Ask:
Normally I say only nice things about my in-laws because for the most part they are wonderful people who love me as they would if I was their own but this time of year my FIL can be so aggravating.
He is an auction and flea market junkie. For years he has been the neighborhood Sanford of Sanford and Son, (DH is the "Son" but has his addiction much better controlled and organized.) Anyway for the 4th time FIL bought a carpet for our house. Sounds like a nice gesture but.... we already have wall to wall carpeting in every room fo the house - even the kitchen and bathroom. It is not even attractive carpeting, a lot of it is varigated brown shag - in great shape but it's fugly. We are told there are lovely hardwood floors in all the rooms except the kitchen. It is our plan in the next year or two to remove the carpets and restore the hardwoods. We have told FIL this MANY times but he insists on buying us a room sized carpet at least once or twice a year! Last night he purchased an indoor outdoor carpet to lay on our patio, we have beautiful paving blocks there and like it as is... we have told him that everytime he comes over and comments that we should get a carpet for it. Why would I want to drag a vaccuum outside to vac my patio????? Ugh. It wouldn't be sooo bad if he took no for an answer - he will argue the need for it - then complain because he spent the money on it. He has even come over here when we arent home and left it on or porch!! He has also tried to tell us we owed him the price he paid for it, DH is too tightfisted to be bullied into that trick.
I love the man and appreciate his thoughtfulness but sheez!!!
Answer:
My dad does things like that. It's his way of showing affection and trying to control us thru gratitude at the same time. Took me until my 30s to really stand up to him (in a nice way, but got the point across - siblings weren't so nice and almost all are on the outs).
Answer:
He's obviously not listening to you, so I'd just say "thank you" and roll up the carpets and call the Salvation Army to come get them.
Answer:
Yup I agree with swamp witch. I have done this before with my MIL and when she asked where such and such is I have told her I told you we didnt need it and that I didnt have room for it so I gave it to someone who could use it. She got the point and now ask before doing this.