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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is this my fault

295 replies

Difficultadultkids · 29/06/2026 19:40

My daughter’s past few bf’s haven’t treated her well. She now has a lovely new bf and I couldn’t be happier for her.

We’ve always sent each other pics of what we’re up to (just a thing we do) and I love to see their selfies of them having fun and just being happy together. He lives a fair distance away so she goes to his for some weekends.

About a month ago I commented how alike they looked. She replied saying it was a really weird thing to say. I’d totally forgotten I’d made this comment, and said two weeks ago “You do look alike.” This was not done on purpose. However, as a result she has told me I am not allowed to receive pics of them together due to me being weird. They’ve since been to a wedding and I’d spent ages helping her choose a dress and really looked forward to seeing the lovely pics but was only allowed to see the back of her and front of him.

i get most of you will not understand how upsetting this is. The last few years of my life have been absolutely awful and this little sprinkle of happiness has really lifted me, but obviously it was too much to ask.

For context I have never once asked for pics.

OP posts:
MyArtfulGreySloth · 29/06/2026 21:55

My cousins girlfriend looks like a very pretty feminine version of himself. I swear they could pass as siblings. I’d never say it to them though 😂

BravasPatatas · 29/06/2026 21:54

Difficultadultkids · 29/06/2026 21:50

Let me explain! I posted this because I was genuinely interested to see opinions on it. I am not seeking validation from anyone.

You are also referring to one specific post where I listed things I do for her boyfriend which was simply in response to the poster who said I was trying to sabotage their relationship. I am not after a medal. I do those things willingly because he is lovely.

It’s a scientifically proven fact that often choose partners we look like.

I think we have all turned into a generation of snowflakes. It doesn’t bode well for the future. How do young people cope with life?

I’m sure your daughter will cope with life just fine.

CaptBirdsEar · 29/06/2026 21:52

Whatifitallgoesright · 29/06/2026 19:44

I don’t need science to know it’s not weird. My daughter and son in law look alike.

Difficultadultkids · 29/06/2026 21:50

Itsseweasy · 29/06/2026 21:28

But OP - it doesn’t matter what I or Mrs Random on the internet thinks.
What matters is that you hurt your daughter’s feelings, and yet instead of doing a bit of self reflection and trying to see things from her point of view, you’re busily trying to get validation from complete strangers on the internet that you didn’t do anything wrong!
We’ve also seen passive aggressive responses from you and just above a whole list of things you’ve done for the boyfriend, as if that justifies anything.
You are not a victim of your daughter. Why don’t you stop trying to score points against her on the internet and instead do something constructive about resolving this with her?

Let me explain! I posted this because I was genuinely interested to see opinions on it. I am not seeking validation from anyone.

You are also referring to one specific post where I listed things I do for her boyfriend which was simply in response to the poster who said I was trying to sabotage their relationship. I am not after a medal. I do those things willingly because he is lovely.

It’s a scientifically proven fact that often choose partners we look like.

I think we have all turned into a generation of snowflakes. It doesn’t bode well for the future. How do young people cope with life?

OP posts:
Floppyearedlab · 29/06/2026 21:45

Her behaviour is immature and ridiculous. Of course that was a throwaway comment.
She will come crawling back OP. When she takes her oh so offended pants off.

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 29/06/2026 21:45

BravasPatatas · 29/06/2026 21:34

It would give me the ick too. Like I was shagging a family member

Absolutely this! I would be gutted if someone kept commenting on it and giving me the ick when I’d asked them to stop. Even more upsetting when it’s a good relationship after awful ones.

MsAmerica · 29/06/2026 21:38

She's the one being weird.

BravasPatatas · 29/06/2026 21:34

Anarchy99 · 29/06/2026 21:25

But she’s probably self conscious about it and might be wondering whether other people are thinking it too.

Plus if I thought I looked liked a partner I would have the total ick

It would give me the ick too. Like I was shagging a family member

Mt563 · 29/06/2026 21:30

i get most of you will not understand how upsetting this is

By this, I assume you mean upsetting to you? Because it does rather seem you've not realised how upsetting this is for your daughter.

My partner and I have been mistaken for siblings occasionally. I don't see it but it used to upset me when I was younger. Like I might fancy my brother!

Itsseweasy · 29/06/2026 21:28

Difficultadultkids · 29/06/2026 21:23

Thank god someone actually thinks it’s ok. I am stunned at how many people think I have spouted pure evil at her. If you saw them you’d understand because the resemblance is striking. Please before anyone goes down a rabbit hole…..No!!! They are not long lost siblings. Pure coincidence.

