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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not go to the upcoming party

59 replies

livvyice · 31/12/2024 15:17

I recently attended a party with my DP, for his child. His ex also attended with her partner. DP is very amicable with his ex, knows her partner reasonably well as he moved in with her last year so sees him a lot at drop off / pick up. He also still helps her out with some things around the house as he does that for a living.

They split up around a decade ago and I'm the first partner he's introduced to his kids / his ex.

I was a little nervous going to the party and meeting the ex but DP told me it'd be fine, she'd be friendly etc. I get on well with his DC.

I was introduced to her partner first who was pleasant. DP then introduced me to his ex who smiled but immediately walked off. Over the course of the evening his ex pretty much refused to acknowledge or even look at me and on a couple of occasions I even caught her and her friends talking about me. Afterwards DP said how surprised he was that she wasn't friendlier as they get on so well, and he's made lots of effort with her DP.

There is another event coming up soon with the same people going. Would I be unreasonable not to go? I felt really quite uncomfortable and I don't want to have to put myself through that again so soon, but I also don't want to upset DP by saying no to the invite.

OP posts:
pestowithwalnuts · 31/12/2024 18:39

What were her and her friends saying about you ,?

Youngheartsalittletogetherness · 31/12/2024 18:37

Why put yourself self through it .
Leave him to go on his own beside it's not your child it's your DP and his ex so I think you've no obligation to take part.

TangerineClementine · 31/12/2024 18:37

livvyice · 31/12/2024 18:33

I do get what you're all saying but I'm not sure it's that - DP says she seems really happy and plasters the boyfriend all over social media!

What else could it be though? It can't be just that she doesn't like you, as she's barely spoken to you!

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 31/12/2024 18:37

She's got a case of "I don't want you but I don't want anyone else to have you either"

She's clearly very happy with her new partner but maybe all the time her ex was single she'd be assuming he was still holding a candle to her. She'd love it if you didn't turn up OP. Go for your partner and his DC

mitogoshigg · 31/12/2024 18:36

With these occasions you put on a smile and be the bigger person. My eh's new gf wasn't the warmest to me (according to one dd she's weird, the others she ok and a lot better than any of the others) we don't need to socialise often so its hardly a chore to be pleasant once a year or so

livvyice · 31/12/2024 18:33

I do get what you're all saying but I'm not sure it's that - DP says she seems really happy and plasters the boyfriend all over social media!

OP posts:
Lurkingandlearning · 31/12/2024 16:50

She would almost certainly love it if you didn’t go. Go and enjoy yourself with your DP. He won’t be expecting you to make any effort with her (and her incredibly immature rude friends) as he saw how she behaved. Just say a dead eyed hello and then wander away for a drink, food, fresh air - anything. Don’t let her make you feel uncomfortable, she’s ridiculous. Keep smiling and you’ll probably ruin her night.

toomuchfaff · 31/12/2024 15:54

TheseCalmSeas · 31/12/2024 15:33

If it’s for his child and you’re serious about the relationship, I would go. You’ll be going for them so focus on that rather than the silly mare.

I’d go with the pity approach. How sad she hasn’t really moved on after all this time 🤭

First thing came to my mind as well, ex is friendly with DP, as long as DP is single...

OP, have confidence in yourself and your relationship, be ultra friendly, OTT, smiles and waves, nothing that could EVER be considered unreasonable. You're there as representative of DP, you're the only one ever got this far, don't take it personal if ex is a cow.

TheseCalmSeas · 31/12/2024 15:33

If it’s for his child and you’re serious about the relationship, I would go. You’ll be going for them so focus on that rather than the silly mare.

I’d go with the pity approach. How sad she hasn’t really moved on after all this time 🤭

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