My offended parents want to return generous gift from my in-laws

It’s fair to say the relationship between parents and their in-laws can be very complicated at the best of times, and keeping the peace can often feel like a never-ending job.

Now, writing to online forum Reddit, one woman has sparked debate after revealing her parents are considering returning a generous gift from her in-laws.

“Need advice on how to keep the peace!” She wrote. “So earlier this month, me, my husband, my parents and my in-laws all spent a week together at my parents’ beach house.”

The woman said her in-laws gifted her parents a generous US$500 (AU$685) as a thank you for letting them stay, but it didn’t go down too well with her parents – who were actually offended by the gesture.

“My parents say they are hurt and offended by this money and are going to return it to them,” she explained.

The woman said her in-laws are very proud and stubborn people, adding: “I know if my parents do this they will be extremely offended”. She added: “I don’t know if it will affect my relationship with them but I know for certain it will affect their relationship with my parents.

“I’ve tried to talk to my Mom about this but she basically shuts down and says their pride was hurt and they consider us all family and guests at their home. They also say they don’t want to accept the money because they don’t want it to happen again.”

The post generated a mix of responses, with one user writing: “This is tough. I can understand your mom’s feelings being hurt if she tried to treat you in-laws like family and they paid her for their stay”.

However, one commentator said her parents were being dramatic adding: “Sadly, I think your parents are being a little dramatic here. If this were truly an issue with them, your mom could simply call in-laws, thank them for their generosity, then tell her that this is absolutely not needed in the future and that she considers them family and they are welcome any time”.

Another reader suggested putting the money back into the house, saying: “Maybe your parents can take the money and put it back into the house …. maybe a new piece of furniture, dishes or linens. That way the money will go towards improving the house that everyone uses”.

What do you think? Would this offend you?