I know Mumsnet can be bonkers but wow! One poster suggested I am trying to sabotage their relationship 😂😂 I’m sure someone will soon suggest I’m having a secret affair with him.

My title “Is it my fault” actually means “Was it my fault for forgetting I’d already said it” but I could not fit that in.

But OP - it doesn’t matter what I or Mrs Random on the internet thinks.
What matters is that you hurt your daughter’s feelings, and yet instead of doing a bit of self reflection and trying to see things from her point of view, you’re busily trying to get validation from complete strangers on the internet that you didn’t do anything wrong!
We’ve also seen passive aggressive responses from you and just above a whole list of things you’ve done for the boyfriend, as if that justifies anything.
You are not a victim of your daughter. Why don’t you stop trying to score points against her on the internet and instead do something constructive about resolving this with her?

Anarchy99 · 29/06/2026 21:26

I don’t think anyone has said it was evil though🙄

Difficultadultkids · 29/06/2026 21:25

Anarchy99 · 29/06/2026 21:18

It was an awful thing to say even though it was unintentional

Why? Explain please?

OP posts:
Anarchy99 · 29/06/2026 21:25

Difficultadultkids · 29/06/2026 21:23

Thank god someone actually thinks it’s ok. I am stunned at how many people think I have spouted pure evil at her. If you saw them you’d understand because the resemblance is striking. Please before anyone goes down a rabbit hole…..No!!! They are not long lost siblings. Pure coincidence.

I know Mumsnet can be bonkers but wow! One poster suggested I am trying to sabotage their relationship 😂😂 I’m sure someone will soon suggest I’m having a secret affair with him.

My title “Is it my fault” actually means “Was it my fault for forgetting I’d already said it” but I could not fit that in.

But she’s probably self conscious about it and might be wondering whether other people are thinking it too.

Plus if I thought I looked liked a partner I would have the total ick

msmillicentcat · 29/06/2026 21:24

Personally, I don't think it's that much of a weird thing to say....but, if my Mum said that to me I don't think I would have liked it, and even more so to have said it again (I know you said you forgot). What I do think is that you are being over sensitive and are placing too much emphasis on how this effects your own happiness. Does it really make a difference if she doesn't send you pics of the two of them together for a while? I don't remember sending my mum pics of me and my DH when we were first dating or at any point really. I do send her loads of my children and cat though.

Difficultadultkids · 29/06/2026 21:23

DeftGoldHedgehog · 29/06/2026 20:26

It's not a weird thing to say. WTF is wrong with people? People tell DD1 she and her boyfriend look alike all the time and they find it funny not weird.

Thank god someone actually thinks it’s ok. I am stunned at how many people think I have spouted pure evil at her. If you saw them you’d understand because the resemblance is striking. Please before anyone goes down a rabbit hole…..No!!! They are not long lost siblings. Pure coincidence.

I know Mumsnet can be bonkers but wow! One poster suggested I am trying to sabotage their relationship 😂😂 I’m sure someone will soon suggest I’m having a secret affair with him.

My title “Is it my fault” actually means “Was it my fault for forgetting I’d already said it” but I could not fit that in.

OP posts:
Anarchy99 · 29/06/2026 21:18

It was an awful thing to say even though it was unintentional

Glowingup · 29/06/2026 21:17

Difficultadultkids · 29/06/2026 21:11

@nomas

”Secretly trying to sabotage their relationship” because I forgot I’d said something? Are you actually serious?
Do you honestly remember three words from every message you receive? There was no big argument, it was NEVER discussed. She just typed “That’s really weird” and that was the end of it.

Why do people on here read your post and then tell you you’re lying? Now that is weird. How have you possibly got to that conclusion? I even said life has been incredibly shit and I’m so happy she has this lovely boyfriend. He comes here, I cook him lovely meals. In fact I even get her to message the dinner options so he can choose. I helped her make him a lovely cake. I bought him birthday presents. HE IS LOVELY OK!! No conspiracy theories needed.

i hope your friend was strong enough to get through her wedding after the insult.

