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Woman Hurt By SIL As She Keeps Stealing Her Party Dates, Causes Family Drama
Women celebrating a baby shower with pink balloons and flowers, focusing on the pregnant mom during the event.

Woman Hurt By SIL As She Keeps Stealing Her Party Dates, Causes Family Drama

Interview With Expert

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Just recently, we presented you with a collection of stories about how people encountered a true “wolf in sheep’s clothing” in various life situations: at work, in friendship, or in their family. Well, perhaps the most unpleasant and frustrating thing is when such a person turns out to be among your relatives.

Our narrator today, the user u/planet_adrian, seems to have found herself in a similar situation. On the one hand, she has quite a normal relationship with her brother’s wife. On the other, this lady is trying for the second time to literally steal her special events related to her little son. But let’s just take things in order.

More info: Reddit

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    It’s always not that easy to have a relative who literally makes themselves a habit of making life difficult for you

    Family celebrating at a baby shower planning event with balloons and gifts, highlighting brother and sister-in-law involvement.

    Image credits: zinkevych / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    The author of the post is planning to throw her son’s first birthday party soon, and is facing one serious issue – her sister-in-law wants to have her baby shower the same day

    Woman upset as brother and sister-in-law plan baby shower and birthday on nephew’s first birthday, feeling overshadowed by their events.

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    Text excerpt discussing scheduling conflicts during a nephew's baby shower overshadowing the mom’s special day.

    Brother and SIL plan baby shower before nephew's first birthday, causing mom to feel her child is overshadowed.

    Image credits: planet_adrian

    Young woman reviewing documents in a cafe, illustrating feelings about nephew's first birthday baby shower plan.

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    Image credits: pressfoto / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    Moreover, this is not the first case of such “coincidence,” the woman says

    Text message about brother and sister-in-law planning a baby shower on nephew's birthday, causing family tension over overshadowing.

    Text from a message expressing hurt over a baby shower planned on nephew's first birthday, feeling overshadowed.

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    Text showing a mom expressing frustration about her child being overshadowed during nephew’s first birthday baby shower plans.

    Image credits: planet_adrian

    Woman in casual clothes looking shocked at her phone, feeling overshadowed during baby shower and birthday plans conflict.

    Image credits: beststudio / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    When the author had her baby shower, the sister-in-law also threw the surprise party for her husband the very same day

    Text excerpt explaining baby shower location and timing constraints at a church, relating to sibling planning and overshadowing concerns.

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    Text on a white background explaining living 1.5 hours away but planning baby shower and birthday party in hometown for accessibility.

    Text on a white background reads My brother asked for the date of the party in advance so they could plan their baby shower.

    Text discussing plans for a baby shower and nephew's first birthday party causing feelings of overshadowing.

    Image credits: planet_adrian

    Couple celebrating baby shower with gifts and balloons, while family plans event during nephew's birthday party.

    Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    The author just doesn’t get the reasons of such behavior and considers talking with the sister-in-law and brother to clarify it all

    Text discussing family dynamics with nieces and nephews, focusing on care and attention given to children.

    Text expressing hurt feelings about a lack of effort and intention to overshadow a child’s celebrations by bro and SIL.

    Mom feels overshadowed as bro and SIL plan baby shower on nephew's first birthday, causing family tension and mixed celebrations.

    Image credits: planet_adrian

    Meanwhile, she decided to take it online, seeking netizens’ support and advice

    So, the Original Poster (OP) is a mom of a boy approaching his first birthday. Naturally, the mom plans to throw the party and invite all the relatives. However, what mars her joy is the fact that her brother’s pregnant wife is planning her baby shower on the very same day.

    The OP and her spouse live 1.5 hours away from the rest of their fam, and the trip will be difficult for them, but they still want to be present at both places that day. But the most annoying thing is that the situation is actually repeating itself. Moreover, the SIL knew about the party six weeks in advance – and still made the same decision.

    Earlier, when our heroine was just bearing her baby, she threw her own baby shower – and guess whose surprise party for the husband was scheduled for the same day? That’s right, the SIL’s! The most interesting fact is that both women are on good terms, but as soon as the author plans a family gathering, another party immediately comes up!

    The author sincerely doesn’t understand the reason for her SIL’s behavior and considers maybe talking to her or her brother to clarify the situation. For now, she’s simply decided to take it all online, seeking some advice from netizens. Perhaps she’s just overreacting, the woman wonders…

    Woman sitting indoors looking upset, reflecting on baby shower plans overshadowing nephew's first birthday.

    Image credits: Liza Summer / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    “Of course, this isn’t an overreaction. Even if it was a coincidence the first time – although even at that moment, judging by everything, timing issues could’ve been easily avoided – repetition of the situation puts everything in its place,” says Maria Kryvosheeva, a psychologist and NLP coach, whom Bored Panda asked for a comment about this case.

