I DO NOT WANT my cake and I DO NOT WANT to eat it too...

likitisplit

I'm glad that you were able to find a resolution.

The thing that confuses me, though, is what you did every other year. From the OP, I got the impression that this was a regular event that had been happening for some time.

"My sister-in-law always purchases a store bought cake for my birthday"

Why was it a question for the first time this year?

Well, it's not an 'annual thing' however, she has volunteered 'cake duty' for my birthday (and other family members) throughout the years - so I am quite aware of the type of cake she usually brings. My response to this year is actually no different than any other year. I usually just accept the piece, 'toy around with it' and end up discarding it discretely.

My suggestion would be to volunteer for cake duty for your birthday next year. This general idea: "You know what? I really love the cakes at XXX bakery, so let me take care of it this year."

That way, you could actually eat and enjoy your own birthday cake!

Carnivor0us

I volunteered to serve and cut myself some, ate some of the fruit, talked a lot, pushed it around on my plate, took pictures, etc.., and then when people were up and around I cleaned up the plates and discretely discarded mine in the kitchen.

Classic ED behavior. I'm glad you're seeing someone about it though.

Yes, you are correct - it is 'classical ED behavior' however, I bet if you were served something that you simply did not like, your behavior might resemble the same?

I don't get served things that I don't like. Especially not for my birthday. And I'm not rude about it either.

The OP didn't either, as it turns out. How is your answer any different from her outcome?

likitisplit

I volunteered to serve and cut myself some, ate some of the fruit, talked a lot, pushed it around on my plate, took pictures, etc.., and then when people were up and around I cleaned up the plates and discretely discarded mine in the kitchen.

Classic ED behavior. I'm glad you're seeing someone about it though.

Yes, you are correct - it is 'classical ED behavior' however, I bet if you were served something that you simply did not like, your behavior might resemble the same?

I don't get served things that I don't like. Especially not for my birthday. And I'm not rude about it either.

The OP didn't either, as it turns out. How is your answer any different from her outcome?

I'm not sure you read the same post it did. She served herself some cake that she didn't like. Ate the fruit. Pretended to eat the cake and threw it away.

In the same situation, I would have made sure that I got served cake that I like, by taking personal responsibility for the situation and using adult social skills. And then I would have enjoyed my portion of it.