MIL told me to get a new stroller because "the one you have now looks old, and I feel ashamed walking beside you when you push my granddaughter in it". We live and work in a different country and only visit once every two years. Also, for those of you who know strollers, I have a Maclaren that is extremely sturdy and clean, with no broken parts.
My second story is about another family member. She is completely broke, unemployed, has a 10- year-old son, and lives with her parents. She recently came into some money. The following conversation ensued between her, her son, and my hubby:
Son: I want to buy a new top of the line gaming computer.
Her: Oh yeah? Talk to [hubby], he studied computers in university (hubby has degree in computer science)
Son: (selects one that is $3500)
Hubby: why don't you get the second best one? It will still meet all your gaming needs, and only costs $1500. (Hubby realizes that they really should not be buying a computer at all, but presents this one as a compromise)
Her: just let him get the one he wants. I have the money to pay for it. And he doesn't have a dad. He deserves some nice things. Besides, if we get a good computer, he won't need a new one for like, ten to fifteen years.
Hubby: Okaaay, I don't think you understand how quickly computers break down or become obsolete, or how unnecessary these specs are for gaming.
Hubby later rhetorically asks me why they even bothered asking for his opinion, and then shakes his head at her incredible fiscal irresponsibility.