Why didn't my sister-in-law tell me my niece already had this?

Question

My 10 yr old niece is really into American Girl dolls. Her school even has an American Girl Club. This past Christmas, Santa gave my niece her first American Girl doll. A month ago, my niece was telling me that she now needs the special American Girl hairbrush for her doll. She knows I'm going to Chicago in May and she knows that there's an American Girl store there. She asked if I could PLEASE get her one. I was in New York City the week after Easter and saw an American Girl Store there. So, I went in and got her a brush. When I was back home, I called my sister-in-law and told her that I have a brush. I asked my sister-in-law when I should give it to my niece (for her birthday maybe?) or how I should give it to her. I saw my niece yesterday and gave her the brush. She said, "Now I have 2! The Easter Bunny got me one too!" Why would my sister-in-law let me go on and on about the brush and not tell me that she already has one? Maybe another mother can give me some perspective.

Answer 1

it would make sense if she would have told you, sometimes I don't understand other people!!

Answer 2

to me it sounds like she trying to get the child to not want what you have. sit down and talk to her.

Answer 3

Because you had already purchased the brush...If you wanted her to say something why didn't YOU ask her about the brush BEFORE you spent the money on it.

Answer 4

She probably felt bad that you went through all the trouble of making a special stop and where excited to give her the special gift and she didn't want to ruin your surprise.

Answer 5

Well, maybe she felt like you were excited about this gift and didn't want to take that feeling away from you. She might not have wanted to disappoint you by telling you if you were excited about giving this brush to her daughter. Sometimes people may try to protect others feelings. My daughter has been given 2 of a certain gift. When it has occurred, she was just as happy as the first gift. I wouldn't be insulted, she may have been trying to do what she felt was right and that could have been not hurting your feelings or taking a chance in doing so. She may have also felt awkward about being honest with you. Take things in stride, doesn't sound like it was done to be ill.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

She was probably being polite, or had simply forgoten.

Answer 7

Perhaps because she knew that you had already bought the brush and didn't want to hurt your feelings. I'm thinking that maybe it would have prevented the duplication if you had consulted with your SIL before you bought it. She may have been able to come up with some other ideas to get at the AG Store. There's so much there. I think you're a nice Aunt though.