I'd hoped there'd be something about baby showers on Gransnet. I have opened an old thread, so forgive me but I am feeling perplexed/angry.
I must admit, this is a new one on me. My partner's DIL is expecting a baby. Today she informed me she was having a baby shower (she is organising it herself)and would be telling people to give her money so she could buy a bigger item for baby. Her partner agreed that's what they wanted.
I have to say I was really taken aback! You don't demand, ever, from friends, not in my book anyway! Why on earth would anyone attend a baby shower to be told a monetary contribution was expected? I mentioned it to my friend who told me when she went to one, for her DIL a few years ago, it was about giving knitted bootees and having a cup of tea, cake and a girly chat.
I shall be a surrogate Grandmother to this baby, but really, I am not feeling the love I should be. Partner's DIL is not shy in coming forward an is often brutally honest. I find her brash and lacking in any sort of humility. Now I am adamant I shan't attend this baby shower. We've already paid for her pram/car seat and she virtually told my partner that's what we should buy them.
I am with Luckylegs on this one. If this is the way an American tradition is being played out in the UK, I am not in favour.