I need some perspective on this situation as I am constantly re-visiting it and feeling guilty . I don't know if I should be or not .
DH and I have been married for 8 years .
In that time , there have been some epic fall outs with us and DH family . I understand my part in it - usually I have retaliated in irrational ways when I have been wronged by them or been hurt by their deliberate exclusions .
However, his family are truly awful towards me . I've been told I'm not blood therefore not family , told I'm nothing to do with them etc . They've made some quite hurtful comments , done petty things to prove a point to me , as well as excluded me from things , turned up deliberately late to events I've arranged etc .
I'm always the scapegoat during the fall out . I can honestly say I've tried to get along with them , be nice to them etc but it never works out .
If I'm in the same room as DH family , they rarely speak to me apart from "hello" . It's awkward and it is obvious they don't like me.
I'd had enough a few years ago and I decided to go no contact with his family . I no longer attend his family events . I am civil when I do bump in to them but I have no interest in any relationship with them.
The problem is , we have three children and there are five nieces and nephews on DH side . All the children rarely see each other , although they only live a short drive away . DH sees his family a few times a week , but the children are usually at school or clubs so he doesn't see them .
It's sad for the children but I have encouraged DH to take them to see his family . I never go . His family are not very pro active in trying to build a relationship with our children , but they will ask occasionally to take them out .
I do not invite his family to my children's birthday parties (nor my family) as I like to keep my distance and I don't want an atmosphere ruining the event . I always only ever invite my children's school friends (which reading on here is generally acceptable). My children never ask or mention wanting to see their cousins .
My children have just been invited to a family BBQ for one of DH's nieces birthday.
I will not attend but I have encouraged DH to take our children (he is reluctant as he hates family gatherings!)
So it has me thinking again , am I being mean by distancing myself in this way ?
I try to encourage a relationship for my children from a distance , but I think DH should be doing this as it is his family . I feel it is his responsibility , but if I don't encourage it, it doesn't happen .
I worry when my children grow up they will wonder why they don't know their extended family . Will they resent us ?
My family are not close and are scattered around the world and I do feel sad sometimes that I don't know aunts / uncles etc but I wouldn't say it affects me .
if you've read this far ! AIBU?
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AIBU?
Am I being mean?
41 replies
SugarSnapPeas77 · 14/04/2016 17:33
OP posts:
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