Submitted by DogThrowawaay t3_zypmdg in tifu
I live in a major city, and my best friend and his wife came back for the holidays, to see her mom.
I know their families as well, and we’re all adults, we get along. So, I usually get invited to come into this really nice Victorian home on the best street in the city, which belongs to my friend’s nice, but out of touch and self-aggrandizing MIL. She’s always nice to me, but easy to get on the wrong side of. Still, my friends throw the best fancy parties and stuff there. They have enough money to live well, but MIL is an actual millionaire.
Sometimes it’s hard for me to make appropriate small talk, and I like to talk about what interests me. Lately, this has been local “community supported agriculture” boxes, aka farm shares. My family got it, we loved it and tried many new recipes. It’s also a great way to beat inflation and get the best prices, since you pay upfront in the spring for 18 weeks of in-season produce and any other additions you may have bought ahead of time. It’s a pinch at the time, but then you get months of free at point of distribution local food! And it’s good quality. Can you tell I like it?
I was telling the MIL about this concept and how my family had carefully stored some items from an additional late fall box program, to eat on Christmas, when we were talking about the past holidays today. Basically explained what it is and said the above.
Money is also a bit tight for my family, though we are managing re: food. I did not mention this part.
I came back from doing something this morning with my friend, and his MIL asks me to step inside the house. And then proceeds to hand me food. And more food. And more food. Basically 90% of their holiday leftovers plus “extra” food she made earlier. She says she does not usually eat those things, needs to clean out the fridge, do I want this? Or this? I’m helping her get rid of stuff! I should visit again, she’ll have more food! After what happened to her family (Holocaust survivors), no one leaves hungry!
I literally just realized that I accidentally made her think we’re starving, because I focused so much on food and cost savings when we talked. To be fair, I’m not great at reading ulterior motives. And I’m worried about offending her if I explain I don’t need it, because she likes to do nice things to seem/be good.
TL;DR: did not consider class, excitedly discussed cheap healthy food with someone who’s never thought about a grocery bill. Now she thinks I’m a peasant she is graciously giving food to. RIP me.
brilliantrk t1_j277f1w wrote
Today you Finished On (top)? Sounds like this person is looking out for your well being!