Even though this is my first child, I made the decision to not have a baby shower as soon as I found out I was expecting. Long story short.... my family is crazy. My bridal shower/wedding caused drama and nasty whispers that are still trailing on.
Well............last week my nasty crotchety great aunt called my mom to tell her that people are chit-chatting about how I am rude and inconsiderate (and I'm 100% sure she is the seed for all of this). Even though my mom let them know I am not having a shower, they think there is a big conspiracy and that we have had a secret shower without them. Hilarious.
Last night I got three random FB messages from distant cousins asking when the shower is (these cousins are very sweet - but not in the same circle so apparently whispers have traveled far, ha). How do I explain that I'm not having a shower? Do I explain at all? Some valid reasons are 1) we just got married a little over a year ago, so it seems like we just had a bridal shower, 2) my work schedule and work travel are so overwhelming. I am afraid they will think they weren't included on the invite list (which doesn't exist). TIA.
Re: How to respond to email? Shower shiz....
"We decided not to have a baby shower since we just got married a year ago." Then finish up with a cordial email? That actually sounds okay. Why the F was I making this so hard?
If I were you, I'd keep it real in the response to the cousins:
"I know there have been some rumors about us having a 'secret shower,' but the truth is that DH and I asked that a shower not be given to us for reasons A, B, and C. I hope you guys understand where we're coming from."
As for your great aunt, she sounds like a real peach.
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I agree!
This. I'd be honest and just tell them that you're not having a shower, but I'd also let them know that the secret whispers have not gone unnoticed. I wouldn't say it in a mean way, but maybe try something like "I don't want to feed the rumor mill, so here's the real story." or something lighthearted.
Good luck!
Nancy James 9.1.12
Calvin Donald 8.27.14
That's what I was afraid of. Maybe I'll just let them know I'm not having one, and continue with a nice email about other things.
I agree with all of this. Be honest about your reasons. You don't have to get into a whole lot of detail if you don't want to, and it's better than making an excuse. The reply given above is a good example. If they think you secretly had a shower without them, that's their problem.
I agree. I'll just leave reasons and excuses out of it.
Mentioning anything about the drama or whispers is just as bad as the drama itself, IMO. Hopefully the whispers will fizzle out quickly!
Thanks for all of the input ladies.
ITA. Stay above the drama and let your great aunt look petty and ridiculous.