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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Feeling pressured to take DS' girlfriend on holiday

162 replies

SandiAndi · 17/07/2024 10:55

Some background first. DS is 17, just finished Y12, we moved his school after GCSEs as he was having a rough time. We live rurally and options for a good school with good sixth form options were very limited so we have stretched ourselves and gone private. We also have twins who are 11 and will be going to the state school after summer.
DS settled in well at the new school but still doesn't really have much in the way of friends, he's quite introverted. However he does now have a girlfriend of about 8 months. She's lovely and has really brought him out his shell (they were the only two taking A-Level Latin so I think he felt more confident around her).

In 4 weeks we are going to Greece, we have an Airbnb. DS came in a few days ago saying that his girlfriend's family have offered to take him to Italy with them on holiday next week. He asked if it was ok and said her dad was happy to pay for the flight etc. obviously he will need spending money but he works so has some of his own and I'm happy to tip it up.

Now DH thinks we need to invite his girlfriend with us, I'll be honest I don't want to! She's lovely, very sweet and kind, but I never feel truly relaxed around her. We have also had well let's say issues with the volume of their recreational activities should we say!! And
I imagine it will be worse in a Airbnb! I could do without hearing that on holiday.

DH thinks it will be great, twins will entertain each other, DS will go do things with his girlfriend and we can relax, plus they can babysit a few nights. He also thinks it's really rude not to.

So AIBU to not want to invite her? Should I just suck it up?

OP posts:
Dweetfidilove · 17/07/2024 11:04

You don't gave to invite her, but you also don't need to listen to loud sex in your home.
If they're old enough for sex, they're old enough to be respectful to the people in whose home they're doing it.

DoYouSmokePaul · 17/07/2024 11:04

They’re very disrespectful having noisy sex in your house. I’d be saying no to the holiday and asking them to keep it down at home.

AgnesX · 17/07/2024 11:04

Volume of their recreational activities?
I'd be having a word with my son over that.

And a no to the holiday.

SwayingInTime · 17/07/2024 11:03

I think either perspective is fine, I'd lean towards taking her if possible but I disagree completely that there is any obligation.

Skybluepinky · 17/07/2024 11:02

Sounds like ur son will have an awful holiday if u don’t.

AGodawfulsmallaffair · 17/07/2024 11:02

If I could afford it and liked her I would - but I’d also be shutting down the noisy sex, especially with 11 yr olds around. I’d also check the younger ones were ok with her coming, it’s their holiday too.

Janieforever · 17/07/2024 11:01

I’d invite her, I think he has a point, they can do their own thing, the twins entertain each other, and you and your husband do your thing, and he’s offered to baby sit. I’d see it as a win, although I’d tell him to keep it down at night.

Hoppinggreen · 17/07/2024 11:01

I think IF you invite her its because you all as a family want her there but NOT because you feel obliged to.
They are going to Italy together anyway

loropianalover · 17/07/2024 11:00

You’re not obligated to invite her. I see where your DH is coming from but I can completely understand wanting your one holiday to just be family time and not feel like you’re looking after someone else’s child.

DS will get his holiday with her in Italy so he’ll be fine.

WindsurfingDreams · 17/07/2024 10:59

No, I think it's really important that teens get time apart when they are in relationships. It's really unhealthy when they do everything together.

I've seen parents encourage/support almost "marriage" like relationships at this age and its never healthy

Teach them that a good relationship can survive time apart

Octavia64 · 17/07/2024 10:59

You don't need to invite the girlfriend.

There is not the same need to reciprocate with holidays.

They have almost certainly invited your DS so their DD has someone to be around if her own age as it can be a difficult age. It's to make their holiday easier.

Loopytiles · 17/07/2024 10:56

YANBU at all! Don’t invite her.

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