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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Being punished for break up

131 replies

Gilliano1974 · 29/06/2024 17:31

Ive been separated from my husband for 3 years and we have a 4 year old autistic boy. We get on great and the way we co-parent should be made into a manual…..it’s working so well for us and our boy.

My husband’s family are having a get together at the end of July. The home where the party is being held is fabulous with fantastic gardens. My son will absolutely love it!!!! I’ve never had any issues with his side of the family, we still ring each other and we all share a family WhatsApp.

Today I asked if I could go to the family gathering as I’d love to see my son explore the gardens and watch him with the family. I said I’d cook a lasagne as I’m famous for them and the family has always loved them. This was my mother-in-laws reply…..

Hi sorry late reply
Ah it's not my call. Trish is having family because it'll be the last time any family get togethers happen there be4 they move to their new home . Don’t worry Luke will of course see his other relatives at his aunty Trisha's ,we'll make sure you have lots of pics!! X

So it was a no. I’m so upset by this. I feel because I’m the one who left the relationship I’m being punished. I feel like she’s saying that because I’ve left I have lost all privileges to attend family gatherings and I’m no longer welcome. If it was my family and my ex husband wanted to come I’d have absolutely no problem, nor would my family. I feel it’s a bit childish.

My initial reaction was to not allow my son to go without me but I don’t want him to miss out.

What are your thoughts? I’m I being too sensitive?

Just for context I left him due to lack of support for me when my mental health declined after I had my son. I found text messages on his phone saying he wanted to punch me, calling me a c**t and making up stories about me for sympathy. I’ve forgiven all that and we are great friends, though I’d ever g get back with him.

OP posts:
Longdueachange · 29/06/2024 17:35

No, this is his family, not yours. Its sad with a break up, because you don't only break up from the spose, you also break up from the in law relationships. Just let your son go and find your own feet.

rumnraisins · 29/06/2024 17:34

What if the shoe was on the other foot?

Would a woman whose husband/partner left be expected to welcome him at her family gathering?

I think you know the answer.

There are consequences to breaking up a family unit and this is one of them. I’m not assigning blame because you might have had a valid reason to leave. I’m just stating a fact.

RonaTkinson · 29/06/2024 17:33

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This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

CockerMum · 29/06/2024 17:33

I think yabu. What happens if he gets a new partner and he wants to take his partner to meet his family or something? Be a bit awkward for the partner to have you tagging on all the time.

DracoDormiensNumquamTittilandum · 29/06/2024 17:33

You aren't being punished, you just aren't invited. Don't stop your child from going, that would be petty and twattish.

IDontDrinkTea · 29/06/2024 17:32

YABU. It’s weird you even asked. If you leave the relationship, you’re no longer family and so of course won’t be invited to family gatherings

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