There are sooooo many reasons why I dislike and sometimes despise my in-laws. The latest of these happened today.
The mister finally caught up with his parents after a long trip they took. There was much banter (all about their stuff and them---oh the joys of narcissism) and finally he got a word in edgewise.
He said we were thinking of buying a new car. Now, y'all know this car is a big deal. It's only partly about the car and mostly about beginning to live life again and enjoy it. And obviously since our cars are 11 and 12 years old, respectively, this isn't something we do very often.
When his folks bought their current cars you can believe we heard about it in great detail.
So he tells them about the Mini. And they say, I swear to god, have you seen the new Smart car? You should get a Smart car or maybe a Prius like us. And so the conversation turned back to their favorite subject:them.
No excitement or even faked interest in something important to their son. I hate them for how they treat him.
How did my folks react, you might wonder? Well, my sister spilt the beans (not terribly cool but no harm done) and they called right away. They wanted to hear all about what we wanted exactly. They wanted to see pictures. They got offended when we told them we didn't need their help buying it, that their money was no good to us. They went to the dealership closest to them and checked it out online, just because they were so excited.
Because that's what parents do. They care about what is important to their children.
Are you sure we don't have the SAME in-laws? It's gotta be in the water up there...
Posted by: Kate | Sunday, 30 July 2006 at 20:14
That is what *good* parents do. My parents are the same as yours - in fact drove our new car to us (several years back) because we could find the options we wanted closer to us. And then drove our old car back & turned it in to their dealership.
My FIL couldn't give a damn about us, at least not in any positive way, and we've finally been away from him and his insanity for a year. I can't tell you what a relief not having to deal with him has been to both of us.
Enjoy the new car!
Posted by: Boulder | Sunday, 30 July 2006 at 23:47
I cannot wait until you have your new car!!! Screw the in-laws!!
Posted by: Pamplemousse | Monday, 31 July 2006 at 05:21
Ugh, WHY are they like that? My husband also has a mother who makes everything about her. It's like she can't get excited about anything in our lives, because all she can think about is how it relates to her. I am sorry you have to put up with this too.
Posted by: susie | Monday, 31 July 2006 at 05:51
How disappointing. It hurts when family members are so uninterested and self-absorbed; it leaves one feeling uncared for and unsupported. I'm sorry that you have to deal with that.
By the way, I love the Mini. How fun! Enjoy your new car to the fullest no matter what your in-laws say.
Posted by: Jill | Monday, 31 July 2006 at 07:39
I'm afraid that we all know too many people like your in-laws. Your husband is lucky to have your parents in his life.
Can't wait to see the pics of the mini. I'm trying to convince me husband to get us one.
Posted by: zhl | Monday, 31 July 2006 at 12:57
Millie,
I can relate, except my dear one is even closer then in-laws... It's my MOM! I love her dearly, but EVERY conversation turns into ABOUT HER... I know she loves me and cares about me and every now and then, she does get in a "How are you"... but I can TOTALLY RELATE! On the other hand, my mother is lonely - especially since my father passed away - so I do cut her some slack...
Now back to that NEW CAR! When is the expected arrival date? Are you extending show-off rides to good friends/neighbors? Hint- Hint giggle
xo, Fran
Posted by: Fran | Monday, 31 July 2006 at 14:45
My inlaws are like your parents and MY parents are like your husband's. Oy!
Posted by: Emily | Monday, 31 July 2006 at 18:01
That was really sweet of your folks. With all that love, no wonder you turned out so great. Can't wait to see the new car
Tracey
Posted by: tracey | Monday, 31 July 2006 at 21:06
Ditto for me on what Emily said.
I figure it's lucky to at least have the one wonderful set of parents between the two of you. Imagine if both sets were like your husband's parents. Yeesh. Painful.
Posted by: Erin | Monday, 31 July 2006 at 22:40
Uggg! What *wonderful* people! :-)
How did your husband turn out so great?
Posted by: Louise | Tuesday, 01 August 2006 at 05:57
It is lucky for your husband that he has your parents in his life. It's lucky for both of you that his live so far away-
Posted by: fisher queen | Tuesday, 01 August 2006 at 09:23
maybe you can trade them in on your new car! ;)
Posted by: hangin'in | Tuesday, 01 August 2006 at 14:26
Yeah, unfortunately I have to say my mother is the one not interested in anything unless it's stuff about her or her grandchildren! Clearly I'm her most boring child.
We're in the same boat with a car - we want to get rid of our old heap and get a new one next year - we're thinking about a Peugeot 407!!!
Posted by: Sparkle | Tuesday, 01 August 2006 at 21:35
Your parents sound absolutely lovely! I'm not sure mine would do that. In fact, my usual struggle is to get my mother to back off a bit...
Posted by: thalia | Wednesday, 02 August 2006 at 08:29
My inlaws would change the subject and start raving about whatever car J's brother was currently driving. Ugh!
But it is very exciting news about the new car - I hope we get to see pictures.
Posted by: Lori | Wednesday, 02 August 2006 at 15:07
Glad you have supportive parents since the Meester doesn't seem to. I dated a man that had parents like that...many years ago...and they were one of the top reasons I finally left him. (We weren't married so our commitment doesn't even compare to yours, but it was a painful breakup nonetheless). You really are lucky to have parents that care like that and that are routing on "your side". Not everyone has that. It's quite special. I'm a bit jealous. :-)
Posted by: linda | Thursday, 03 August 2006 at 10:19
Perhaps we're related...your inlaws sound a lot like mine. As do your parents.
Posted by: Mel | Thursday, 03 August 2006 at 16:45
New ABC network game show called "Judgment Night" is looking for individuals who are are having problems with their in-laws. If you feel "My In-Laws are the Worst!" and want to potentially win $100,000, then tell us your story! We are casting immediately! Please send your story + contact info ASAP to [email protected] If you have a photo, feel free to send that as well.
Posted by: Gina | Tuesday, 31 October 2006 at 20:54