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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP, my MIL is like this. If we go out for a meal, she will wait to see what I order and order the same thing. She doesn't buy the same clothing that I wear, but if she sees me wearing scarves she will start wearing them in the same way. She noticed me wearing cross body bags so now she wears cross body bags. She has bought similar coats and jeans and shoes. She has even picked up some of my hobbies.

I'm going to be honest -- it's annoying. I feel very "watched" and there is something extremely unsettling at watching someone in your family just kind of adopt your whole style or mimic your life. But I've also realized it is entirely driven by her own insecurity and I feel pretty bad for her. I think she is older and was unsettled when I joined the family because I am obviously much younger. Plus I live in a big city and am fairly fashionable, and I think she felt very small town by comparison. Which I feel awful about! I don't want her to feel like my way is "right", because there is nothing wrong with her life or the way she dressed before she met me.

I also think sometimes she is trying to impress me, or even to adopt something similar so we have something to talk about. Is she going about it the right way? No, not really. But I do recognize the underlying feelings.

Anyway, maybe throw her a bone now and then. If my MIL compliments me on something I'm wearing, sometimes we'll give her the same item for a birthday or holiday gift. And be gracious if you can. When she wears clothes that match yours or makes the same dishes, compliment them and say stuff like "Oh yes, that's very much my taste too." She is likely just looking for a way to feel closer to you and her daughter, or to feel younger in general, and she's just going about it in a kind of obvious, awkward way.[/quote]

Oohhhhh, cross-body bags?! Now she's really stepping on your unique toes.

Or maybe she saw it, thought "hey, that looks practical because then you don't have to worry about setting your bag down," and picked up a freaking POPULAR AND FUNCTIONAL STYLE OF BAG. Like, maybe get a little annoyed if she bought the same bag, but even then, you aren't the only Basic Beeyotch out there to shop at Kate Spade or TJ Maxx or even Chanel.

Get.
Over.
Yourself.[/quote]

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