Dear Massi, I got married very recently. We had a big wedding and Walima.

I know weddings are very expensive but they are a one off.

After the Walima me and my husband asked where all the cash gifts were that we received as my mother-in-law was looking after them on the day of the reception.

My father-in-law said we could keep all the presents, but he was keeping all the cash gifts as he had paid for the function.

My husband won’t argue with his dad, but I think he’s being really unfair.

My parents would never dream of doing something like that.
That cash belongs to me and my husband and that man has stolen it from us. What should I do?

Massi says: It is understandable that you are feeling angered by your father-in-law’s actions.

It appears your father-in-law feels entitled to keep the wedding gifts as they were given by his guests.

You have articulated your concerns to your husband who doesn’t want to create an issue out of this.

You certainly cannot force your father-in-law to hand over the money.

Rather than focusing on the monetary value of your wedding gifts, shift your focus to your marriage and this adventure that you have embarked upon with your new husband.