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AIBU?

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To not want to go on a 'surprise' forced holiday with MIL and 3 Nephews

407 replies

terracottafarm · 26/08/2024 19:52

Every Christmas, my MIL 'surprises' us with a weekend getaway, usually to a place like Center Parcs or a similar 'kiddie' destination. The trip includes my MIL, SIL, BIL, and their three children, all under the age of 8. My DH (29) and I (27) don't have children, and we enjoy our life as it is. I don't particularly enjoy these trips, especially since they involve taking 1-2 days of holiday to spend time in a child-centric environment. We have in the past tried to get out of it with annual leave but they always say just come Saturday and Sunday instead. (ARGHHH!)

We also have a dog, and these trips can be quite stressful for us because the kids wind her up, which drives us both crazy. While they are a lovely and supportive family, the idea of spending a weekend with three young children (who, if I’m honest, can be pretty annoying) isn't something I look forward to.

We've gone along with it for the past five years, but I feel like I just can't do it anymore. I know my DH feels similarly, but I'm the one who really dreads it. I'm not sure how to tell my MIL that I simply don't want to go this year without hurting her feelings. Also to note, we do not see his nephews a lot, maybe once every two months as we aren't interested in children. Awful I know!

AIBU to not want to do this anymore? And how on earth do I or DH approach this with my MIL? She is borderline obsessed with her grandchildren and will get upset...

OP posts:
LarryUnderwood · 26/08/2024 20:02

Hmmm. There isn't an easy way out unfortunately. I'd say, oh we're going to give it a miss this year, it's not really our thing. And then when pressed just continue saying versions of that - we'd rather not, it's not our thing, we love seeing you but would prefer not to do a whole weekend etc. They will be offended because there isn't a way around it. But you either suck it up or say no. Honestly I'd probably stuck it up if it's 1 weekend per year, but if you hate it then you have to bite the bullet.

terracottafarm · 26/08/2024 20:01

Kitkat1523 · 26/08/2024 20:01

If you really hate it then your DP can go by himself

I've suggested this. But he doesn't want to...

OP posts:
Kitkat1523 · 26/08/2024 20:01

If you really hate it then your DP can go by himself

Turnthelightoff · 26/08/2024 20:00

Decide somewhere else you want to go and when the ‘gift’ is presented you can say oh no sorry we can’t make it, we already have Paris booked for that weekend. Then book Paris.

murasaki · 26/08/2024 20:00

Oh I'm totally the opposite to the pp, you don't want to, so don't. Sounds like hell to me.

HeddaGarbled · 26/08/2024 19:59

Once a year for a couple of days? I think you should suck it up for the sake of the relationships. These people will (hopefully) be in your life for decades and everyone’s circumstances and your feelings and priorities will change in multiple ways through those decades. Family’s important and should be nurtured, IMO.

terracottafarm · 26/08/2024 19:58

Bump

OP posts: