AITA for refusing to bake my pr****nt SIL a baby shower cake even though I’ve baked cakes for all my other sisters/SILs?
In the heart of a sprawling family, a passionate baker’s love had always been expressed in the delicate artistry of cakes—each one a gift, a labor of love shared freely with those she cherished.
Her creations were more than desserts; they were celebrations of life’s sweetest moments, crafted with care and devotion for every milestone, every joyful gathering.
But beneath the icing and sprinkles lies a painful memory—a moment when love was overshadowed by harsh criticism and impossible expectations.
When asked again to bake for her sister-in-law’s baby shower, the baker’s heart hesitated, haunted by the past and the fear that her gift might once more be taken for granted, turning joy into strain.
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The original poster (OP) is caught between honoring a deeply negative past experience with their sister-in-law (SIL) regarding a high-stress baking request and the family expectation to provide a special, custom cake for the upcoming baby shower.
The OP's current decision to refuse is rooted in self-preservation after feeling micromanaged and emotionally attacked during a prior interaction, leading to a conflict with the SIL's expectation of receiving the same free, elaborate service as other family members.
Given the history of painful micromanagement and the OP's current health constraints, is the OP justified in prioritizing their mental well-being and declining the baking request, or should they comply with family pressure to ensure the SIL's baby shower feels as 'special' as the others?
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