Gransnet forums

AIBU

Sister-in-law

(81 Posts)
Oldwoman70 Sun 20-May-18 12:27:26

I rang my sister in law this morning to ask about a relative who had been unwell. Whilst speaking she asked if I had spent any money recently (a question she asks every time we speak). I told her I had bought some new bedside lamps. She asked how much they cost and did I really need them!!

This isn't the first time she has made this comment when I have bought something. I could understand if I was the type to throw money around but I always think long and hard before I buy anything and do a lot of investigating to ensure I am getting value for money. She is making me feel as if I should check with her before I spend anything!

I don't want to make a big thing of this as we generally get on very well, but I do feel uncomfortable with her questioning whatever I spend my money on.

Alima Sun 20-May-18 12:33:52

Cheeky mare. Anyone would think she would be a beneficiary!

BlueBelle Sun 20-May-18 12:39:05

Why on earth tell her if you know her ability to ask more critical questions. Next time she says ‘ have you bought anything lately ‘ you answer ‘ no what about you? ‘

sodapop Sun 20-May-18 12:42:37

Exactly right BlueBelle what a cheek the woman has.

Luckygirl Sun 20-May-18 12:43:59

Don't even talk about sisters-in-law! Just said goodbye to mine and it is a huge relief. Apparently she is also dropping in tomorrow on her way home - maybe I could be out???

notanan2 Sun 20-May-18 12:45:22

"oh just the usual" will leave her guessing wink
if she pushes for more "well some bits and bobs, the odd treat y'know" grin
and so on

Glitterknitbaby Sun 20-May-18 12:57:16

I don’t have a sister in law but I do have a friend, no more of an acquaintance who constantly and I do mean constantly goes on about the cost of things and she is by no means poor. If I say that me and OH have had a coffee at Costas which I enjoy as a treat now and again she says how expensive it is.The last thing was how expensive the winter fuel bills would be this year because of the long winter, I said, tongue in cheek I couldn’t care less so long as we are warm! Yes I always have some reply to come back with!

Caroline2016 Sun 20-May-18 13:15:45

I would be tempted to answer that is for me to know and you to find out!

ninathenana Sun 20-May-18 13:51:33

What Bluebelle ssai.

paddyann Sun 20-May-18 14:00:39

I would ask her if she wants to pay for them...my mother always said its nobody's business what you do until they are paying all your bills .If she wants to pay for them then she should know what they cost..otherwise tell her nothing

Willow500 Sun 20-May-18 14:59:39

I'd be inclined to say how fab-u-lous they are daaaaling and cost a fortune but we can't take it with us can we - do you want the old ones? grin. Our BIL always wants to know the ins and outs of purchases - I think it's to make himself feel better that they've still got more money than us lol

phoenix Sun 20-May-18 15:05:19

You could of course go completely over the top, and say "no not much, but I did have someone come in to gold plate the taps on Tuesday, as chrome is sooo last year, and I've booked an appointment with a home visiting gigolo who will be arriving tomorrow to strip naked, clean the grouting in the bathroom before licking whipped cream and jam off my toes. How about you?"

granfromafar Sun 20-May-18 15:37:52

Phoenix grin Are you recommending anyone in particular? As Bluebell says. - turn the question back to her.

Doodle Sun 20-May-18 15:58:23

hmm now we know what phoenix's fantasy isgrin

DanniRae Sun 20-May-18 16:27:08

Can I have his phone number phoenix? Has he got a preference for the type of jam? grin
My sister-in-law is a sporty type who runs marathons and likes to let everyone know about it - I am not. But when she found out that I had been successful in having a few things printed in magazines - including a short story that, much to her amazement, she had already read, she said to me "Well it's a nice LITTLE hobby for you, isn't it?". hmm

Tweedle24 Sun 20-May-18 16:29:27

Have you ever asked her why she wants to know?

Farmor15 Sun 20-May-18 17:03:08

As Tweedle has suggested, my mother, when relatives asked questions about where she had bought something, or how much it cost, she would respond with “why” in a polite tone.

Floradora9 Sun 20-May-18 17:30:44

DH asked what the white powder was on the back doorstep ( cornflour ) told him it was my cocaine that I sneezes out . Do the same lie to see her reaction.
PS DH did not believe me !

phoenix Sun 20-May-18 18:57:13

Oh heaven's, not my fantasy at all shock I'd just be happy for Mr P to finish what he has started...........decorating the kitchen.

Smileless2012 Sun 20-May-18 19:01:13

I'd say 'oh yes I got something the other day but it was sooooo expensive I'd rather not say exactly how much'grin

LynneB59 Sun 20-May-18 20:37:40

The cheeky cow! If it were me, I'd tell her as little as possible about anything. I'd stick to small talk about the weather, tv, etc. Interfering bint!

FarNorth Sun 20-May-18 21:52:54

"Nothing worth mentioning."

Oldwoman70 Mon 21-May-18 11:35:49

Thanks for the replies and suggestions - have to say I am tempted to use the gigolo one!

paddyann Mon 21-May-18 12:19:10

DanniRae I have a friend who when we put our home on the market said"I'm sure it will sell, its quite a nice WEE property" I couldn't stop laughing my WEE property is about three times the size of hers .

DanniRae Mon 21-May-18 14:30:33

Ha Ha paddyann - what are they like? The thing is I am very fond of my sister-in-law and we get on really well BUT I get the feeling that she doesn't like to feel that I am getting one over on her. I haven't got a sister but my two daughters are a bit like that with one another.