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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

MIL drinking 'concern'

187 replies

Becc91 · 03/08/2026 21:36

So, bit of a long one..
Currently on holiday in Devon with DH, DS ,DD and, ILs. After what I thought was a lovely family meal (paid for by me, ofc 🙄) my charming MIL pulled me aside to express her "concerns".
Apparently my couple of gin and tonics is getting "out of hand" and is 'setting a bad example' for my daughter. To make matters worse my DS then chimed in and called me embarassing!! 😲
Feel totally humiliated and demoralised when i've put a lot of effort into organising -and paying for- this holiday. Can't look MIL in the eye and DH doesn't understand why I'm upset.
AIBU to enjoy my holiday the way I want???

OP posts:
Original poster
Becc91 · 03/08/2026 21:49

Beachbeach · 03/08/2026 21:40

How many drinks how old are the kids

It would've been about 4, between late afternoon and early evening.

OP posts:
ColdAsAWitches · 03/08/2026 21:47

Is this going to be the same as the concerned sister thread from a couple of days ago? Everything starts perfectly reasonable but the OP is a drunken alcoholic mess a couple of hours later?

Pistachiocake · 03/08/2026 21:45

Have your kids been saying something to her? It sounds like she's concerend about what your son has said. Not justifying how she did it, but has she/a partner of hers had drinking problems, especially that affected her kid?
But if none of this applies, you and your husband together should say to her that it's fine, and that if she's not comfortable being around you drinking, that's her right but she shouldn't come again.

likeitshard · 03/08/2026 21:45

Assuming you weren’t drunk just ignore her and if she does it again say “relax Grandma we are on holiday “ !!
id have a word with your son too about his manners. And I’d be clear to dh if it happens again he needs to tell her to wind her neck in!!
If this is typical for her I’d be less inclined to treat her next time

Original poster
Becc91 · 03/08/2026 21:44

PiggieWig · 03/08/2026 21:39

How old is DS?

DS is 20. old enough to think he knows better 😖

OP posts:
Wherestheteenguide · 03/08/2026 21:44

Don't know how old MIL is but whilst mine is fine about alcohol she always picks me up on it if I had gin. It wasn't called mother's ruin for nowt. Think that image has stuck with some older folks.

AhBiscuits · 03/08/2026 21:42

Have you been getting drunk or just having a couple of drinks?

faithfultoGeorgeMichael · 03/08/2026 21:42

That's not a long post and 2 G&Ts is quite fine on holiday - unless it is 2 bottles 😂 stop apologising for everything and don't accept being treated like shit. How old is DS? He needs a bollocking for a start.

40notouttoday · 03/08/2026 21:41

How many drinks did you have? What's the concern? How were you embarrassing? Not enough info for an informed ate you being unreasonable.

If you're sinking 10 G&TS and dancing on the tables I think she's right to pull you. A few drinks on hols with a meal, happy days!

Sortingmyself · 03/08/2026 21:40

Yanbu.
2 x GnT's - is that it? All day? How old are the kids?
Unless the 2 drinks turned you into a slurring arse who was rude or caused a problem at dinner, I'd tell your MIL not to worry...whilst pouring yourself another!

Beachbeach · 03/08/2026 21:40

How many drinks how old are the kids

PiggieWig · 03/08/2026 21:39

How old is DS?

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