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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I really don't like my mother

35 replies

Onlyatnoon · 13/02/2026 23:00

She's not a nice person. She has no friends, and she's fallen out with all the family. She says racist things, she's horribly judgemental about other women and their looks, has extreme views on conspiracy theories.

Basically if I met her, I'd give her a very wide berth. We have nothing in common.

She was also very cruel when I was growing up, I've needed a lot of therapy to overcome the low self worth she installed in me.

Now she's getting older, I've noticed a change in her attitude with me. I can't help but feel manipulated - like she's only being 'nicer' because she realises she may need more help soon.

What would you do, keep your distance, or forgive and help more?

OP posts:
WhatNoRaisins · 14/02/2026 07:29

I'd trust your instincts here OP. It will be much easier for someone without the baggage she's inevitably left you with to care for her. Keep yourself safe by having boundaries.

QuietLifeNoDrama · 14/02/2026 07:28

Keep your distance and protect your sanity OP.

orbital12 · 14/02/2026 07:25

I agree with others OP - keep your distance. I know it's really hard not to cave in to the guilt we've been programmed to feel out whole lives. She probably didn't give a moment's thought to any impact she might be having on you until she realised there could be consequences for her too.

Pigletin · 14/02/2026 07:08

My grandmother was like this with her son (my dad) and her DIL (my mom). Absolutely vile and went out of her way to be cruel. But in the later years she started “changing” when she realised she will need help in her old age. She was so manipulative and I found that behaviour and pretence very hard to get past. Honestly, I would really limit contact with her and become way less available to her. It’s hard when it’s a parent, but sometimes it’s needed so you can preserve your own peace.

hattie43 · 14/02/2026 06:59

Keep your distance . You’ll thank yourself for it .

Onlyatnoon · 13/02/2026 23:40

CrazyCatMam · 13/02/2026 23:30

Keep your distance.

You need to protect your life now and your own future.

Thank you for your reply - it's stupid but I have this guilt of being a 'good' daughter.

I'll always be in touch with her and ensure she's okay, but need boundaries to stay safe. And sane.

OP posts:
Onlyatnoon · 13/02/2026 23:39

PhaseFour · 13/02/2026 23:26

She sounds vile.

She honestly is. The way she treats people is appalling.

OP posts:
Getthetea · 13/02/2026 23:33

Protect yourself and keep a distance.

CrazyCatMam · 13/02/2026 23:30

Keep your distance.

You need to protect your life now and your own future.

PhaseFour · 13/02/2026 23:26

She sounds vile.

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