Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Holiday day three… not going brilliantly

262 replies

Sealhaver · 08/07/2025 00:00

Hmmmm, so I feel I might really be unreasonable here, thus the post. I would say we are a classic family of four, with 14 year old daughter, and 10 year old son and typical marital disputes (some money, some mental load, some basic male uselessness…). Most notably,’husband has been away a lot over the past few months (due to work, but not entirely essential work) and the kids have clearly noticed this and felt slighted by this (as I have, in terms of picking up the slack, too).

So now, we are on long awaited holiday where we can all take a breath and reconnect… and somehow we are not all falling into the happy family patterns that husband anticipates. And it all comes to a head with: the film watching experience of tonight..Always a bit of a sore spot for us as I will happily comment and yap away- and he prefers total silence. Now, the kids and I try to respect this when watching a new film, but honestly, find it a bit ridiculous when doing a rewatch ..and also isn’t the bloody point of watching a film together as a family to do some bonding shit talk?!? So, complete nightmare following reasonably pleasant day when we decide to watch Harry Potter 1 (seen maybe 8-10 times as a family???) and we are chastised within the first 10 mins for talking too much. At this point, I most definitely do not take the moral high ground, but say he is acting as a massive asshat - and had I known movie silence would be required I may not have married him… this traumatising children who actually think this is a declaration of divorce. Everything then minimised and I pretend to sleep for the rest of the film (ah- keeping quiet and not talking!), but now the kids upset and the bloody husband claiming he has no idea why everyone is so on edge…. Do I just pretend all is normal and completely eat the ‘film silence’ shit… or do I stay strong and make this an issue?!! .

OP posts:
AWafferthinmint · 09/07/2025 22:34

Sorry OP but talking through a film would make me annoyed too. If you want to have a chat then there are a load of other activities you could do rather than watching a film.

Arran2024 · 09/07/2025 22:30

Sealhaver · 08/07/2025 00:00

Hmmmm, so I feel I might really be unreasonable here, thus the post. I would say we are a classic family of four, with 14 year old daughter, and 10 year old son and typical marital disputes (some money, some mental load, some basic male uselessness…). Most notably,’husband has been away a lot over the past few months (due to work, but not entirely essential work) and the kids have clearly noticed this and felt slighted by this (as I have, in terms of picking up the slack, too).

So now, we are on long awaited holiday where we can all take a breath and reconnect… and somehow we are not all falling into the happy family patterns that husband anticipates. And it all comes to a head with: the film watching experience of tonight..Always a bit of a sore spot for us as I will happily comment and yap away- and he prefers total silence. Now, the kids and I try to respect this when watching a new film, but honestly, find it a bit ridiculous when doing a rewatch ..and also isn’t the bloody point of watching a film together as a family to do some bonding shit talk?!? So, complete nightmare following reasonably pleasant day when we decide to watch Harry Potter 1 (seen maybe 8-10 times as a family???) and we are chastised within the first 10 mins for talking too much. At this point, I most definitely do not take the moral high ground, but say he is acting as a massive asshat - and had I known movie silence would be required I may not have married him… this traumatising children who actually think this is a declaration of divorce. Everything then minimised and I pretend to sleep for the rest of the film (ah- keeping quiet and not talking!), but now the kids upset and the bloody husband claiming he has no idea why everyone is so on edge…. Do I just pretend all is normal and completely eat the ‘film silence’ shit… or do I stay strong and make this an issue?!! .

I think you could do with learning how not to escalate- you don't have to be right (of course you aren't right as talking during films is a no no)

croydon15 · 09/07/2025 22:15

Don't bother watching a film is all you do is talk and ruin it for everyone else and the way you spoke to your DH is deplorable, you are bu.

bellamorgan · 09/07/2025 21:43

HMW19061 · 09/07/2025 19:25

If you want to chat why bother putting a film on? Just sit and chat instead. I’m with your husband on this one.

Background noise like having the radio on.

You might be watching listening then chat then back to watching listening then chat. The movie isn’t the whole pretence of the evening unlike a trip to the cinema this is winding down and chilling after a busy family holiday day.

It’s meant to still be fun and family time not silence like you’re sitting your a levels.

