Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Did my husband go too far during MIL visit?

267 replies

Greenrun · 10/08/2025 17:03

AIBU to think that my husband went too far or did I go too far?

This past week my husband's family came to visit us for four nights from overseas: MIL, SIL and SIL's 10 year old daughter. First time MIL came, we cleaned the house for two days straight, I ordered SIL's luxury birthday cake. I sent MIL welcome text ahead of travel, google translate- we don't speak a common language. I felt I poured my heart and soul into hosting and received a glorious message from my MIL after their departure how I am the best daughter in law in the world.

But: the event was stressful for me behind the scenes and I made some negative remarks to my husband about his family. The first happened when I woke up at 6.00 am to MIL and SIL talking loudly in the kitchen and moving around furniture. They're guests, so of course I wasn't going to tell them anything! But I told my husband that I thought that was rude and inconsiderate of them. When they went to bed before us, I started whispering downstairs the moment they left to go to sleep. My husband's response: 'You are annoyed at everything.' I got very upset, I already hadn't slept for three nights. He got annoyed and irritated with me and all I wanted was some empathy and acknowledgement that this is tiring for me and they were a bit rude. Then he said he didn't hear it, suggesting again that I am the problem. I got really angry that he couldn't just admit the truth that this wasn't the nicest behavior from the guests. I never thought it was intentional or anything, just inconsiderate. That evening I remarked that SIL is quite neglectful towards her own daughter - easy to see, spoke to her twice a day only, kid otherwise left alone. I felt sorry for the girl. My husband went ballistic, 'Who are you to judge?' This was an observation and it's quite relevant as we're hoping to have kids, so if he doesn't see any of it, that's not a good sign to me. After they left, my husband said I ruined everything and next time his family is only coming if I'm away. I was hurt beyond words. I tried to see his side and gave him a genuine apology for criticising his family, saying it's not my business. Upon seeing my MIL's raving text about how happy she was with me, he said: 'Its all fake, because she doesn't know the real you.' I'm upset, because I took time off from work, cleaned and served the guests every day and my husband is still sulking mad at me, because I offended his family and therefore offended him. He doesn't think he offended me at all. He thinks it's 100% on me that I 'ruined' everything for him.

OP posts:
Greenrun · 10/08/2025 17:39

harriethoyle · 10/08/2025 17:38

Why are you whispering downstairs the moment they go up?! Your poor husband. He must feel exhausted by your criticisms.

Whispering in general conversation to not wake up the guests as they are going to sleep.

OP posts:
harriethoyle · 10/08/2025 17:38

Why are you whispering downstairs the moment they go up?! Your poor husband. He must feel exhausted by your criticisms.

Greenrun · 10/08/2025 17:30

fufulina · 10/08/2025 17:07

I have this with my DH. We both mutter uncharitable things about my family, but I cannot say a word about his family. Double standards.

I should add that I'm quite open about my family's shortcomings, in fact I have stood up for him against them several times in the past.

OP posts:
Pinky1256 · 10/08/2025 17:30

I think you were rude by making it a big deal that they made noise at night, especially knowing that they were coming only for 4 nights.

Considering that they just arrived they would have been trying to organise their things and talk about the trip in excitement. Probably they didn't even realise they were making so much noise as to keep you awake.

Partners don't take well talking bad about their family especially if it's minor things. I have discussed issues with my DH but mainly about bigger problems.

Greenrun · 10/08/2025 17:28

Chazbots · 10/08/2025 17:12

The absolute best thing about my DH is that he is objective about his family, even if he can be a bit lax about doing anything to stand up to them.

That's why we are married for many years. Your DH does not sound like he's your friend...I would be considering my options. This is not ok.

This is where my thoughts are at the moment.

OP posts:
KrisAkabusi · 10/08/2025 17:26

You described his sister as neglectful to her kids! That's not just having a moan because somebody is noisy in the morning. That's being very offensive about his family. I would be annoyed with you too.

Coconutter24 · 10/08/2025 17:26

You were criticising his family and you’re the one who is offended?

Hatty65 · 10/08/2025 17:21

I think you were very critical of his mother and sister. I don't think they've done anything much wrong. They were guests in your home so whispering bitchy comments about them because you are tired is not great hostessing.

I'm not surprised he was annoyed with you.

Maddy70 · 10/08/2025 17:19

You are unbelievably rude about his family, I wouldn't be happy with your comments either! I can't see they did anything wrong ? You on the other hand were judging them and criticising.

TheRealGoose · 10/08/2025 17:19

In this situation I’d also be angry with you, they didn’t disturb you on purpose and calling your sil neglectful is judgey as hell. You were being nice to their face and bad mouthing them first chance you got.

JimmyGiraffe · 10/08/2025 17:15

fufulina · 10/08/2025 17:07

I have this with my DH. We both mutter uncharitable things about my family, but I cannot say a word about his family. Double standards.

I completely recognise this - DH’s relatives are untouchable

B1anche · 10/08/2025 17:15

His family live overseas so, presumably, he doesn't see them often. It doesn't sound like they were deliberately setting out to upset you (given the lovely text message). So it might have been better to keep criticism to yourself. He probably feels quite hurt that you didn't like them.

Hankunamatata · 10/08/2025 17:13

You you dont slag off your other halfs family to your OH esp when they are only here for a short time and they have come from abroad so i guess he doesnt get to see them.

Vent to a friend next time

Chazbots · 10/08/2025 17:12

The absolute best thing about my DH is that he is objective about his family, even if he can be a bit lax about doing anything to stand up to them.

That's why we are married for many years. Your DH does not sound like he's your friend...I would be considering my options. This is not ok.

Glitchymn1 · 10/08/2025 17:11

Hotel, Airbnb…. You had both been cleaning for days, irritable, tired, moody….

DizzyLizzee · 10/08/2025 17:09

In future visit her. Without him!

fufulina · 10/08/2025 17:07

I have this with my DH. We both mutter uncharitable things about my family, but I cannot say a word about his family. Double standards.