Feels too forced! (Edit)

My SIL and I are only cordial to each other and sometimes don’t even bother greeting each other on family gatherings. She has a strained relationship with her brother (my husband) before I came into the picture but has gotten worse as time has gone by. Some time ago My MIL brought some clothes for my toddlers and said they are from SIL and I sent her a thank you message, which she never acknowledged.

Last week my aunt-in-law brought some clothes for my toddlers and said they were from my SIL. I saw my SIL last before I got the clothes and she never mentions she intends to pass me some clothes.

So I don’t even know if these clothes are coming directly from her or just clothes my in-laws have been laying around at their home from my nephew was a toddler.

Aunt-in-law mentions to me today, maybe shoot a thank-you message to my SIL to help a bit soften the blow of this awkward situation we have with each other. These clothes came from a “messenger” and therefore the appreciation and thank you is given from us through the messenger.

Why can’t the aunt say our thank yous back to her?

I feel I’m being forced and trapped to go out of my way when the last time she didn’t even acknowledge my appreciation. I’m really not trying to be petty, I’m not one to be fake and this feels way too forced and like I’m kissing ass.

(Edit)

I took the high road and send a quick thanks. Next time, I’ll say what is suggested, to not play any immature games