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AIBU?

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AIBU to want to tell sibling I’m going no contact?

120 replies

Lostwelshlady · 25/06/2024 11:01

Background- I’m one of 3 siblings (middle child) I have never been close to oldest sibling, we’ve had various falling outs over the years but managed to remain civil if visiting our parents at the same time, would send xmas cards etc. I’m very close with my youngest sibling who is getting married in 3 days. They have had a similar relationship with older sibling, civil but not close, but was close with older siblings teenage children who were due to be in the wedding party.

For various reasons, our relationship with older sibling has become more strained due to siblings partner (in our opionion) taking advantage of our parents (lots of cash gifts to older siblings partner to save home from creditors due to business going bust twice) siblings partner making numerous comments about how well off they’ll be once my parents have passed (including talking about hoping to take ownership of family home when one parent was very ill in hospital)

My parents have (for reasons unknown to us) always favoured older sibling and their partner, and will not hear a single bad thing about them. At a recent family wedding older sibling tried to start an argument with youngest sibling because of their refusal to let them babysit their young child and various other non issues. Youngest sibling told them this wasnt the time or the place and to behave. (Parents sided with older sibling and said babysitting youngest siblings child would help them get over a recent early pregnancy loss)

A few days later oldest sibling called unannounced with youngest sibling, and continued the argument. Youngest sibling again told them to leave.

Two weeks ago oldest sibling goes into hospital with migrane/meningitis type symptoms. Parents blame youngest sibling for causing oldest sibling stress.

Wedding rehearsal last night, oldest sibling and family don’t show. Parents call them and are told they are abroad, and won’t be attended wedding. Young sibling is devastated as nieces/nephews were part of the wedding party, and seating plans etc now all incorrect. Parents say youngest sibling and me are to blame for not visiting oldest sibling in hospital etc. Youngest sibling sees this as an end to any type of relation with the older sibling, and I feel that I cannot forgive this either.

I don’t wish to fall out with my parents prior to siblings wedding, but also feel very protective of my youngest sibling and cannot stand them being blamed for older siblings behaviour and so feel I should stand up for them, but probably won’t say anything until after the wedding.I also want to contact older sibling to tell them how angry and disappointed I am that they have behaved this way towards youngest sibling, and sneaking off with days to go with no warning. My husband says not to bother and to just accept the relationship is now over without bothering to tell them I’m going no contact, but part of me feels I need to tell them how disappointed I am just to get some kind of closure. WWYD?

OP posts:
Anabella321 · 25/06/2024 16:19

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In my experience people are sometimes kept in whilst not technically very sick, particularly at the weekend if they need tests.

My point is that it would be unusual for the entire exended family to descend to your bedside if you're in hospital for 2 nights for tests. Particularly given that in this case they didn't even know that she was there.

I would expect my spouse and if he wasn't available, my mother to bring me in some bits etc but I would not expect my siblings to drop everything to travel to see me in hospital in those circumstances. Especially, as in this case, they didn't know that she was there. I feel that that's relevant.

But it's possible that the elder sister has different expectations of everyone around her.

Ponoka7 · 25/06/2024 16:24

SheilaFentiman · 25/06/2024 16:13

The sibling shouldn’t be berated at a family wedding for not letting someone babysit, either way.

Not ideal, but the eldest might feel that she is being used for her children and it's agreed on here, it you don't want to know the Mother (without good reason) you don't get the benefit of her children. If they don't speak outside of events, there isn't another time to do it.
It sounds as though the eldest has thought 'you have your kids, I have mine, let's leave it at that'.

SheilaFentiman · 25/06/2024 16:33

“but the eldest might feel that she is being used for her children”

WHAT??

A 15 and 17 year old are capable of deciding if they want to be in a wedding party or not.

Portakalkedi · 25/06/2024 16:39

Nobody is obligated to prop up a relationship with their family members who are horrible, treat them like crap etc. Just forget they exist, you don't have to tell them what you're doing.

Sayingitstraight · 25/06/2024 17:10

Just because your family doenst mean you allow yourself to be treated like dirt.

SquishyGloopyBum · 25/06/2024 19:07

Your sister needs to have the best wedding party ever. Channel your energies into that. The older sister will miss out and that's her problem. I think it will backfire on her massively.

Don't let her hijack it. Just have fun. She likes the drama so dont give into it. And if anyone asks just say she decided to go on holiday.

I just hope your parents don't sit there looking miserable.

RedRosesPinkLilies · 25/06/2024 19:40

It’s actually impossible to know the truth here. I’m interested to understand why you think you can get advice on the internet. It seems to me to be attention seeking

stilllovebeetroot · 25/06/2024 20:35

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SheilaFentiman · 25/06/2024 20:56

RedRosesPinkLilies · 25/06/2024 19:40

It’s actually impossible to know the truth here. I’m interested to understand why you think you can get advice on the internet. It seems to me to be attention seeking

Is this your first day on MN?

RedRosesPinkLilies · 25/06/2024 22:55

@SheilaFentiman No. I popped over from the Stage 4 cancer thread to see what other people consider problems

SheilaFentiman · 25/06/2024 23:21

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Hankunamatata · 25/06/2024 23:38

Younger sibling told older sibling to leave the house (rightly or wrongly) - I'm suprised they thought older sibling and family would still be in the wedding

RedRosesPinkLilies · 26/06/2024 07:35

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Go to Life Limiting Illness, and you’ll find me on the Stage 4 cancer, incurable? thread.
I’d link, but I don’t know how to.
I don’t post much, but I’m there alright.

I think that was an incredibly rude answer. I have personal reasons for finding this thread interesting.

stilllovebeetroot · 26/06/2024 07:45

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stilllovebeetroot · 26/06/2024 07:50

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SheilaFentiman · 26/06/2024 11:57

I apologise, @RedRosesPinkLilies

There are a lot of “gosh, why don’t you try having a REAL problem” posts on MN. I took yours to be one of those.

best of luck.

Sweetpeasaremadeforbees · 26/06/2024 12:43

Your sister needs to have the best wedding party ever. Channel your energies into that. The older sister will miss out and that's her problem. I think it will backfire on her massively.

Don't let her hijack it. Just have fun. She likes the drama so dont give into it. And if anyone asks just say she decided to go on holiday.

OP I think this is good advice. Let wedding guests come to their own conclusions about Older Sister letting her sister down. I wouldn't even rearrange tables etc, let the obvious gaps tell their own story. And if your parents try to defend the older sister I'd shut that down pretty quickly. Your DH is right, don't make a big deal about going NC, just .....slowly go NC/grey rock at get togethers etc.

Sweetpeasaremadeforbees · 26/06/2024 12:49

Just to add that my DD would be absolutely furious with me if I stopped her being bridesmaid to a beloved aunt, because it would be using her as a weapon and it makes her look flaky.

stilllovebeetroot · 26/06/2024 14:38

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RedRosesPinkLilies · 26/06/2024 18:46

Why has @stilllovebeetroot posts been deleted?

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