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AIBU?

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To not want MIL at birthday meal

179 replies

AllGoodNamesRGone · 20/05/2025 21:09

So, I know I'm going to get slated, but here goes...
My MIL is an absolute nightmare. Narcissistic and just down right rude and nasty to everyone.
It is my DC's significant birthday coming up and we'd arranged a lovely meal out at their choosing. There will be me, DH, my parents, DC and their sibling. Afterwards, the youngest is going back to my parents and me, DH and eldest will go for drinks.
MIL is coming from abroad (only an hour's flight) to visit. Didn't ask, just only asked to see our calendar which my husband obliged to, supposedly so she could fit in somewhere. She saw the date marked for the meal and has basically invited herself.
Previous meals have been torturous. She has commented in a negative way about what my DC are wearing, she swears when something doesn't go her way (imagine tables not quite ready) rude to staff (like almost have young waitresses in tears) and just generally sucks the life out the atmosphere.
My DC doesn't want her there and I've told DH this and that he needs to ask what she wants.
Obviously there are no winners here. She will be upset and angry and my DH will be in the firing line if he tells her she can't come.
At this point I just want to cancel it all because I can't deal with the stress right now.
Lots of background to this as well. I've also been NC with her for years, yet I'm supposed to make pleasantries with her for that night.
I don't know what to say or do.

OP posts:
SmallBirdie · 20/05/2025 21:15

Of course she can’t come if the birthday child doesn’t want her there.

DH needs to tell her she can’t come. If she doesn’t accept that then I’d change the time and venue of the meal so she can’t just show up.

AutumnLeaves91 · 20/05/2025 21:15

If this is a significant birthday (or any tbh), imagine how upset you’d feel afterwards knowing it was ruined by the MIL’s presence purely to keep the peace. That isn’t a dig on you OP @AllGoodNamesRGone im on your side and think MIL shouldn’t go! The child doesn’t want her there, you don’t, don’t allow it

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 20/05/2025 21:13

Cancel the meal. Take DC away for the weekend and leave him to his mother.

SunshineIdiot789 · 20/05/2025 21:11

DH is the idiot that shared the calendar and allowed her to invite herself. He needs to fix it.