Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

BIL and his wife forgot my birthday

116 replies

Ilikelimes · 10/11/2025 21:36

My BIL and his wife completely forgot my birthday this year. They didn’t text me until midnight to say happy birthday — literally just as the day ended.

I’m quite hurt, to be honest. I always make a real effort with their family: I buy their children’s birthday presents, make sure cards get there on time, and even give the kids pocket money when they walk my dog. I don’t expect grand gestures in return, but a simple “Happy Birthday” at a reasonable time doesn’t feel like much to ask.

My partner completely gets it and mentioned it to his brother, but apparently BIL was shocked I was even upset and couldn’t understand why. For context, I don’t have the best relationship with his wife — there have been a few issues.

Now, though, I’m feeling a bit deflated and fed up with always being the one to make an effort.

AIBU to feel hurt? Or am I overreacting and should just let it go? I don’t usually care about my birthday, but for some reason it really got to me after realising I make all the effort!

Edited by MNHQ to protect the OP's privacy

OP posts:
BettysRoasties · 10/11/2025 21:47

I also actually only know the date of one of his nephew’s and nieces. That’s only because it’s the first of the month 😅 the others I know the month but couldn’t tell you any closer than that.

MyAcornWood · 10/11/2025 21:45

How dramatic. Making effort for nieces and nephews isn’t really the same so not sure why you’ve equated the two! They did wish you a happy birthday, quibbling over the time is childish.

Starzinsky · 10/11/2025 21:45

I think you have unrealistic expectations of other people, so yeah you probably are destined to a life of disappointment.

XWKD · 10/11/2025 21:43

They probably forgot about it. I can't imagine they were thinking about it a great deal. Why would they?

allthegoodusernameshavegone · 10/11/2025 21:43

Oh blimey op, I have three Bils I don’t think any of us have ever exchanged birthday greetings.

DappledThings · 10/11/2025 21:42

I have no idea when SIL's partner's birthday is and a vague idea of DB's wife's but I've never done anything about it. Why are you doing anything for your partner's brother's birthday? It's up to your partner.

In-laws' partner's birthdays aren't generally a big thing are they?

Luxio · 10/11/2025 21:42

Your partner's brother and his wife? Yes I think it's unreasonable to be annoyed I have not a clue what date my BILs birthday is beyond the month.

Figgygal · 10/11/2025 21:41

I've been with my dh 20 years I couldn't tell you last time I had a birthday message off his sister and her husband
Don't let it bother you op

hmmnotreallysure · 10/11/2025 21:40

Ah that's crap op.
I'd still keep the invite for dinner but scale back the gift buying. Don't bother with cards for BIL or SIL anymore or get DH to sort them on future.

Tiebiter · 10/11/2025 21:40

Yabu. You aren't no.1 on their priority list because they have a busy life and you're an adult who they probably thought wouldn't meltdown over not getting a text.

BettysRoasties · 10/11/2025 21:40

I don’t even know when sils husbands birthday is. Not sure dh does either actually.

arcticpandas · 10/11/2025 21:39

Yes you are being unreasonable. They did call didn't they? You're not a child. I can get a bit miffed if a family member forgets my dc birthdays but I soon forget about it. Life is too short for holding petty grudges, especially when people are busy and genuinly forget. Wipe those tears and happy birthday!

FuzzyWolf · 10/11/2025 21:39

You say BIL and you say partner. It can’t be both. If you are unmarried maybe they just see you as the current girlfriend and aren’t making an effort.

ScaryM0nster · 10/11/2025 21:38

I don’t think I know when my BILs birthday is. Absolutely no idea when his partners is.

Non major event Birthdays of adult relatives seem a strange thing to get upset over.

TesChique · 10/11/2025 21:38

So your husbands brother and his wife?

Can't say id be able to get overly angry about people that distant.

however, lesson learned, start winding diwn the birthdays.

Pinkbananaa · 10/11/2025 21:37

Yabu