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AIBU?

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DH being treated like unpaid Uber

137 replies

chocolatesaltyballs22 · 10/04/2024 09:05

I know this isn't a me problem because I refuse to do all the running around but am fed up of DH getting annoyed about this but doing fuck all about it. His two kids (I say kids loosely as they are 17 and 24) expect him to drive them around here there and everywhere without a word of thanks. Eldest is working but refuses to learn to drive; whenever she visits it's just expected that he picks her up and drops her off. Youngest still stays here part of the week and what's prompted my rant is that it was dropped on us last night that he's out for the day today in another city a couple of hours away and is expected to be picked up at the train station, driven to mum's to pick up his overnight stuff (opposite end of the city to us) and then driven back here to stay the night. This is all lateish at night btw, and we only found out about this 'expectation' late last night after DH had to prise out of his son how he was getting to our house. Meanwhile ExW refuses to encourage any growing up at all and enables their reliance on parents.

AIBU to think that at this age they need to have a bit of consideration and appreciation for their dad and to maybe start thinking for themselves about how they're going to get around? When does it end?

OP posts:
chocolatesaltyballs22 · 10/04/2024 09:35

Newgirls · 10/04/2024 09:33

This sounds like it’s an emotional thing? Like they think it’s the parents issue they live in separate houses so they can deal with the transport issue? Was it the dad who ended the marriage? Not an easy fix for sure

Nope, mum ended the marriage when she had an affair. Also, dad is the one who does 80% of the running around.

I agree that at the age of 17 maintaining a strict contact schedule is madness.

OP posts:
Newgirls · 10/04/2024 09:33

This sounds like it’s an emotional thing? Like they think it’s the parents issue they live in separate houses so they can deal with the transport issue? Was it the dad who ended the marriage? Not an easy fix for sure

PinkyFlamingo · 10/04/2024 09:32

Well it won't stop until your DH actually says no.

chocolatesaltyballs22 · 10/04/2024 09:30

AutumnCrow · 10/04/2024 09:25

Sympathies, but I guess that no public transport is not their fault. Can the older one even afford to drive and buy/run/insure a car? My DS and his gf are learning but it's pricey, and there's no way they'll be able to afford insurance even if they pass. Tests are not even available before about October/November!

Why does the 17 year old have to stay at yours if he's been out all day in another city (understandably not carrying an overnight bag around) and comes backs late? Why does he not have general stuff / overnight stuff at yours anyway? Is mum's more of his main home?

Sorry - too many questions. Everyone's situation is different.

Because it's 'his day' which must not be interfered with under any circumstances. He has clothes/toiletries etc here but he likes to bring his gaming laptop.

OP posts:
Singleandproud · 10/04/2024 09:27

The chances are though that if your DH doesn't do it I expect those seemingly frequent visits will dry up quickly if it's inconvenient for them to get to yours. I'm surprised at their age they are still doing it TBH.

AutumnCrow · 10/04/2024 09:25

Sympathies, but I guess that no public transport is not their fault. Can the older one even afford to drive and buy/run/insure a car? My DS and his gf are learning but it's pricey, and there's no way they'll be able to afford insurance even if they pass. Tests are not even available before about October/November!

Why does the 17 year old have to stay at yours if he's been out all day in another city (understandably not carrying an overnight bag around) and comes backs late? Why does he not have general stuff / overnight stuff at yours anyway? Is mum's more of his main home?

Sorry - too many questions. Everyone's situation is different.

parietal · 10/04/2024 09:24

Your DH needs to be busy with other things - an evening hobby or must do reading for next weeks book group or anything so his DC get the habit of travelling on their own.

chocolatesaltyballs22 · 10/04/2024 09:15

RoadToPlants · 10/04/2024 09:10

Can they not use public transport? A but of ferrying around is fine but this sounds ridiculous

There's no direct public transport from mum's house to ours, so it would mean two buses. Obviously easier to call the dad taxi.

OP posts:
RoadToPlants · 10/04/2024 09:10

Can they not use public transport? A but of ferrying around is fine but this sounds ridiculous

Anewuser · 10/04/2024 09:10

You’re not being unreasonable but it’s a bit late now complaining when he’s been doing it for the oldest at least 7 years.

They should have insisted on driving lessons. Ours had driving lessons as their 17th birthday present. The expectation was they save up (with our help) and buy their own car. They became independent adults.

Their 17 year old now will get stroppy if he changes things now, saying dad obviously liked the daughter more as he’s always fetched and carried for her.

Simbaonedaythiswillallbeyours · 10/04/2024 09:08

It won't stop until your DH says no.

Cannot believe he is driving a 24 year old hither and yon. Time to put his foot down.

Codlingmoths · 10/04/2024 09:07

You can’t do anything about it though except refuse to engage with his annoyance. You can ask: ‘This is a product of your parenting, what are you doing to change it?’