Here we go again.
My MIL just came from a trip abroad. Giving of pasalubong is a staple for them, its a must when going abroad. I am the exact opposite. I am not one to give out pasalubongs, I just give when I remembered, but its not an important thing. I learned that the family I married into, is, well - its a tradition for them to have pasalubongs.
And so I learned from E. So every trip we made, we ALWAYS had to buy pasalubongs. The number of pasalubongs increased every year - as there were additions to the families, and I didn't mind this. Except, only E buys pasalubongs for HIS family. As for my family, well - to be honest, wala - kasi we're not like that na family. We only buy what is important, hindi kelangan may pasalubong, as long as you have stories to share and enjoyed the trip - that is the pasalubong enough.
So here comes E's mom just a few hours ago. She beamed with delight showing me the things she bought for my kids. She then shows me a figurine that she got for E because he's into displaying things. And then she hands me three (3) things - a Body Shop Olive Oil body butter, a Lancome mascara and a tube of chocolates. Of course, without missing a beat - I say 'Thank you' (I always say Thank You). After a while, I realized - Body Shop is available anywhere - its even always on sale in the malls here in Manila, so it made it think - was this gift one of those 'recycle-the-ones-you-don't-use-anymore-gifts'? So I examined the item - and true enough, it was sealed by a scotch tape.
I felt bad.
I mean - I really did. This was a person who declared to us daughters and son in law 'Pati kayo, parang tunay ko ng anak'
Does a mother present a pasalubong from another country an item that she has in a manner of speaking 'pinagsawaan' na? I mean you can just hand it to me and tell me its mine if I like it because you have no use for it anymore. Or simply just don't give me anything - AT ALL. Honestly, I don't mind receiving any pasalubong, just give something to my kids - and I'm happy with that.
Question is - WHY do you need to pretend to give me a pasalubong when in the first place, WALA NAMAN TALAGA.
Why pretend? Why kid yourself and justify? What the ever hell for?
I know for a fact that I am the LEAST liked in-law and I honestly don't effing care! But its so insulting to get something like that. Parang dapat di mo nalang ako ininsulto? You think I wouldn't find out?
And to think you are the preachy kind of Christian pa.
Always makes me want to ask her 'Where are you manners?'
I guess, its nowhere to be found..
Insulted - AGAIN!
