To want to go out when the kids are at ExHs?

[KoalaTea]

We live with my mother.

My ExH has our kids every other weekend, and lately my social life has become a lot better, so when the kids are away, i'm generally off out with friends in the evenings.

My mom is complaining that i'm neglecting her.

She doesn't have a social life, and obviously with it being the summer break, the time we'd usually go out when the children are at school, we cant as kids have to come with us, which can be a challenge as they both have some special needs.

Every time I go out lately, she's pulling a face, and she made a comment about not wanting me to forget her because of my friends.. but I am not her partner, i'm her daughter and a grown adult of nearly 40yrs old with friends who I only get to see when I dont have the kids.

I said i'd spend this Saturday with her, and we've book lunch out and will be home by 4pm.

I've been invited to an evening thing at a friends that'll mean stopping out over night and I want to go, but I know she'll get shitty with me for going out again.

AIBU to want to go? And should I just ignore her and go, or spend yet another evening sitting in watching TV with her (like we do every bloody night)

[Aquamarine1029]

You are not responsible for your mother's happiness. She is perfectly capable of arranging a social life for herself. Don't allow her emotional manipulation to control your life because she will never stop. Let her have her tantrum. Just ignore her.

[Forgotmycoat]

Ignore her, the more you do your own thing and see her as and when, the more she will begin to accept that this is how things are now. Do NOT give in to her demands. She's a grown woman and you cannot be responsible for her social life, that's her responsibility.

[Yamayo]

GO OUT!

SN children are such a challenge. You need a break and time to unwind and look after yourself.
Just go.

[Mintjulia]

YAnbu. Your mum needs to sort her own social life but you could help her along a bit by doing what you are doing - the occasional lunch or cinema.

[GigiIdid]

YANBU!! Get out and enjoy some child free time with your friends. I agree with all posters above, just keep having a life and she’ll get used to it. Have a great night

[AmIThough]

You are allowed to do your own thing, she shouldn't be trying to stop that.
Especially if you've left a marriage - you need to find yourself as an individual again.

Did you spend much time together before you moved in with her?

Do remember that she has welcomed you and your children into her home though.
Saturday sounds like a good idea. Spend the day with her then out in the evening, but don't make her feel like you're rushing your time together so that you can meet your friends.

How old is DM? Could she start up a hobby so she's not solely reliant on you for socialisation?

[Settlersofcatan]

Go out!

Don't allow yourself or your mum to think that she gets a vote in your social life. Don't ask permission - just tell her what you're doing in a matter of fact way.

[TroysMammy]

YANBU. If you wanted to go out and expect her to babysit then that's a different kettle of fish. But as you are not and you are making time with her during school holidays and during term time she can't really complain, especially as she chooses to stay in and watch tv every night. Couldn't you encourage her to join some clubs?

[whattodowith]

YANBU. Perhaps might be an idea to try moving out soon, she sounds rather suffocating.

[lunar1]

Another vote for GO OUT!

[KoalaTea]

What - not an option, this is mine and my kids home, so this needs to be settled before it becomes a massive issue.

[messolini9]

I said i'd spend this Saturday with her, and we've book lunch out and will be home by 4pm.

I've been invited to an evening thing at a friends that'll mean stopping out over night and I want to go, but I know she'll get shitty with me for going out again.

This sounds pretty high-maintenance OP.
How can she justify being shitty with you about saturday night, when you've arranged to spend most of the day with her & have a nice lunch?

"Mum, we spent the day together, & you're important to me. But I also have other relationships to maintain which matter to me, so tonight I'm making sure I stay properly in touch with friends."

YANBU, & don't sacrifice your fun, friendships, or the mental wellbeing boost that comes with them on the altar of your DM's marytrdom.

[Chitarra]

Is she putting you up rent free indefinitely? If so then I think she's not being unreasonable to expect something from you in return, which in her case happens to be company. Or are you paying rent?

[Diagonalli]

go out & take her with you

[KoalaTea]

tried the club thing.. she just pulls a face at me like I suggested something stupid.

She's not a sociable person unfortunately! She never has been!

AmI - yes, 3 days a week at least

Its just that in the last year i've started going out more as i've made some friends as part of my hobby, I used to only go out 2ce a month to meets..

Now I am visiting friends outside of the meets and enjoying having a life, with it being summer, everyones been having parties and BBQ's that i've been invited too.. which is a novelty and I dont want to turn people down while the friendships are newish and just establishing, iyswim?

[cocomelon23]

Why can't you move out?

[AmIThough]

It's not going to get better unless you're blunt I don't think.
Just tell her what you've told us and, if she's rational, she'll understand.

She might not like it initially but she'll get used to it.

[KoalaTea]

Chitarra, I pay rent.. I also halve the food bill with her, drive her anywhere and everywhere she needs to go, do most of the cooking, do all her admin and paperwork, make all her phonecalls, walk her dogs, take them to vets and groomers, fetch her medication and do half the housework and most of the maintenance and DIY.

In return she helps me with the children and provides a home for us to live in.

[Chitarra]

Ok - in that case YANBU!

[Bahhhhhumbug]

cocomelon i think from last post its OPs house and mum lives with her and not vice versa. I thought it was other way round too from OP.

[Bahhhhhumbug]

oh sorry no,it is the mums house,xposts

[couchparsnip]

Yanbu. She needs to get her own friends.

[Mummyoflittledragon]

With your updates all sounds very fair. It seems like she wants to still be in charge or your quasi partner. Yanbu at all. I think you should tell her she’s expecting too much and you need company of others even if she does not.

[HollowTalk]

Oh god, you're not being unreasonable. When my grown up children are home they're out virtually every night!

[PenelopeChipShop]

Not unreasonable at all. This is the ONE upside to divorce and co-parenting - the ability to actually do something for - shock horror - YOURSELF when your kids are out.

Do not sacrifice it. I’m a LP and my ex is currently on holiday for 3 weeks. I’m climbing the walls with frustration, lack of exercise and sociability. It’s essential!