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Relationships

ex in laws. mainly MIL. Do I have to have anything to do with them again?

7 replies

sillymummy11 · 27/10/2015 14:05

I don't have any RL friends who have any experience of this, so I'm hoping someone here could give me some pointers.

In July, STBXH announced he'd been seeing another woman, and promptly disappeared to Italy with her for a week. I told him not to come back. We'd moved 6 months before- I'd not been comfortable with this as I had to leave friends, family etc and I was forced into giving up my job- by him. He's now back in our 'home' city with the OW. I'm stuck 30 miles away, looking for full time work, and with 3 kids.

I contacted my in laws via Facebook (no other contact details- STBXH had them) after he disappeared to inform them what was going on. I was very polite and factual about this and told them that as I expected we would be in contact for the rest of our lives due to the children, it was best that they knew what was happening. I received no reply. I still have had no contact, although my STBXH has taken the kids to see them, and the kids have stayed there.

I feel hurt that I was/am going through one of the most difficult periods of my life and they couldn't even reply- even a few words- sorry to hear that but we can't take sides etc would have been fine. We'd split up before because STBXH had been lying/disappearing/verbally abusive on a daily basis, but had got back together to give it another go. Stupid, I know.

I never really understood MIL but was always polite. She had been rather weird in the past. For example, she phoned me up once- late at night the evening before STBXH was due to go back to work after paternity leave for child no 3- to have a massive go at me and detailed things that she done over previous years to annoy me. She did this despite having previously been told that I had severe PND with child 2. After that I never trusted her, mainly as I was completely flabbergasted by her actions, why would someone go out of their way to make things difficult for or annoy someone else?! The way she talks about others I get the impression that I am not unique in being a target for her wrath.

So- what do I do now? I've blocked them on FB because I only have people on there who are genuine friends, and I don't want them nosing about in my life if they can't even talk to me. I don't have any other contact details for them as STBXH refused to write them in the address book when I suggested it many moons ago as he had all the details. I would be very happy to have nothing to do with them ever again, and ignore them for eternity. I'd love to do that with STBXH but unfortunately that's not possible Grin Is that realistic? Or should I be trying to keep the lines of communication open somehow? I can't help but worry about what happens when I have to attend some family thing years down the line and they are there…. or whether I'd be justified in excluding them given the choice...

I'm hoping someone with experience might have some words of wisdom...

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redannie118 · 27/10/2015 14:15

One of the best things about leaving my ex was getting shot of my evil manipulative narc mil !!! We cross paths occasionally at school events etc but we steadfastly ignore her and that suits me just fine.the only issue we had was she constantly ripped me apart to ds and if he didnt agree she would scream at him and state he needed to pick a side and remember who his real family were !! It disturbed him so much he had to have councilling and then went nc and has never been happier. So the moral of the story is op block away,just be carefull if shes a little unhinged shes not trying to take her anger out on them. Good luck

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sillymummy11 · 27/10/2015 14:21

redannie that's my worry- I have checked with STBXH that she is not saying nasty things about me in front of the children. He says no…I hope he's telling the truth (would make a change!)

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honeyroar · 27/10/2015 19:15

Some mothers seem to defend their darling little boys, even when they're cheating, shameful rats. It's nothing to do with you. It probably has a lot to do with why he grew up with low morals. You did the right thing. They were a let down. Don't worry about them. You don't have to bother about them anymore. Your ex can sort out them seeing the children. If I were you I wouldn't give them another thought.

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VimFuego101 · 27/10/2015 19:21

I think when people separate, each partner takes responsibility for their children seeing their side of the family. I don't think you need to do anything here.

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Threefishys · 27/10/2015 19:28

From first hand experience I would keep them onside for if and possibly when your exh shirks his parental duties in favour of romantic time with his OH ...my IL'S I could very much take or leave whilst married since my Exh became a useless father they've took up his slack and been amazing and we are much much closer than I could ever have imagined.

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sillymummy11 · 27/10/2015 19:55

threefishys although your exh is a sh* it's good your inlaws have stepped up Smile Funnily enough can't imagine MIL doing that…might be surprised though…

honeyroar and vimfuego thank you

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Threefishys · 27/10/2015 20:01

When you break up with children all the players in the drama have the propensity to surprise you tbh - people can and do change in ways you would never have believed. I hope its positive for you Smile

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