    The expert supposes that it’s quite possible there’s some hidden tension between these women, the causes of which most likely need to be sought in the mind of this woman’s sister-in-law. That’s why, Maria believes, it makes sense to talk openly with the brother and his wife, express all the concerns, and try to understand the situation together.

    “Although, if this was all done on purpose, even a frank conversation won’t really help. But at least she’ll better understand the reasons behind SIL’s behavior. And if there’s any manipulation, then serious conclusions will need to be drawn about any future relationship with this person,” Maria summarizes.

    People in the comments are convinced that the SIL is doing this on purpose, simply to cause trouble for the author. According to responders, if she does have to talk, it should only be with the brother – perhaps he can influence the spouse. Or, simply draw conclusions and stop inviting them anywhere. So what do you, our dear readers, think of this story?

    Most commenters were sure the SIL did it on purpose and urged the woman to stop inviting her to any events

    Reddit comment with 286 points saying They’re doing it on purpose, relating to baby shower plan causing mom to feel overshadowed.

    Reddit comment about planning a baby shower on nephew’s first birthday causing mom to feel overshadowed.

    Comment about family tension over nephew’s birthday and baby shower planning causing feelings of being overshadowed by mom.

    Text message expressing frustration over brother and sister-in-law planning baby shower on nephew's first birthday, overshadowing mom.

    Text post on a forum where a user advises against changing plans or participating in others’ activities, relating to baby shower planning conflicts.

    Text advice on handling bro and SIL planning baby shower on nephew’s first birthday overshadowing mom’s child concerns.

    Reddit comment expressing frustration about a baby shower plan overshadowing a nephew's first birthday celebration.

    Comment discussing handling a baby shower and birthday party plan causing family tension with sister-in-law.

    Mom feeling overshadowed as bro and SIL plan baby shower on nephew’s first birthday celebration.

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    Oleg Tarasenko

    Oleg Tarasenko

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    After many years of working as sports journalist and trivia game author and host in Ukraine I joined Bored Panda as a content creator. I do love writing stories and I sincerely believe - there's no dull plots at all. Like a great Italian composer Joaquino Rossini once told: "Give me a police protocol - and I'll make an opera out of it!"

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    Oleg Tarasenko

    Oleg Tarasenko

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    After many years of working as sports journalist and trivia game author and host in Ukraine I joined Bored Panda as a content creator. I do love writing stories and I sincerely believe - there's no dull plots at all. Like a great Italian composer Joaquino Rossini once told: "Give me a police protocol - and I'll make an opera out of it!"

    Denis Krotovas

    Denis Krotovas

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    I am a Visual Editor at Bored Panda. While studying at Vilnius Tech University, I learned how to use Photoshop and decided to continue mastering it at Bored Panda. I am interested in learning UI/UX design and creating unique designs for apps, games and websites. On my spare time, I enjoy playing video and board games, watching TV shows and movies and reading funny posts on the internet.

    Read less »

    Denis Krotovas

    Denis Krotovas

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I am a Visual Editor at Bored Panda. While studying at Vilnius Tech University, I learned how to use Photoshop and decided to continue mastering it at Bored Panda. I am interested in learning UI/UX design and creating unique designs for apps, games and websites. On my spare time, I enjoy playing video and board games, watching TV shows and movies and reading funny posts on the internet.

    What do you think ?
    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Personally I'd just quit inviting them to anything I planned and quit accepting invitation for anything they planned. I'd always "have other plans" that day. No announcement, no hysterics, just "have other plans" or if asked about them not being included in future, "thought you'd already have plans as you often do".

    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "thought you'd already have plans as you often do": I’d be bitchier and ask “Don’t you have your own party scheduled?”

    Load More Replies...
    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Once is coincidence, twice is enemy action.

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    2 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    No such thing as a coincidence!! lol

    Load More Replies...
    sweet emotion
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep, stop inviting them ("Oh, I would hate for you to have to drive so far!") and if other family members get upset over having to choose between you and your brother/sister-in-law, just tell them you'll miss them and maybe next time they can come to you. Invite your friends to your parties and - if you're feeling catty - talk about what a wonderful time you had with people who truly care about you and your family.

    Load More Comments
    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Personally I'd just quit inviting them to anything I planned and quit accepting invitation for anything they planned. I'd always "have other plans" that day. No announcement, no hysterics, just "have other plans" or if asked about them not being included in future, "thought you'd already have plans as you often do".

    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "thought you'd already have plans as you often do": I’d be bitchier and ask “Don’t you have your own party scheduled?”

    Load More Replies...
    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Once is coincidence, twice is enemy action.

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    2 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    No such thing as a coincidence!! lol

    Load More Replies...
    sweet emotion
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep, stop inviting them ("Oh, I would hate for you to have to drive so far!") and if other family members get upset over having to choose between you and your brother/sister-in-law, just tell them you'll miss them and maybe next time they can come to you. Invite your friends to your parties and - if you're feeling catty - talk about what a wonderful time you had with people who truly care about you and your family.

    Load More Comments
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