This Redditor (OP) shares a sibling-like connection with their cousin. When the cousin got married, the OP was excited to welcome a sister-in-law. However, things got complicated due to cultural differences and, especially, the sister-in-law's discomfort with the kids.
The sister-in-law doesn't enjoy being around kids, and this becomes a big issue as the family is full of them. As the cousin prepares to move to another continent for a year, the OP invites them for a farewell visit. However, the sister-in-law surprises everyone by wanting a child-free evening of fun.
Despite the OP suggesting alternatives like going out for dinner or catching up after the kids are in bed, the sister-in-law insists on a child-free environment and suggests leaving the kids at a friend's house. Uncomfortable with this, the OP stands their ground, leading a heated argument. Do you think the OP is wrong?
Let's dig into the details:
The OP, who is very close to their cousin, and was excited about welcoming a sister-in-law into their life, but the SIL wasn't
SIL doesn't enjoy being around kids, so she attends family gatherings less frequently
SIL requested a child-free visit, but the OP refused, leading to a heated argument
The OP added some edits to make some facts clear
They continued
Here's the second part of the edit
SIL's request for a child-free evening is unreasonable
Communicate with the cousin directly to address the situation
SIL is intentionally creating drama
Children belong at home
SIL is inconsiderate
SIL doesn't seem to value spending time with you
SIL's request is outrageous
SIL is being unreasonable
What are your thoughts on the sister-in-law's request to keep the children away during her visit? Do you think the OP should have accommodated her or stood their ground? Share your opinions and let us know if you've encountered similar situations in your own experiences with family dynamics.