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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

“Too self absorbed to be a mum”

289 replies

Broks · 30/06/2026 10:53

I’ve always carried a bit of extra meat on my body. Nothing extreme but ive been a 12/14 most of my life.

This year I had enough. I was sick of always going for the flattering options. I’ve lost an unbelievable 24 pounds. I feel amazing. No glp 1s. Maybe have another .5 stone to go? More than that I have been toning up like nobody’s business. I’ve built muscle I’ve never seen before. I thought I would probably stop at this point but to be honest I really want to get the dream bod. Once in my life I want to be “that” woman. And for the first time I actually feel confident that I can achieve that

So MIL came over for lunch yesterday. And as usual asked about grandkids. She does it in a tongue in cheek kind of way. But there’s an underlying seriousness to her comments. Anyway, SIL pipped in and said “Broks won’t have kids until she’s had abs”. Okay so this is something I’ve jokingly said but to my hubby and friends. It’s semi true.

MIL basically spat out in avery heroine tone “ well then if that’s the case she’s too self absorbed and vain to be a mother”.

It’s just nasty. I’ve done all the right things to set myself up for motherhood - education, savings, healthy marriage, house etc. But right now I just want to invest in myself. I don’t think that’s self absorbed behaviour.

I have to see MIL this weekend and I really wanna address her bloody condescending behaviour towards me. I’m a grown woman. I can do what the hell i like.

OP posts:
Duckiewasthefirstniceguy · 30/06/2026 11:12

It was an unpleasant thing to say, but it’s unlikely she put much thought into it or will remember if you bring it up. As you didn’t address it at the time, I think the moment has passed.

JulyJulyNovember · 30/06/2026 11:12

Are you being a bit smug and boring about your weight loss OP?

She sounds catty and it’s none of her business butttt is your husband moaning to her behind your back?

YANBU, it’s your body.

Broks · 30/06/2026 11:12

Floatlikeafeather2 · 30/06/2026 11:08

What does "avery heroine" mean? Is it a tv/book character?

Typo. Horrible tone I think I meant but horrible probably isn’t fair. Condescending tone.

OP posts:
Floatlikeafeather2 · 30/06/2026 11:08

Broks · 30/06/2026 10:53

I’ve always carried a bit of extra meat on my body. Nothing extreme but ive been a 12/14 most of my life.

This year I had enough. I was sick of always going for the flattering options. I’ve lost an unbelievable 24 pounds. I feel amazing. No glp 1s. Maybe have another .5 stone to go? More than that I have been toning up like nobody’s business. I’ve built muscle I’ve never seen before. I thought I would probably stop at this point but to be honest I really want to get the dream bod. Once in my life I want to be “that” woman. And for the first time I actually feel confident that I can achieve that

So MIL came over for lunch yesterday. And as usual asked about grandkids. She does it in a tongue in cheek kind of way. But there’s an underlying seriousness to her comments. Anyway, SIL pipped in and said “Broks won’t have kids until she’s had abs”. Okay so this is something I’ve jokingly said but to my hubby and friends. It’s semi true.

MIL basically spat out in avery heroine tone “ well then if that’s the case she’s too self absorbed and vain to be a mother”.

It’s just nasty. I’ve done all the right things to set myself up for motherhood - education, savings, healthy marriage, house etc. But right now I just want to invest in myself. I don’t think that’s self absorbed behaviour.

I have to see MIL this weekend and I really wanna address her bloody condescending behaviour towards me. I’m a grown woman. I can do what the hell i like.

What does "avery heroine" mean? Is it a tv/book character?

TheyGrewUp · 30/06/2026 11:04

You're you. She's her. Nod and smile tinkly laugh.

FWIW my MIL thought/thinks exactly the same of me. Vain, selfish, extravagant. Tough I've always had my own money and care about my appearance: skin care, make up, hair, good clothes.

Despite all expectations my DC are successful, nice, hard working and kind.

Just prove her wrong and have the last laugh.

PizzaPunk · 30/06/2026 11:04

Also, does she nag her son like this too?

PizzaPunk · 30/06/2026 11:03

Firstly, you don't owe her grandchildren.

Secondly, right now you are being self-absorbed and there's nothing wrong with that at all.

We all are at times and we're allowed to be.

It'd be way worse if you actually had kids and became self-absorbed!

Lamelie · 30/06/2026 11:02

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No she doesn’t. What’s your point? Why do you hate seeing women achieving?

youalright · 30/06/2026 11:02

Broks · 30/06/2026 10:58

For the first time in my adult female life I can say I love the way I look. I think that is so powerful for me. I’ve always liked my face but had body issues. I’m loving my new found confidence. To me it’s very important. I think it’s nasty to frame it as being self absorbed. I don’t think investing in your body automatically makes you a narcissist

Edited

Then that's your priority and your choice and you don't have to explain your decision to anyone apart from dh. I would let this one go but be ready for if she has something to say again

ForPinkDuck · 30/06/2026 10:59

You need to address the behaviour when it hsppens op.

Broks · 30/06/2026 10:58

For the first time in my adult female life I can say I love the way I look. I think that is so powerful for me. I’ve always liked my face but had body issues. I’m loving my new found confidence. To me it’s very important. I think it’s nasty to frame it as being self absorbed. I don’t think investing in your body automatically makes you a narcissist

OP posts:
Lmnop22 · 30/06/2026 10:57

Your body, your business.

If you have goals to achieve before having kids, crack on - that’s absolutely yours and your DH’s decision alone!

ToKittyornottoKitty · 30/06/2026 10:55

The moments passed unless she says it again surely? What did you say at the time?

Larrythecatforpm · 30/06/2026 10:55

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