ErinBell01 · 09/07/2025 21:38

I can't just watch a film at home, but wouldn't talk out of respect for others. I'd do a jigsaw on my ipad, then we'd all be happy.

Poopyfish27 · 09/07/2025 21:38

sweetpickle2 · 08/07/2025 00:03

I have to say, talking during a film drives me mad as well- if you want to chat, why are we watching a film? I’m ND and find it hard to follow either thing (the film and the convo) at the same time so it leaves me feeling quite overwhelmed.

Did you really call him an asshat in front of your kids?

I'm with DH on this. I like complete quiet when watching a film otherwise I can't get the "feel" of it. Why sit down in front of the TV if you're going to talk? If you're wanting to have family time, play some board (or other) games.

WingSlutz · 09/07/2025 21:23

This is really making me think. I absolutely loathe talking during films 😂 like I will pause the movie and look politely at the talker but my passive aggressive vibes are strong. We are not watching and talking, we are watching OR talking! Like if you want to talk why put a film
in? But I can see I may come across as a little uptight 😁

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 09/07/2025 21:08

Sealhaver · 08/07/2025 00:15

Alll very good points (and thank you for those who understand the need to lightly banter while watching a v familiar movie..)!! Guess I need to rethink the entertainment for the next few days to prevent further debate…

We do the same.
We go to the Cinema to see new films, and don't talk during.

But quite often put on something we've all already seen and have a family chit chat about it. Its funny and we enjoy doing that.

DH used to be the same about movie silence... esp if it was one of his films.. But when it was one of my picks... all his witticisms were employed.

If you are watching something TOGETHER.. what's the point of sitting in silence.
Otherwise you may as well all be watching it on your own screens separately.

I would have a chat with the DC tho.

Sadworld23 · 09/07/2025 19:36

Sealhaver · 08/07/2025 00:08

Alright- thank you and fair enough! Maybe we were being the irritating ones- it’s actually really useful to have other perspectives. I will say that it want constant chat, more comments when appropriate but I see how that might be annoying.

I'm with you OP, I find it boring to just watch and not comment occasionally, but I married a movie buff so it's the silent treatment from me.

Tbf I'd rather not even watch, as I've other things to do, but apparently DH likes to spend time with me and watching a film in silence counts (no idea how/why).

HMW19061 · 09/07/2025 19:25

If you want to chat why bother putting a film on? Just sit and chat instead. I’m with your husband on this one.

Missj25 · 09/07/2025 19:21

Sealhaver · 08/07/2025 00:00

Hmmmm, so I feel I might really be unreasonable here, thus the post. I would say we are a classic family of four, with 14 year old daughter, and 10 year old son and typical marital disputes (some money, some mental load, some basic male uselessness…). Most notably,’husband has been away a lot over the past few months (due to work, but not entirely essential work) and the kids have clearly noticed this and felt slighted by this (as I have, in terms of picking up the slack, too).

So now, we are on long awaited holiday where we can all take a breath and reconnect… and somehow we are not all falling into the happy family patterns that husband anticipates. And it all comes to a head with: the film watching experience of tonight..Always a bit of a sore spot for us as I will happily comment and yap away- and he prefers total silence. Now, the kids and I try to respect this when watching a new film, but honestly, find it a bit ridiculous when doing a rewatch ..and also isn’t the bloody point of watching a film together as a family to do some bonding shit talk?!? So, complete nightmare following reasonably pleasant day when we decide to watch Harry Potter 1 (seen maybe 8-10 times as a family???) and we are chastised within the first 10 mins for talking too much. At this point, I most definitely do not take the moral high ground, but say he is acting as a massive asshat - and had I known movie silence would be required I may not have married him… this traumatising children who actually think this is a declaration of divorce. Everything then minimised and I pretend to sleep for the rest of the film (ah- keeping quiet and not talking!), but now the kids upset and the bloody husband claiming he has no idea why everyone is so on edge…. Do I just pretend all is normal and completely eat the ‘film silence’ shit… or do I stay strong and make this an issue?!! .

Absolutely nothing to do with thread , but why is your husband away for work that isn’t essential for him to be away for ?

SillyPlayer · 09/07/2025 18:47

Op, I think you sound fab & it's great that you've taken on board some of the more constructive comments!
I, like some others, think there is a lot more going on than just watching a film in silence. Perhaps try to find some time to speak to your DH on your own & tell him how you're feeling, & hopefully you can move on positively from there. Best of luck, & as I say, you sound fab!

