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AIBU?

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“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:
TheAmberKoala · 30/06/2026 13:28

Are sizes different between Australia and the UK? A size 12 isnt 'carrying a bit of extra meat' here. I weighed 60 kilos when I was a size 12, Im nearly 6'10.

Also, whats wrong with using GLP1s?

Support12 · 30/06/2026 13:27

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How? I keep myself fit with 3 DC. Its got nothing to do with being self absorbed, its far more beneficial for DC to have a healthy active mum than one whos too out of shape to do things with them.

HumbleStumble · 30/06/2026 13:27

You sound very self abs-orbed

PizzaPunk · 30/06/2026 13:26

Scottishskifun · 30/06/2026 13:22

In your shoes OP with PCOS given you have dropped a good amount of weight already I probably wouldn't delay starting to try based on losing another half stone.

It can take a while even without PCOS and there is nothing to stop you continuing on whilst TTC. Generally I've always dropped weight when TTC as I stop drinking alcohol or eating rubbish. In my second pregnancy I dropped a lot through morning sickness.

It's good to have the muscle development for pregnancy but don't hyper focus.

As for your MIL she was clearly lashing out yes it was wrong but honestly your best just letting it wash over then starting an argument.

It can take a while even without PCOS and there is nothing to stop you continuing on whilst TTC.

Well yes there is.

She doesn't want to.

ChasingRainbow5 · 30/06/2026 13:25

LoserWinner · 30/06/2026 11:20

Ok, just pause a moment. Are you doing all this because it makes you look good, or because it makes you feel fit and healthy?

When/ if the time comes and you decide to have a child, you will change shape, get wobbly, have stretch marks and probably gain weight and lose those showy muscles.

If feeling fit and healthy is the thing, you’ll embrace those changes and still feel good.
If looking good is what matters, you’ll be unhappy and feel ugly.

I don’t agree it’s self-absorbed, but it does raise an interesting point about where you go from here.

Not everyone gets stretch marks and some people pretty much 'bounce back' to how they looked pre-pregnancy - obviously not everyone, and there's likely some genetics/luck involved, but being in good shape with a high proportion of muscle beforehand will definitely help.

I'm not saying the OP shouldn't be prepared for her body to change (if she even wants kids!) but it doesn't have to be the end of her ever being in good shape.

PussyGaylore · 30/06/2026 13:24

The OP said point 5 (.5) stone ie half a stone not 5 stone

Scottishskifun · 30/06/2026 13:22

In your shoes OP with PCOS given you have dropped a good amount of weight already I probably wouldn't delay starting to try based on losing another half stone.

It can take a while even without PCOS and there is nothing to stop you continuing on whilst TTC. Generally I've always dropped weight when TTC as I stop drinking alcohol or eating rubbish. In my second pregnancy I dropped a lot through morning sickness.

It's good to have the muscle development for pregnancy but don't hyper focus.

As for your MIL she was clearly lashing out yes it was wrong but honestly your best just letting it wash over then starting an argument.

WantAnOrange · 30/06/2026 13:22

I think this is one of those things where mothers just can't win. If you take excellent care of your body it's selfish. If you have an imperfect body before choosing to get pregnant, there's people who would think that selfish too. For not creating some ideal environment for baby to grow. Do what makes you happy.

ThreadGuardDog · 30/06/2026 13:19

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Nope. She’s just enjoying what she’s got at the moment. This smacks of jealousy.

FlyingApple · 30/06/2026 13:18

I had abs before having kids, my stomach is ok now but will never look the same again. If that bothers you then that's worth considering. I couldn't have cared less but I had many telling me that I would care and were upset for me.

ChasingRainbow5 · 30/06/2026 13:18

JoaNiic · 30/06/2026 12:03

It seems immature to jump to insulting the MIL just because you didn’t like her comment. I’m sure we’ve all put our foot in it at times.
Sounds to me like MIL is hurt, maybe she’s worried she won’t have time to enjoy her grandkids if it keeps being deferred.
if I were you I’d give her a hug and tell her when you plan to start your family.

You're either a grandmother or reeeally want to be.

It's none of MIL's business when OP plans to start a family.

And the best laid plans don't always work out, so why raise her hopes/expectations when it could take years to conceive?

