A Forced Family Portrait

Dear Edda,

My husband and I just bought a new house after twenty five years of saving.  It’s perfect for our family in every way.  There is plenty of room both of our children to come and go, and extra space for guests. We took great care in decorating it to reflect our preferred style.  I am very happy about it.

Last week, my husband’s parents came for a visit to see the new house.  They brought a housewarming gift.  It is a large (25 by 30?) family portrait taken in the eighties. THEIR family.  My husband’s parents, and their three children (my husband, his brother and his sister). While I was working, my father in law hung it in the living room over the fireplace.  I was speechless.  They are insisting that it looks wonderful there, and were sending photos to all of their friends.  My husband is strangely silent on the matter.

I don’t know what to do. It would be a lie to let them think it’s staying there, but I really don’t want to start an argument.  I’ve always felt that they don’t approve of me, but this is a real slap in the face. Help!

Signed,

Fuming

#   #   #

Dear Fuming,

Two words: Guest Room. Tell them how much you appreciate this wonderful memento from your husband’s past and that it will occupy a special space in the guest room, so that they can enjoy it when they come to visit.  You can even change it out when they’re not there.

It’s your family’s house.  Get a backbone and stick to your guns. I’m assuming this will be fine with your husband.  If not, that’s another whole subject.  Good luck.

Edda

Edda is not a medical professional but a local lady who loves to give out advice, even when it’s not asked of her. Submit your question to ed@edhat.com for Edda to answer.