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Is it necessary to excuse yourself after a hic-cup?
It is never NECESSARY to excuse oneself at all, but polite, most definitely. Wouldn’t we want our observers to draw the conclusion that we are sensitive to them and their feelings?
OK, I realized after I posted this, that I posted it on Monday’s thread. I’m giving it another try…
My mother-in-law is incredibly generous, and always spends more on me at Christmas than she does my husband or his two brothers (and I’m the only daughter-in-law, I should add). The only problem is, the bulk of what she gives me is stuff for our house. For example, part of what she gave me last year included luxurious bed sheets, plush bath towels, and a nice old set of china (complete with tea pot, creamer and sugar dish), but my husband and I just don’t have room for anything else in our small condo. In fact, I’ve had to store the china at her house since I don’t have room at mine for it. As much as I appreciate her generosity and as much as I love the gifts she gives (she has great taste), this year, I’d really just love some new clothes for work. (Added bonus, I’m losing weight and need some smaller things anyway.) How can I let her know this without offending her or sounding like a spoiled brat who expects her to shower me with Christmas gifts? I’m incredibly grateful for her AND her gifts.
Your m-i-l sounds lovely. And, I’m sure she reared a lovely son who would be perfect to relay your gift desires in the form of suggestions to his mother.
If your mother-in-law is showering you with gifts, chances are she not only loves you and all you do for her son, but also wants to please you. If this were me, I would express to her everything you’ve said in your post! She has incredible taste? Let her know! You appreciate all she gives? Let her know! You don’t have any room for any more STUFF but have reached a goal to be more fit and healthy to enjoy life more fully with her son and could use some new clothes instead? Tell her! Communication and honesty have worked much better for me and it sounds like you a gracious and sincere person, so I’m sure she will respond the same way.