Money can often be a source of tension and conflict in families, as Dan discovered during what was supposed to be a warm and celebratory family vacation. Initially promised an all-expenses-paid trip, he was later asked to contribute to a birthday gift. This unexpected request turned the vacation sour, prompting Dan to seek advice from us.
If that was wanted then it SHOULD have been stated and discussed IN ADVANCE! Doing it the way stated is disrespectful.
If I had been put in that position I would not have had spare cash to contribute but that was obviously not considered, plus the MIL deliberately set out to cause as much humiliation as possible!
So you got an all expense paid trip to Hawaii and balked at being asked to contribute $200 - probably less than the cost of one night in your hotel... Yes, you were wrong. I'd leave you too.
I agree with everything you said Kare. I'd have left him too.
Pack your bags and go home and get your stuff ansd move out and consult an attorney.
No- you were set up and MIL tried to extort everyone. When did she buy the present? Was it in Hawaii? Was it at home? She knew the cost and did not let anyone in on it. She should have and probably could have let everyone know what she was planning. Springing this on people after the fact is extortion.
What do you think? She was supposed to include you with the ones that contributed?
I think you're very cheap .. what did u get him for his birthday ? I'd be embarrassed by your behavior too
So mil expected $200 each from you & your wife. I thought the trip was FILs gift. Blindsiding you for $200 was wrong.
I think, I can never earn over which I paid by my precedent employer, but I was wrong, world is so large to try their fate. but now I am making $52/h even more,and easily earn minimum $1300/week, on the experience everyone must try to do work online, easy way to earn, here's an example.
𝐰𝐰𝐰.Richnow05
Thanks for your letter, Dan! We’ve prepared a few tips that we hope will help you navigate this situation.
Sit down with your wife and have an open and honest conversation about what happened and how it made both of you feel. Acknowledge her feelings of humiliation and explain your perspective, emphasizing that you felt blindsided by the unexpected request for money.
Discuss ways to improve communication and manage similar situations in the future. Apologize sincerely for any hurt caused, even if you believe you were justified, to show you value her feelings and your relationship.
Consider making a grand gesture to show your commitment to making amends. This could involve writing a heartfelt letter to your wife and in-laws, explaining your perspective and expressing your regret for how the situation was handled.
You could also suggest a smaller, personal celebration with your father-in-law to demonstrate that you do care about him and the family, despite the financial dispute.
Propose a compromise for future family gatherings and expenses. Suggest setting clear expectations about costs and contributions in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
Offer to contribute to a family fund for such events in the future, so everyone is prepared, and no one feels ambushed. This proactive approach can help prevent similar conflicts and show your willingness to find solutions that work for everyone.
If the tension between you and your wife, or with the in-laws, remains high, consider seeking the help of a professional mediator or therapist. A neutral third party can facilitate productive discussions, help each side understand the other’s perspective, and work towards a resolution that repairs relationships and sets a healthier dynamic for the future.
This step shows a serious commitment to resolving the conflict and maintaining family harmony.
This is another story of a couple who clashed over a financial issue. Lorraine had gotten a raise years ago but didn’t tell her husband she was earning more. He recently discovered this and made an unexpected demand that shocked Lorraine. Here is her full story.
