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First Mothers day NC with MIL

115 replies

Coldfebdays · 20/02/2026 14:52

Just some advice from those in a similar situation because im feeling really sad about it all.

last summer MIL went NC with us thanks to the wonderful lies my SIL’s had been soinning about myself and my DH for years, she rang me after a particular lie her wonderful daughters had said and screamed, swore, ripped me to shreds and slammed the phone down, she blocked me in her temper on all SC and quite frankly I made the descision there and then that I would never again be soft enough to expose myself to their lies and abuse (a complete people pleaser) she has made no attempt to reach out to myself or her grandchildren (she is their only living grandmother) despite me spelling out the truth with proof to boot.

anyhow life has been blissfull other than having to deal with DC’s emotions and questions about why we font see her anymore. But with mothersday coming up im finding myself asking should i post a card? I used to every year with MUM on despite my own mother passing away 12 years ago, along with lovely gifts. Shes not my mother, shes been a terrible example of what a good grandmother should be, but do i still send one from the children? I know the answer deep down… im just feeling so sad about it all, should i take the lead in being the better person?

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Coldfebdays · 20/02/2026 18:52

Setsquares · 20/02/2026 18:48

Grow up and don't be so entwined with someone else's life. You're only family through marriage; you have absolutely no obligation towards her. They are your DH's parents, not yours!

Why do some women involve themselves so much with other people's lives? Men don't feel obliged to do that. It's that bloody wife-work nonsense.

If the DC want to see her, DH can explain what's what.

Thats your opinion and thats fine , i gave to my mil because i actually wanted to for years, she did help with the grandchildren once upon a time and it was my way of telling her I was greatful, its not wife work nonsense. Telling someone to grow up whilst trying to navigate a difficult family situation and do whats best s really rude.

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Setsquares · 20/02/2026 18:48

Coldfebdays · 20/02/2026 18:43

I dont enjoy drama, i hate conflict, i love emotionally mature people who can participate in conflict resolution and growth. I think a part of me also knows that not giving a card will lead to extreme drama in their house, tantrums from her, tears and giving FIL a further tough time

Grow up and don't be so entwined with someone else's life. You're only family through marriage; you have absolutely no obligation towards her. They are your DH's parents, not yours!

Why do some women involve themselves so much with other people's lives? Men don't feel obliged to do that. It's that bloody wife-work nonsense.

If the DC want to see her, DH can explain what's what.

BigFishLittleFishCardboardBoxes · 20/02/2026 18:48

There is plenty online about people pleasing and boundaries that are worth looking at. My MIL lost her shit when I finally stood up to her which made me realise how much everyone pussyfooted around her and that I needed to put a boundary in place. The peace I have now is wonderful.

whattheysay · 20/02/2026 18:47

She doesn’t believe the lies she just pretends to so she can cause shit with you. Or shit in general.
If you don’t want to be a people pleaser then stop , learn to please yourself.

Coldfebdays · 20/02/2026 18:45

Blessedbethefruitloopss · 20/02/2026 18:40

Grandparents day is in Oct I believe, if you really wanted to do something from the kids. No need on Mother’s Day.

Thats ok, have never participated in grandparents day, have always given to grandma on mothers day and grandfather on fathers day as many do in our area

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Coldfebdays · 20/02/2026 18:43

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I dont enjoy drama, i hate conflict, i love emotionally mature people who can participate in conflict resolution and growth. I think a part of me also knows that not giving a card will lead to extreme drama in their house, tantrums from her, tears and giving FIL a further tough time

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Blessedbethefruitloopss · 20/02/2026 18:40

Grandparents day is in Oct I believe, if you really wanted to do something from the kids. No need on Mother’s Day.

Winkblinky · 20/02/2026 18:38

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Setsquares · 20/02/2026 18:36

Reasons for you not to get involved in mother's day:

  1. She's not your mum
  2. You don't like her
  3. It's your DH's problem, not yours
  4. It's not grandparents' day

Reasons for you to get involved with mother's day

  1. You are a masochist
  2. You have no self-respect
  3. You are your DH's personal secretary
  4. You're keen to set a weird example to your DC
Coldfebdays · 20/02/2026 18:30

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Your right, i was just having a day of second guessing myself.

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Winkblinky · 20/02/2026 18:29

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Coldfebdays · 20/02/2026 18:27

S0j0urn4r · 20/02/2026 18:25

This woman sounds completely deranged.
Why are you even contemplating getting involved with her insanity again?
She wanted no contact. Let her have it. You're much better off.

Thank you,

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S0j0urn4r · 20/02/2026 18:25

This woman sounds completely deranged.
Why are you even contemplating getting involved with her insanity again?
She wanted no contact. Let her have it. You're much better off.

Coldfebdays · 20/02/2026 18:21

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Thats not the lie , thats what happened during the accusatory phone call when i had enough of the years and years of false accusations and passive aggressive comments and finally found my backbone to stand up for myself instead of just accepting their lies.

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Winkblinky · 20/02/2026 18:20

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Coldfebdays · 20/02/2026 18:14

TakeALookAtTheseSwatches · 20/02/2026 18:07

What was it though? It would help to know the full background

The most recent one was SIL ringing my MIL saying “and what on earth is that picture that she has put up of you on SM, you look terrible in it!” No picture of MIL had been uploaded by me, proved it… was then accused of “paying someone to change FB data to save my skin” never been so mind blown in my entire life over a situation. Do you know what… why the hell am i even contemplating a card 🤯

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665theneighborofthebeast · 20/02/2026 18:11

You could send her a customised card from that place online where you can design your own..

"Hope you have the mothers day you deserve". Might work?

Or what about a generic card
" Good luck" on the front
"Enjoying your mothers day" handwritten on the inside.?

DelphiniumBlue · 20/02/2026 18:10

If you’re the one who’s always organised and sent the cards, then you could just say to DH you won’t be doing it this year so if he wants to send anything on behalf of the dc or himself, he’ll need to organise it.
Or You could just say and do nothing, and let him deal with it ( or not).

Winkblinky · 20/02/2026 18:09

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Winkblinky · 20/02/2026 18:08

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TakeALookAtTheseSwatches · 20/02/2026 18:07

Coldfebdays · 20/02/2026 17:56

Its something so ridiculous that even if it were true it would be no excuse to go NC with family over, but DH sisters have been planting seeds for years. Yes FIL still sees the children he comes up often for a cuppa

What was it though? It would help to know the full background

PenelopeAsks · 20/02/2026 18:01

Snap @Ellie56

PenelopeAsks · 20/02/2026 18:00

I would invite FIL over on Mother’s Day for a lovely lunch.

Ellie56 · 20/02/2026 17:59

FIL sounds lovely. I think I might invite him over on Mothers Day...

Coldfebdays · 20/02/2026 17:56

BlackCat14 · 20/02/2026 17:53

What was the lie about you?

Shes clearly not bothered about her grandchildren so why bother?

Does your FIL still see the children?

Its something so ridiculous that even if it were true it would be no excuse to go NC with family over, but DH sisters have been planting seeds for years. Yes FIL still sees the children he comes up often for a cuppa

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