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Expert October 2019

To keep or not to keep

Sara, on October 30, 2019 at 8:23 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 7
It’s a long story, but two months before my wedding I had a falling out with my grandparents after they decided not to come to my wedding to “avoid drama” with other family members who they don’t get along with. However, they sent a nasty email to family members who were going blaming them for the whole ordeal (I know this is vague, but it’s a family feud that’s been going on for years, and even I’m unclear of it’s origin so bear with me).
two weeks after this situation came to light, my grandpa passed away. I went to the funeral to support my mom, but knew moving forward that I still didn’t want a relationship with my grandma because of everything she had done in the past. She’s a narcissist and tries to manipulate people into taking her side and I decided to finally cut her out for good, but I never confronted her (or my grandpa) about why I was upset.
My wedding was last weekend and it was absolutely beautiful and perfect. 💕 but the day we got home there was a card in the mail from her with a check for a decent amount and a letter saying how much she misses talking to me and wants to hear all about the wedding. She literally has no idea. I’m tempted to just “return to sender” the card and leave it at that. And even though I can take it or leave it with the money, I thought of just cashing it and still avoiding contact with her, but that doesn’t feel right. I’m at the point where I probably need to confront her about why I’m upset, why I haven’t contacted her since I saw her at the funeral, and why I’m not keeping her money. But idk how to go about it. I hate confrontation and this whole situation has been hard on my mom. My parents helped with a lot of the wedding so I avoided confronting my grandma before it because I didn’t want to rock the boat there. But now I feel like something has to happen. Any advice or input? Thanks!

7 Comments

Latest activity by Suzie, on October 30, 2019 at 9:28 PM
  • Amber
    Master February 2020
    Amber ·
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    First off, do not accept the money if you don't want to reach out to her. It sounds like she's trying to extend the olive branch and mend things with you. If you're not interested in that, that's 100% okay! But accepting the money would be wrong. If you are willing to work on your relationship with her, then accepting the gift is the right thing to do. Only you know exactly what the situation is like, so it's up to you if you have any interest in having her in your life.

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  • Katelyn
    Devoted October 2020
    Katelyn ·
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    I agree with Amber! If you are willing and want to work on your relationship with her, then you could accept the gift. But I would not accept the gift if you aren't willing to work on the relationship with her. No harm in not wanting to - it's your life and only you know the situation and what you can handle! You just have to decide if it's worth it to work on (on your end).

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  • Ingrid
    VIP October 2020
    Ingrid ·
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    I'm all for telling a person exactly how I feel. It doesn't necessarily change them or their behavior but it takes some of the weight off of you. Give her the information with NO expectations of accountability or responsibility on her part. There may never be resolution but getting it off your chest is important for your forward movement.
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  • Cristy
    Master May 2021
    Cristy ·
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    I totally agree with this!! You can't control anyone but you, so do whatever you have to do to be at peace within yourself. After that, it's out of your hands.

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  • Jennifer
    VIP August 2021
    Jennifer ·
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    I agree with Ingrid!! Also, if you meet in person bring the uncashed check with you to just give back if things go south.

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  • Cherry
    Expert February 2020
    Cherry ·
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    I think both Ingrid and Amber are right on the money. If you are open to having a conversation with your grandmother, be prepared for a bad reaction. Then if it goes well, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

    Everyone's values are different so whether or not you keep the money is a decision that will be personal to you. I wouldn't keep the money if it were me, but if it were my fiancé he totally would. He'd think of it as a big middle finger.

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  • Suzie
    Super October 2021
    Suzie ·
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    Life is short. Clear the air, have a conversation and see how you feel. Makes sense she wants to connect after losing her husband.

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