My DIL took me along wedding dress shopping. She was trying to be nice and do something special with me, and I appreciated that. I don't actually care much about weddings and dress shopping, but she was understandably excited and enjoying her "princess" moment. It was sweet to see, because she's a strong, athletic woman who's had a tough life, and is the opposite of a princessy type.

I just stood by and said nice things about everything she tried on. It's like someone's baby names. It's their heartfelt and personal choice, so you say nice things. She did look amazing in the dress she chose. I hope she didn't think I wasn't enthusiastic enough because I wasn't squealing or whatever. I adore her. Quietly.

Anonymous wrote:MILs can't win.

I think she did not like the dress (her personal opinion), but she said a nice thing so to not hurt your feelings (thoughtful and polite).

MILs know they are walking on egg shells so she might have been playing it safe.

In this case...nope. That's not how this one works. If MIL had been lukewarm in her response to OP, one could have assumed she was just not an effusive person. But to give OP a lukewarm response but THEN gush "beautiful" to a perfect stranger? No. Now we have our context.

^question marks were supposed to be music notes

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What a weird thing to do, to bring your MIL.
Op, you deserve whatever happens
Maybe if you're a saint, you bring her, doing the best deed of your life
If being a part of it would bring her great joy
But if you're committed to being a saint, you don't then go looking to find a reason to criticize her. That just doesn't make sense.

Are these supposed to be song lyrics?

You can sing those words to the Folgers coffee commercial.

? What a weird thing to do, to bring you MIL ?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MILs can't win.

I think she did not like the dress (her personal opinion), but she said a nice thing so to not hurt your feelings (thoughtful and polite).

MILs know they are walking on egg shells so she might have been playing it safe.

What an idiotic comment. Of course they can "win". Here's a tip: be gracious and complimentary when ANYONE shows you their wedding dress; definitely when it's your DIL, and especially when you've been over the top complimentary to a random stranger who is in the shop at the same time. Not so tough! Doesn't even require any special MIL-specific skills; just an elementary grasp of basic people skills. In no way can her behavior be justified as "playing it safe"...she was "playing it passive aggressively bitchy", and she knew it

+1

MILs get a bad rap because of the "no harm, no foul" attitude, but it backfires. Never, ever take the PA route. OP, your MIL was extremely stupid to think there won't be any repercussions.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get it. I actually feel bad that I didn't invite my MIL to go dress shopping with me as she doesn't have a daughter. I would feel the same way (and my MIL is just as passive aggressive as yours). Not the worst MIL in the world, but be prepared for lots of PA remarks. Some mothers just looooove their sons!

Congratulations!

Ugh. I have this kind of MIL too. Sadly she doesn't realize she is shooting herself in the foot; we see her less and less these days

+1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I put myself through college working at a bridal shop.

Never. Ever. Bring your MIL to your wedding dress fitting. Period.

Good advice! I went alone when I bought my dress. I didn't want to hear other opinions of what THEY thought what would look good on me.

OP wasn't buying the dress. She was getting the dress she already bought fitted.

Anonymous wrote:MILs can't win.

I think she did not like the dress (her personal opinion), but she said a nice thing so to not hurt your feelings (thoughtful and polite).

MILs know they are walking on egg shells so she might have been playing it safe.

What an idiotic comment. Of course they can "win". Here's a tip: be gracious and complimentary when ANYONE shows you their wedding dress; definitely when it's your DIL, and especially when you've been over the top complimentary to a random stranger who is in the shop at the same time. Not so tough! Doesn't even require any special MIL-specific skills; just an elementary grasp of basic people skills. In no way can her behavior be justified as "playing it safe"...she was "playing it passive aggressively bitchy", and she knew it

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it's another one of those bland sleeveless wedding dresses, then that would be the best compliment I could muster up, too.

+1. The strapless wedding gown makes 99% of women look like NFL linebackers, according to the men I know. Sorry if the truth hurts.

Who are all these men sitting around talking about wedding dresses? Weird.