Re: Baree vs. Jehez
^ No I am very lucky to have an amazing MIL and we've already discussed all these lame customs. I guess my fiance and I aren't following the typical desi customs. My parents aren't giving jahez and my in laws aren't giving baree coz my fiance and I have told them that and they respect it. My parents and his parents want us to be happy so they've given us complete freedom to plan our wedding the way we want. My MIL always gets outfits for me from Pakistan and I love most of them. But even when I don't particularly "fall in love" with an outfit, it's still a gift and I don't start thinking wow she didn't take my likes or dislikes into consideration. It's another person! Obviously it will be a hit or miss sometimes! Even my own mother will get me an outfit sometimes that I won't like much.....but seriously, it's just an outfit! No need to get upset about it!
And I wasn't trying to be mean when I suggested the politely refusing bit. I honestly don't see any harm in it. I guess I am very comfortable with talking to my MIL and we discuss clothes and shoes for hours so I am very frank with her. I tell her what I like and dislike all the time. I am not going to Pakistan before my wedding so my MIL and I are both excited to go to Pakistan after the wedding for shopping!