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That moment my aunt told me I'd 'understand when I'm older' about her passive-aggressive Christmas gifts
She handed me a box of anti-aging cream when I was 22, and I almost blurted out 'maybe you should keep it then.' We were in her kitchen last December, and I still wonder if she caught my face before I smiled.
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bettys511mo ago
You know what, I used to think those passive aggressive gifts were just in people's heads. Like oh they're being nice, why read into it. But then my mother in law gave me a "beginner sewing kit" for Christmas right after I mentioned I'd been quilting for ten years. Realized pretty quick some gifts have a whole different meaning behind them. It's like they're sending a message wrapped in wrapping paper. Makes you wonder what they'd actually say if they just came out with it.
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Oh man, your aunt and my grandma must be in the same secret club. She gave me a "how to budget" workbook for Christmas right after I bought my first house. Like thanks for the vote of confidence. The worst was when she handed my cousin a gift card for a nice steakhouse and I got a set of dish towels with a note saying "you can never have too many." I wanted to say maybe you should keep them for all the potlucks you host but I just smiled and said they were lovely. It's exhausting having to pretend like you don't notice the jab.
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abby_wilson512mo ago
God your aunt sounds exactly like mine. She got me a "learn to cook" book for my 21st birthday with a note that said "you'll need this someday." I smiled and said thanks but inside I was fuming. The worst part is she gave me a super expensive bottle of wine the next year after I got engaged. Like oh now I'm worthy because a man picked me? Please. My brother got beer brewing supplies for his 21st and that was it. No passive aggressive junk. Makes you wonder what their real deal is.
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