He deserves better than someone who acts like this

FWC2026 · 29/06/2026 21:16

anonymous0810 · 29/06/2026 20:06

Even the bit about still apologising about beeping the horn is telling. It seems you do faux grovelling when she is giving perfectly valid feedback (like don’t beep the horn please) and play the victim. There is a lot of subtext going on here which I don’t think you’re being entirely honest about. If you did honestly appraise the dynamic between you and your daughter then you might see a bit where you’re going wrong but in light of your responses on this thread I doubt you’re going to do that.

And why shouldn't she beep the horn when she can't get in the gate & DD won't answer her phone??

FWC2026 · 29/06/2026 21:12

Difficultadultkids · 29/06/2026 19:57

Yes I apologised!

im still apologising for beeping my car horn last week when I arrived home in 35 degree heat to find the gates locked and I could not get in. She does not answer her phone so I beeped once. Apparently this was unreasonable

WRAF? Why are you still
apoligiding?

She's being a brat.

how old is she?

Maybe it's time she moved out & stood on her own two feet! It if she's not working & can't move out, at least she needs to develop some respect.

Difficultadultkids · 29/06/2026 21:11

nomas · 29/06/2026 20:17

It's a horrible thing to say. Someone once said it to a newly married colleague about her and her husband and she was so self-conscious. It's effectively being told you've married your brother. In actuality, they were a young, good looking couple in love and the comments were just catty.

I would consider if you are sub-consciously trying to sabotage the relationship. Forgetting her reaction after the first time you it said it, fits sabotage.

Edited

@nomas

”Secretly trying to sabotage their relationship” because I forgot I’d said something? Are you actually serious?
Do you honestly remember three words from every message you receive? There was no big argument, it was NEVER discussed. She just typed “That’s really weird” and that was the end of it.

Why do people on here read your post and then tell you you’re lying? Now that is weird. How have you possibly got to that conclusion? I even said life has been incredibly shit and I’m so happy she has this lovely boyfriend. He comes here, I cook him lovely meals. In fact I even get her to message the dinner options so he can choose. I helped her make him a lovely cake. I bought him birthday presents. HE IS LOVELY OK!! No conspiracy theories needed.

i hope your friend was strong enough to get through her wedding after the insult.

OP posts:
BravasPatatas · 29/06/2026 21:07

CliantheLang · 29/06/2026 20:40

...it’s a common phenomenon.

Yes, it is. I'm surprised so many people don't know about it.

Here's another article about it:
time.com/5553817/couples-who-look-alike/

Oh I absolutely know it’s a thing, and know some couples it applies to. I still think it’s a weird thing to say to someone. And then to forget you’ve said it and upset them the first time, to say it again.

happywifeandlife · 29/06/2026 21:06

@Difficultadultkids I’ve always thought my Hs best friend and his wife look alike. They could be mistaken for brother and sister. Although I’ve said this to my H (who didn’t actually disagree), I would never in a million years say that to the couple who clearly think they do not.

FWC2026 · 29/06/2026 21:05

chocoluv · 29/06/2026 20:53

She sounds extremely difficult.

But she’s enjoying punishing you and you need to not give her the satisfaction of showing that you care.

Once she knows that this isn’t hurting you, she’ll forget about it and start sending them again.

Does she live in your home?
You need to start putting your foot find more and stop walking on egg shells.

Is she an only child?

Agree!!

FWC2026 · 29/06/2026 21:04

Ilovelurchers · 29/06/2026 19:48

Your daughter is being really weird, reacting like this. What is your relationship with her like generally?

Because if my daughter ever issued some weird edict like this, about what photos I could see and couldn't, I'd ask her what the fuck was going on with her. Just as she would ask me, if I started being similarly weird.

But I am assuming you don't have a straightforward relationship in which you can interact honestly about weird behaviour?

This.

What you thought wasn't weird. People often attract others with similar looks.

saying it was a little misjudged, saying it twice was definitely thoughtless.

However, her massive over reaction is ridiculous.

she needs to grow up.

I'm sorry you've had a rough few years & now your DD is behaving like a 12 yo. I'd withdraw a bit & let her come to you when she realises your life doesn't have to revolve around her anymore & behaving like a 12 yo isn't the way to go.

ThisIsMyFirstNameChange · 29/06/2026 21:00

My friend’s mum told me that my husband and I look the same and it made me feel really weird. She did also say she (not white or British) thinks ‘we all look the same’ so I’ve tried to remember that part and chalk it up to her just being a bit odd but it still feels like a weird and rude thing to have said.
so I’m not surprised it bothered your daughter tbh especially when she told you it upset her th e first time and you felt the need to comment on it again

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