrogating us xmas morning during family gift opening. DH and I have tried to demure and avoid the questions (think "oh we are really happy with our gifts this year, anyone want some coffee? DD why don't you show us your gift?") but it's also just plain annoying that she thinks it's appropriate to ask in the first place. Anyone else have someone like this? Any advice on good replies or what to do to make sure it doesn't happen again this year? |
Anonymous
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Just give small-talk answers and keep it moving. If she pries, just smile in a bland, bemused way and keep it moving.
"Oh, Jim got me a gold bracelet." "All I know is it is pretty. Did you see the light show at Watkins park this year?" |
Anonymous
| This is easy—-lie. “ Jim and I have everything we need so this Christmas was all about the kids.” |
Anonymous
| Is she bored? That seems excessively invested in gift research. |
Anonymous
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Is she like this with everyone or only you two?
If I were your H I'd say one time, sis you're so nosy! and ignore her from then on. |
Anonymous
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There are a few people like this in my life, each with a different center of interest. They're very social, very curious about others and I think they may seek detailed information to feel connected to people. It's a personality quirk. I don't mind at all. I indulge them with details and it makes them happy 
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Anonymous
| That sounds like a chatty person who is a bit nosy, nbd. attempts to keep your widget specs private are weirder, honestly. |
Anonymous
OP here, only with us. She doesn't say anything to MIL/FIL and SIL2 is single. She also didn't grow up celebrating Christmas (she's jewish) so not sure if that's related to feeling new to xmas gift giving with her husband and wanting to compare with us? Also she's DH's brother's wife, so not sure if either of us are in a position to call her nosy her face 
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Anonymous
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While I agree it's weird, why do you care so much? Just answer the questions and move on.
Is it gold? Yes Where did you get it? Zales Does it have diamonds? No Is it custom? No How is that exhausting exactly? If it really bothers you that much, and your husband agrees, have him say "Larla, you're so nosy!" and then leave it at that. But I mean sheesh she's not asking you about your sex life. Who cares? |
Anonymous
THis is probably why. She's comparing your DH to his brother. |
Anonymous
This person has the right attitude. See if you can channel it. |
Anonymous
| I would think that she's just looking for ideas, and likes to comparison shop if she's asking about brands and upgrades. I ask my sister what she's getting her DH. One woman at bookgroup asked everyone what they're getting teens, etc. |
Anonymous
| I'm 15:03 and I agree that I also like to know what my BIL got my sister because I think she's awesome and want to make sure he acknowledges it (and he does!). |
Anonymous
| Tell her you didn't exchange gifts this year. |
Anonymous
This, followed immediately by “Do you think it’s going to rain?” |