Minasama · 30/06/2026 13:18

dizzydizzydizzy · 30/06/2026 12:45

If she says anything like that again, say “when you make negative comments like that, I feel really upset and angry.” Simple to the point communication without being rude. Hopefully she will apologize, but obviously she may well not.

Edited

This.

Happyjoe · 30/06/2026 13:15

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

She's jealous..
You do you, ignore the negative ones.

JHound · 30/06/2026 13:14

Your MIL sounds awful. Good luck!

Minasama · 30/06/2026 13:12

Your mother in law is completely out of line in making any comment about grandchildren and certainly in giving any opinion about you. In fact she has no business passing any opinions on you or your home/situation/relationship unless invited to.

However you don’t want a rift because that will make life difficult. I would try not to see her this weekend. Next time she is out of line quietly and calmly let her know. Don’t argue - just say “I don’t find that an acceptable comment” and leave it hanging.

I think I would talk to your husband as well so he is aware of her comments and let him know you don’t find them acceptable. Up to you whether you ask him to speak with her about them and ask her to keep her opinions to herself.

My mil came and was very rude and we simply stopped inviting her. When she asked to come at Christmas we said no, we’d go to her. She didn’t want to cook so we said fine, we’ll take you out, you choose the restaurant. So she can’t complain but we minimised contact. She has now started behaving a bit better so we’ve relaxed thing a slightly. I will add this was driven by my husband who didn’t like the way she spoke to me and our daughters.

Parents and mothers in law have more to lose than you do if their behaviour is unpleasant. They need a firm hand.

CrayonCritic · 30/06/2026 13:06

We need to know what happened at the time. Next time she is rude you need to show her straight away that you won’t be tolerating it.

DoubleShotEspressox · 30/06/2026 13:05

Do you even want kids?

Ethelspagetti · 30/06/2026 13:04

I think she just meant that you’re now focused on your body image, so kids won’t be on the agenda for a while! There is nothing wrong with feeling proud of your body and enjoying it. Well done you 👏 Just take it with a pinch of salt as it really doesn’t matter to what others say or think. I got into really good shape for a few years before having children. I really enjoyed it and so should you.

PizzaPunk · 30/06/2026 13:01

LoserWinner · 30/06/2026 12:48

I agree, 100%. The key thing is that if the OP plans a pregnancy in future, it’s wise to have thought through in advance what impact it will have on the fabulous body she’s spent so much time and energy to acquire. MN has so many posts from people who are thoroughly miserable with their post-baby bodies, and I so feel for their pain.

Whilst this is true, there are plenty who are very happy with their post baby bodies too.

For example, I was back to a flat stomach within 4 days of all three of my births and I've read plenty of similar stories on MN.

I have no idea why but the midwives said it was probably because my stomach muscles were strong and tight.

OriginalUsername2 · 30/06/2026 12:59

Just wait until she mentions grandkids again and reply with “Oh that won’t be happening anymore, I’m far too self absorbed apparently!”

MrsJeanLuc · 30/06/2026 12:59

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No she doesn't, it's a ridiculous thing to say.

There are, unfortunately, people who think it's a woman's "duty" to have children. And when they do, to subjugate themselves to the role of motherhood.

Usually it's people who feel they have sacrificed dedicated their lives to their children/family, and, frankly I put it down to jealousy and/or a desire to stop anyone else choosing differently.

@Broks pay it no attention (and stop giving it head space). Like pp I don't see any point in bringing it up, just smile and let it flow over you

Ethelspagetti · 30/06/2026 12:59

Jerrybalanitis · 30/06/2026 11:17

Well done for losing weight and shaming people who use injections in one post. Nothing wrong with loving the stage you are at in life, if you need injections, just to let you know, it isnt actually harder work not using them, just a different set of challenges. Might need to be a bit nicer before you have children, and if you need to lose 5 stone, a lot fitter and healthier too.

How did she shame people on weight loss injections?

hypnovic · 30/06/2026 12:58

Ignore the haters here. Fair play to you. Maybe let it slide this time.but if it happens again call her out there and then . Get those abs 💪

thepariscrimefiles · 30/06/2026 12:56

JoyousWriter · 30/06/2026 12:13

If you're a size 12, surely you haven't got another 5 stones to lose?

OP said she wanted to lose another nought point 5 of a stone, i.e. half a stone.

ginasevern · 30/06/2026 12:55

Why are women so bloody obsessed with having grand kids. Do children define women, no matter what stage of life they're in?