It is never easy to criticize someone’s work, especially if that person is a family member. Daniella, hoping to promote her sister-in-law’s new business, requested a cake for a special occasion. Unfortunately, the result was quite disappointing, resulting in a tense confrontation. Daniella contacted us for advice on how to deal with this difficult situation.

This is Daniella’s letter:

I was in charge of the cake for my parents’ 30th anniversary. My MIL insisted I buy it from her daughter’s new baking business, saying, “Family supports each other!” I agreed and received a picture of the $400 cake.

On the day, I was surprised to see it looked nothing like the picture. I said, “I won’t pay for this disaster!” When my husband saw it, he turned to me and said, “It’s not a big deal, I will pay!” I said we have 20 guests coming, and now the party is ruined because of his unskilled sister’s horrible work.

I insisted that he shouldn’t give her a dime because she misused my trust. He told me, “If you want to humiliate my sister like this, then I will humiliate you by not accompanying you to your parents’ big party tonight!”

And this is what happened. Not only did I bring an embarrassing cake to the event, but I also attended alone and had to put up with everybody’s questions about where my husband was. I am still very angry. Was I wrong to react this way?