My daughter-in-law is extremely close to her family, and although she tries to show affection for us, it’s only out of obligation. A few years ago, I purchased a very expensive handbag (which I couldn’t afford) as a Christmas gift for her. On occasions I’ve been asked to clean their house and while cleaning, I’ve seen the handbag in her closet.
This past Christmas, I received the same bag from her. It is obvious what transpired: While she and my son bought luxurious gifts for her family, she went shopping in her closet for me.
She’s a good person but can be manipulative and narcissistic at times. I feel disrespected and unappreciated for everything I do for them (which is a lot). I would like to address her (or the two of them) about this, but I’m not sure how.
A part of me just wants to put the bag back in their closet to see whether I receive it a second time, or to give her instructions on how to properly “regift,” such as putting the name of the person on the article, so you don’t regift it back to them.
I cannot use the bag, because every time I see it, I am reminded of how little I meant to them. How should I address this?
transpire: formal to happen
manipulative: clever at controlling or deceiving people to get what you want – used to show disapproval
