This thread is about my brother.
I obviously don't think IABU because I have made this decision but I am curious to know if anyone else sees his perspective. Because I just can't.
My brother has, I feel, some funny ideas at times and very high expectations of family at times. His heart is often in the right place but he gets upset if he feels 'rejected' or that people aren't acting in the best interests of the family (he determines the best interests)
This is the latest.
My daughter is moving to university 2 weeks today. On the Saturday, we are doing a food shop and going out in the evening. I have been clear for weeks that I want packing to be done by then before a 2 and a half hour drive each way on the Sunday. I want it to be calm and peaceful and for us (me, my partner, her and her brother) to enjoy it.
My brother is moving house shortly afterwards.
I'm a teacher and work full time. So have little time outside work to get stuff done because I'm knackered/working in the evenings.
So. We have had plans for the last two weekends and for next weekend to go shopping for university stuff and essentials and to pack.
My daughter has a pt job which has become full time (and beyond!) since finishing her A Levels and usually works evenings so evening time to do stuff is limited anyway.
Yesterday, my brother issued a summoning (we affectionately refer to his invitations as this because there isn't really an option to refuse in his eyes) for us all to go over to his for the whole weekend next weekend (including a mandatory sleepover) so that his daughter (12) can enjoy one of her last weekends in her childhood home surrounded by her family and her memories.
My children (26 and 18) think this is bonkers and have never heard of such a thing. My daughter wants to spend the last full weekend at home packing and seeing her friends before moving away. His plans/expectations don't really allow for the compromise of a 2 hour visit and, even if they did, it would be something that we'd have to juggle to make time for in our existing plans. In an already busy weekend in whicn I'd also have to find time to work. And none of us want to go.
I don't have the capacity to shop and pack in the evenings to facilitate this so the weekends it is.
My brother is now cross/not speaking to us since we turned down the invitation because we're spoiling his daughter's experience.
So. This is part incredulous grumble and part does anyone think my brother is right/has a point because I can't see it.