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Struggling to be happy for DS marrying his selfish GF

327 replies

GoverningSilverfish · 27/03/2025 12:24

NC for this because I feel awful even thinking it, let alone saying it out loud. DS (28) is getting married next year to his long-term GF (26), and I just can’t seem to feel happy about it. I love my son to bits, but his fiancée… well, let’s just say she wouldn’t be my first choice for him.

She’s always been a bit me me me, if you know what I mean. Everything has to be done her way, she never compromises, and I just don’t see her putting DS first in the way he does for her. He bends over backwards to make her happy, and she just… takes. Never a thank you, never any real consideration for his feelings. If he’s ill or stressed, she still expects him to do whatever she wants. If she’s upset about something minor, it’s the end of the world and he has to drop everything. It’s like she thinks she’s the main character and everyone else is just supporting cast.

I know it’s his life, his choice, and of course I’ll be there on the day with a smile plastered on, but inside I feel sick at the thought of him tying himself to someone so self-centred. I just can’t shake the feeling that he deserves better. I worry that one day he’ll wake up and realise he’s spent years prioritising someone who wouldn’t do the same for him. But if I say anything, I’m the bad guy, aren’t I? He’s happy now, and I don’t want to ruin that.

Has anyone else felt like this about a future DIL/SIL? How do I get over it and just be happy for him? Or at least fake it convincingly…

(Apologies for the essay. Handhold, anyone?)

OP posts:
SoonTheDaffodilsWillBeOver · 27/03/2025 12:35

Have you spoken to him? I would be tempted to have a quiet word and lay out your concerns, very gently. Make it clear that you will support him whether decision he makes, and that you fully recognise the decision is up to him and you will do your best to welcome GF into the family if that’s what he decides. But you’ve also noticed a pattern of behaviour (give specific examples) which caused you concern and you wanted to seek his view on that.

Meadowfinch · 27/03/2025 12:30

He has to make his own choices, you need to let him get on with it. Maybe she has a side you don't see.

All you can do is be there to pick up the pieces if it bombs.

Financially, offer to buy the groomsmen's suits for the wedding. And leave money in trust for grandkids so it doesn't become a shared asset.