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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU? Or is my mum?!

13 replies

PumpkinQueen24 · Yesterday 10:26

It's like my mum doesn't like how close me and my sister are? Me sister and I are 3 years apart both in our 30s are husbands are both in their 40s. Me and my sister are best friends and our husbands are really close too so we do alot together, both have children who get on fab. We also have a brother who's 6 years younger then me. We all get along fab but aren't as close to my brother, he's got a fiancée, they live over a hour away and just get on with their lives. They don't come to all the family get togethers but do come to the important ones. When ever my sister and I plan anything, our mum always questions why wasn't our brother invited, are you including your brother? If I happen to be with mum and im messaging my sister about something she's asking if I'm going to message my brother about the same thing or says things like why don't you just leave the messaging to the group chat with the 3 of you instead of messaging your sister privately? We could be talking about tampons or books we've read, I guarantee, my brother isn't interested. We get accused of leaving him out if we all met up for a pub lunch (9 times out of 10 we have invited, he was busy) iv asked my brother about it before saying do you feel left out and he looks at me like iv grown another head and just goes errr no? Like as times going on its getting worse, we can't do anything without mum questioning what we're doing and it's like she's so paranoid we're all going to fall out. But her constantly getting involved is actually causing tension between us all!! My sister recently found out some great news and told me straight away, she then told mum and her first reaction was why have u told your sister and not your brother? He's going to be really upset, your going to cause an argument. What!! Were best friends! Am I being unreasonable and should listen to mum or tell her to stay out of it!!

OP posts:
sesquipedalian · Yesterday 10:32

I think from your DM’s POV, she’s just trying to keep you together as siblings. I know when my DM was alive, I used to see my siblings at her house, but since she’s died, I see my sisters much less often (although we speak almost daily) and my brothers only at special family gatherings. Perhaps your DM worries that you and your sister are so close that DB will get pushed out? But you are not being at all unreasonable, OP - perhaps tell your DM (gently) that you’re not cutting out DB, but just by the nature of things, you’ll always be closer to your sister, and it isn’t for your mother to interfere between you and your brother.

youalright · Yesterday 10:35

Although you're right I do see where your mum is coming from and thats not to say you've done anything wrong or should change anything I can just understand your mums perspective

Itiswhysofew · Yesterday 10:41

Is your brother telling your mum a different story, perhaps?

Next time she mentions it, call him when she's present, and see how he responds. If he responds with indifference, she'll be reassured. If he gets upset because hes not being included, you'll be wiser for it.

Didimum · Yesterday 10:43

My MIL was a bit like this with her adult children. Two siblings drifted further and further away, and she became rather fixated on ensuring the sibling through kept their ties. Unfortunately, the two drifting siblings have ended up really not wanting anything to do with their other siblings for various reasons – it's not great, but it is what it is. This caused MIL great distress, and I can understand why. She's had a very fractious relationship with her own brother which as caused pain to their mother. MIL also went through an awful divorce which caused many years of pain and rifts.

It was 'annoying' when she tried to dictate so much, but I could see it as also a very sad circumstance and how distressing she found it. She doesn't do it anymore as she has accepted what has happened.

It's not really your brother's job, but maybe he could have a word with her and tell her is 100% happy with the level of involvement he currently has with you two sisters.

Thisismyfinesthour · Yesterday 11:04

Tbh I wouldn't be sharing too much with m in your case and that or your sis. M sounds a bit jealous that you and your sister are very close.
I doubt your b is that interested in most womens conversations. I for one am not interested in most male subjects and prefer neutral topics.

whippersnapper55 · Yesterday 11:10

I don't know why parents interfere in their adult children's relationships. It doesn't help anything and if you're closer to one sibling then it is what it is. All you can do is reassure your mum that your relationship with your brother is fine and tell her to stop interfering. I doubt she will though!

SaySomethingMan · Yesterday 11:26

Sounds like your DB might have told your mum he feels left out.

StandingDeskDisco · Yesterday 12:17

If I happen to be with mum and im messaging my sister about something

Don't message your sister while you are with your DM. It shouldn't have to be this way, but the easiest solution is to put DM on an information diet as to how often you and DS are in touch.

Moreholidaysthanjudithchalmers · Yesterday 12:22

I think mum is seeing you as siblings but in reality you and sister are friends.
I’d say to brother mum is doing my head in. Can you tell her you don’t feel left out and she doesn’t need to insert herself.
I’d probably distance myself from mum a bit see her less, share less.

MatildaTheCat · Yesterday 12:24

It just sounds as if she’s treating you as a sibling group and doesn’t want anyone left out. Try not to get annoyed although it does sound quite annoying.

ShakaWhenTheWallsFell · Yesterday 13:05

She's still treating you all as children and you are all allowing it.
Have the exact, unique relationship you want to have with each of your siblings. Don't involve your mum in your relationships. Don't text one sibling in her presence. Don't answer direct questions about your relationships directly. Turn every question/statement from her about your sibling relationship back in to a question for her or deflect with a non sequitur.
Stand up for your self and be an adult, she's worried about you all, but she'll worry less if she sees you're all capable adults, not overgrown kids. (assuming she's not narcissistic or has a personality disorder!)

Cherrysoup · Yesterday 13:10

My dm tries this with my db, who I can’t stand, frankly. I’d stick her on an information diet, she doesn’t need to know when/where you’ve been with your dsis all the time.

WallaceinAnderland · Yesterday 13:15

How does your mum know who you're messaging or what plans you are making? She sounds nosey.

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