FlorianTV · 09/07/2025 18:42

I’d just stop using films as family entertainment, he needs silence but the rest of you want to talk. It’s clearly not a family activity that keeps everyone happy, so find something else to do instead.

Sunaquarius · 09/07/2025 18:42

I just think there's got to be a middle ground? He has to tolerate a bit of talking, you guys have to make an effort to minimize chat. I agree if it's a rewatch, surely, there can be a bit more talking. If it's one of those complicated films that's hard to follow then less talking. There is always the pause button if you don't want to miss bits. Or you could use subtitles. Or you could watch one movie in silence one night and then one that allows chatting another night. There are many ways to address this problem. I am wondering if there is something deeper being felt because arguing over the TV on the surface seems trivial, but is clearly causing him some upset.

Boggyjo · 09/07/2025 18:35

it seems that you are suggesting that he’s the bad guy for having to work away from home?

Fancycheese · 09/07/2025 15:39

I don’t see the issue with chatting with your kids about a film while it’s on that you’ve seen close to ten times. Especially one as rubbish as Harry Potter, frankly.

It does seem to be more about the film. I don’t see why one person’s preferences should trump that of the rest of the family. Surely he can go and decompress in silence if that’s what he needs.

Tiswa · 09/07/2025 15:38

JamesWebbSpaceTelescope · 09/07/2025 15:33

No 3 people wanted to chat. Only 1 wanted silence.

Exactly for some winding down is having a movie on in the background and chatting through it - it is for our family.

the problem IMO is that the family dynamics have changed since he has beeen away and the kids have gotten older as well

JamesWebbSpaceTelescope · 09/07/2025 15:33

Whatdoidotoday · 09/07/2025 14:48

So you had a full on day, and wanting to just sit and relax without running commentary and conversation is completely fine. You sound hugely irritating. Honestly some people just don’t know how to wind down.

No 3 people wanted to chat. Only 1 wanted silence.

Whatdoidotoday · 09/07/2025 14:48

Sealhaver · 08/07/2025 01:00

Ha!! Thank you all (particularly those who understand where I’m coming from)… and just to assure those who thought film watching (in the evening, following a full day of activity?!) was an unusual holiday activity, we will be off kayaking tomorrow. Am not sure if talking is encouraged/discouraged in these situations, but at least am not in a double kayak with husband…

So you had a full on day, and wanting to just sit and relax without running commentary and conversation is completely fine. You sound hugely irritating. Honestly some people just don’t know how to wind down.

CrushingOnRubies · 09/07/2025 13:27

Depends on the chat. Going I love this bit or have you seen the new Fiona shaw show can’t believe she was the woman in bad sisters. That’s fine.

talking at length about your plans for the next day on your holiday. Or how nice that restaurant you went to earlier. Not fine

DirtyBird · 09/07/2025 08:55

Nah I’m with you OP. In my family if we’ve seen a film more than once we definitely like to chat a little about the film. And my sister and I will watch films/tv shows and and make comments, even if it’s something we haven’t seen before. I have another friend that we do the same. So I understand your frustration however as you can See by this thread we are in the minority

JustWhiteNoise · 09/07/2025 08:48

Emonade · 08/07/2025 22:52

It’s not a family activity if you’re all sat in silence is it

Is going to the cinema a family activity? I think it is, and we're all sat in silence for two hours in there!

Cherrytree86 · 09/07/2025 08:41

FrangipaniBlue · 08/07/2025 06:30

The biggest thing I took away from your OP was that your household dynamic seems very much “wife and kids vs husband”.

thats a shit situation all round.

Yep, this. Not good at all. One day your kids will be grown up OP

Emonade · 08/07/2025 22:52

Sealhaver · 08/07/2025 12:10

Thank you all for some really insightful and helpful comments- appreciate my behaviour was far from ideal and was really useful to have that pointed out. Have apologised today and trying to see things from different perspectives… although still think we will always have a different opinion on light chatter during very familiar film! Thanks again

It’s not a family activity if you’re all sat in silence is it

Barrenfieldoffucks · 08/07/2025 22:02

Yeah, the chatting during a film is a complete red herring tbh