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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

House guests when I'm stressed

192 replies

Twix42 · 20/06/2024 07:55

Who is being unreasonable?
I am doing a really stressful full time work and uni one year postgrad. I have previous form for getting very overwhelmed etc.

This year, I have no summer hols as will be working and studying the whole time.
DH is taking our kids camping, for a week in july with family member and their kids mon-fri , I am not going, as have full time work/uni, no time off etc.

Family member wants to come back to our house for the weekend after camping to prolong their holiday.

Family member will come to us and expect meals and activities for them and their kids for whole weekend. Wil not contribute a bean, (and tbh DH will not ask for it).

I have 4000 word assignment due the following week. Which I will be v stressed out about. I don't want them to come here.

I haven't got time, my studies are for 1 important year, I can't be organised and do everything.

DH knows having them to stay will put me under pressure with my work/uni but still wants them to come, he won't want to say no. He's kind.

DH says its up to me, but I will get the guilt trip if I say no.

It will be me doing all the prep/shopping/cooking etc if they come.

AIBU ? I feel I can't do everything.. its crap but its just this one year. I have to get through my postgrad, that takes priority to me.
Thanks for reading!

OP posts:
AlisonDonut · 20/06/2024 08:05

HalebiHabibti · 20/06/2024 08:04

You could do a family massive cleaning session before they leave for camping, and book in a big shop to be delivered the day the campers return. Then you won't need to be there at all

Or he could. If he can camp he can clean and do an internet shop.

Sprite1008 · 20/06/2024 08:05

I sympathise op. Having houseguests at the best of times makes me feel stressed.

Others might suggest telling DH to take on all the meal organising and entertaining if he really wants them there but, from what you say, you will feel obliged to play host to some extent.

I would respond with a firm but polite 'not this time' and perhaps suggest another get together later in the summer.

AlisonDonut · 20/06/2024 08:04

Twix42 · 20/06/2024 08:02

Will be me doing all the prep etc because everyone else will be camping the week before.

Yeah no.

I even managed to book a hotel in Paris when I was in a bell tent in the middle of the Dordogne forest one summer. In the middle of nowhere.

They can do an internet shop to be delivered when they get back, and then sort themselves out.

LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood · 20/06/2024 08:04

Your DH is not kind if he expects you to host his relatives when you have so much on. Just say no. And mean it. Or if he really wants them I’d decamp somewhere else for the weekend.

HalebiHabibti · 20/06/2024 08:04

You could do a family massive cleaning session before they leave for camping, and book in a big shop to be delivered the day the campers return. Then you won't need to be there at all

Azandme · 20/06/2024 08:03

I say this as someone who works full time and is also doing my second 1 year post grad and is also a senior training lead.

You will burn yourself out if you don't take a break.

Taking a weekend in the summer for fun and activities with your kids and family is healthy. What you are describing isn't.

They will have just been away for a week - get the assignment done then.

I have a 4000 word essay due 3 days after we fly to Spain so will submit early. The weekend before I'm taking DD to an event in Edinburgh.

You really shouldn't need to be doing so much study that you can't spare a weekend. It's not healthy or sustainable. And for a postgrad it seems far too intense.

HalebiHabibti · 20/06/2024 08:03

Can you go stay with your parents or a friend for that weekend so your DH has to do it all and you can focus on work?

olderbutwiser · 20/06/2024 08:02

Either say "not this year, I just need to get past this stage, we can all have time together at Xmas/next year/whenever"

Or

Say yes to dh but he and guest are responsible for all the hosting. Food, entertainment, the lot. Lock yourself away and just appear to be fed.

Next year's project for you - work on saying no without guilt.

Twix42 · 20/06/2024 08:02

Will be me doing all the prep etc because everyone else will be camping the week before.

OP posts:
AlisonDonut · 20/06/2024 08:02

It will be me doing all the prep/shopping/cooking etc if they come

Why will it?

PicaK · 20/06/2024 08:02

There's no reason you have to do the prep. Go out to the library.

keylimedog · 20/06/2024 08:01

Why will it need to be you doing all the prep / cooking / shopping if they come?

I'd say to DH it's a no from me, unless he's up for sorting everything and accepting I'd be locked in a room working!

Mumof1andacat · 20/06/2024 08:00

Straight forward no

AgentProvocateur · 20/06/2024 08:00

Compromise and have them for one night. I presume it’s your nieces and nephews - wouldn’t you like to see them? And get a carry out or go out for dinner.

Alwaysthesun24 · 20/06/2024 07:59

'Sorry, no, I've just got too much on just now'.
Is it only on MN that people invite themselves to others houses with no regard for the hosts?

Blahblahblah2 · 20/06/2024 07:57

Don't do it. Just say no. You might feel a bit guilty but it will be worth it.

Cooliomayn · 20/06/2024 07:57

Tell them no and don’t feel guilty, you’ve got enough on your plate.