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AIBU?

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DH won’t have my back with in-laws

131 replies

ByBoldGoldFinch · 09/02/2025 19:00

For context, I posted this thread earlier in the week: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5268353-to-distance-myself-from-in-laws#aibu-poll

Taking on the advice from the comments, I approached my SIL at a family gathering and asked her, very politely, if we could talk. I explained that I’d heard that she’d been telling people I’d been mocking her son, and asked if she could please stop as it’s simply untrue and that I adore my nephew. She said no and that I needed to take accountability and apologise. I then asked her for examples of when I’d mocked him and she walked away from me into the sitting room, where my BIL, FIL, MIL, and DH were. I followed her and again asked her for examples. She proceeded to ignore me. She then went up to BIL/her husband and told him I was harassing her “as usual”. My DH said she was being unreasonable as im nothing but kind to her and her LB/my nephew, and he also asked her for examples of this apparent mocking. She ignored him too, and she quickly left the house, followed by BIL.
My MIL and FIL were furious with me then, telling me I should have just ignored her as we all know what she’s like, and told me how I’d made everything worse. Since this, I’ve also had unkind texts from BIL demanding I apologise and telling me how I’ve caused a wedge in the family. DH hasn’t said a word to defend me to his MIL or FIL or his brother/my BIL.

There was a family meal today organised by MIL and I wasn’t invited but DH was, on the basis that SIL will be there and MIL doesn’t want any trouble. I was really disappointed by this because SIL is the one at fault, and in private everyone has agreed with me. DH went to the meal despite knowing I felt disappointed and upset by it.

When he got home, I confronted him by saying that I don’t feel supported, and that I really feel like he should say something to his parents and his brother. I don’t want him to fall out with them, but I want them to know that they can’t treat me poorly. DH disagrees. He said he stood up for me against SIL as she’s the one who’s started all of this up, and that’s all that’s needed.
There’s a party next weekend for my FIL’s 60th which I’ve also been uninvited from in favour of SIL (MIL texted me to let me know). DH is still going, and again doesn’t understand why I’m upset.

I’m sat upstairs with my LG while DH is sat downstairs, and I just feel really alone and unsupported. DH won’t talk about it as he thinks I’m being ridiculous and that I should be grateful for all he’s done by speaking to SIL, and said he’s done more than enough to support me. I just feel numb and upset. AIBU to have expected more from DH?

To distance myself from in-laws? | Mumsnet

Hi everyone. I’m in a situation where I’m so consumed by anger that I can’t stop snapping at my dh. I don’t want to feel like this anymore but I don’t...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5268353-to-distance-myself-from-in-laws#aibu-poll

OP posts:
ByBoldGoldFinch · 09/02/2025 19:18

coldscottishmum · 09/02/2025 19:16

You have a husband and in laws problem. Why isn’t he sticking up for you???

He thinks he is because he spoke to SIL once (as seen in my post). That’s more than enough in his mind

OP posts:
coldscottishmum · 09/02/2025 19:16

You have a husband and in laws problem. Why isn’t he sticking up for you???

Takeoutyourhen · 09/02/2025 19:14

SIL is dramatic at best and everyone tiptoes around her by the sounds of it. But I’m aghast at the lack of support from your husband.

Chaicof · 09/02/2025 19:06

This sounds upsetting OP and I can imagine how hurtful this feels.
It is a problem with your husband though. It's his family and should feel like a major problem to him that you're treated badly. He should be thanking you and thank you for spending time with then, making you feel as if he truly understands how you feel. Instead it sounds like he's taking the easy ride and going to a party without you... WTAF!? You need to get out of that situation.

Pippa12 · 09/02/2025 19:06

Your SIL sounds nuts. But if my DH was ok with me being ‘uninvited’ to family events I think I’d be rethinking the marriage altogether. He’s picked sides, and it’s not yours!

LoveSandbanks · 09/02/2025 19:02

Fuck that. You've got a husband problem

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