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AIBU?

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I should always be welcome in DP's home, regardless of who's there - AIBU?

663 replies

SecretsAndLies77 · 14/09/2026 09:24

I will try to not make this too long, but also not drip feed. Please help me distinguish reasonable actions from my own emotions because, to put it simply, everything's at stake.

Been with DP for 4 years and, on the whole, it's a very loving relationship. He's good to me and my kids, fun to be around, reliable and helpful, contributes financially to my household. We don't live together but spend much (most) of the week at each other's homes (although more mine than his), as well as every weekend and holidays.

At the same time, it's been a turbulent relationship (I know that sounds odd after what I've just said, but it can be both good and turbulent, as it's about very defined areas of problems, i.e. one problem = his adult daughters). I have a good relationship with his youngest DD (early 20s) who lives with him, but his eldest (30) who lives away doesn't want to have anything to do with me. At times she's been really rude to me and various members of my family. Most recent example is a message she sent where she was incredibly rude and disrespectful (before blocking me, so I couldn't even respond - a coward's move, IMO). My DP did reprimand her, sort of, via text and heavily prompted by me, which I hate as I don't think it's my job to stand up for this relationship and my dignity, but his. I think left to his own devices he would just always avoid all conflict. He is very scared she will cut him out of his life.

I feel I've come to the end with being able to accept that he doesn't stand up for me of his own free will, and that when he sees her he doesn't feel a shred of annoyance, resentment or anger about the awful ways she's behaved. I understand we all love our children, and I understand he's scared of losing her. I'm not even saying that he should necessarily show her that he's upset about her bad behaviour, but simply that he should feel something for me, the way she's treated me (in other words, show ME - show some kind of outrage, empathy, solidarity). If someone mistreated my DP, even if it was my kids, I'd be pretty livid. I know people are different, and I know men and women can be very different in their emotional processing. But still. How can it be true that he loves me, but that he doesn't feel anything when someone repeatedly hurts me?

The other thing is that, when she comes to stay at his, although at all other times I'm (more than) welcome in his house, there's an expectation that I won't come while she's there. Now, I get that it's her former home, she still has a room there. But, at all other times, I have complete access to his house, not just that but he's even repeatedly hosted friends of mine for long weekends (because the house is big and has spare rooms and bathrooms), but when his daughter is there, the quiet understanding is that I'm not welcome. But, just as an example, we're spending Xmas at mine this year and he of course invited her too. I knew she would say no, but that's not the point. So, she's meant to be always welcome in my house, but I'm not only not welcome at family events, but also my own partner's house when she's there? It strikes me as very unfair and unreasonable.

I've been living with this for a while, and this morning I woke up and thought, I don't know if I love him any more. This has seriously eroded my feelings for him. It's a huge shame, as four years is a lot of time together and he's amazing in many ways and I love(d) him possibly more than any other man before him, including my ex husband. But this continued unfairness and indignity has eaten away at the core of our connection.

YABU - this is a reasonable compromise in a complicated family dynamic because parents will always put their children first, even when they're nearly 30, and most women would find a way to live with this, even if it hurts them

YANBU - this is a major breach of love and loyalty towards me on his side, and if he's not prepared to let her know that his home is always open to me, I should walk away even after 4 years together.

Can I just say (if you're read this far), if you're not divorced and in a relationship with a man who's got adult kids, you won't have any kind of realistic perspective on a situation of this kind. I'm looking for some thoughtful and considered responses based in first hand experience of these kinds of dynamics - thank you (and I'll disregard any responses that are rude or unkind, as often I see "pile ons" when it comes to these kinds of questions)

OP posts:
ThreadGuardDog · 16/09/2026 08:35

BatshitCrazyWoman · 16/09/2026 05:02

I can see why it's bothering to you, OP. I had two acquaintances who were in relationships with men who had adult daughters. Both of those relationships ended because the adult daughters (who had partners and homes of their own) didn't want their father to have a relationship. One admitted it, and the chap ended the relationship, in the other case the daughter was so spectacularly unpleasant my friend ended the relationship.

It does happen that AC feel this way 🤷🏻

I think your examples of two relationships that ended because of the horrible behaviour of adult children has likely hit the nail on the head as to why OP is bothered. Not quite sure why MN seems to think it’s acceptable for adult kids to veto their divorced/widowed parents’ relationships in this way. Yes, children come first, but a 30 year old adult really needs to give their head a wobble and realise that they have no right to dictate to their parents who they can and can’t have a relationship with.

ThreadGuardDog · 16/09/2026 08:30

Anarchy99 · 16/09/2026 06:54

DP doesn’t have to insist on anything as it’s his house. He doesn’t want the Op around when his daughter comes and the OP needs to accept it.

And yet OP says he eventually wants them to live together. How is that ever going to work if he doesn’t sort things out with his DD ? If l were OP l sure as shit wouldn’t be vacating my own home for DD’s visits if that’s what he’s thinking will happen.

Anarchy99 · 16/09/2026 06:54

maxslice · 16/09/2026 04:32

I may have missed it, but how long does the daughter stay with OP’s DP when she comes to visit? If it’s just for a weekend, OP should just let them spend father/daughter time together. If it’s for a week or more, DP should insist that OP will be welcome in HIS house from time to time, and if daughter doesn’t like it, she can take herself off to go shopping and to the cinema. She doesn’t have to fawn over OP, but a thirty years old she should be capable at least of being civil and courteous.

DP doesn’t have to insist on anything as it’s his house. He doesn’t want the Op around when his daughter comes and the OP needs to accept it.

AgentJohnson · 16/09/2026 05:14

If you don’t live together why do you think you should have the right to drop by whenever you feel like it? What would be the point in inviting you in when he has a guest staying who doesn’t get on with you? If you’ve only seen his daughter 6 or 7 times in four years, why are you so bothered about being in the company of someone you rarely see and who doesn’t like you?

This feels territorial on your part. Pissing contest with adult children seems pointless, either you accept that this is the situation or you move on. What does she do in the two times a year that you see her that makes you feel is disrespectful?

BatshitCrazyWoman · 16/09/2026 05:02

I can see why it's bothering to you, OP. I had two acquaintances who were in relationships with men who had adult daughters. Both of those relationships ended because the adult daughters (who had partners and homes of their own) didn't want their father to have a relationship. One admitted it, and the chap ended the relationship, in the other case the daughter was so spectacularly unpleasant my friend ended the relationship.

It does happen that AC feel this way 🤷🏻

maxslice · 16/09/2026 04:32

I may have missed it, but how long does the daughter stay with OP’s DP when she comes to visit? If it’s just for a weekend, OP should just let them spend father/daughter time together. If it’s for a week or more, DP should insist that OP will be welcome in HIS house from time to time, and if daughter doesn’t like it, she can take herself off to go shopping and to the cinema. She doesn’t have to fawn over OP, but a thirty years old she should be capable at least of being civil and courteous.

Tuesdayschild50 · 15/09/2026 23:39

I haven't been in this situation but I know i would find it difficult..I mean the daughter is 30 she is a grown women she needs to get some respect in that her dad has a right to a life of his own meaning you his partner..if he isn't standing up for you then yep id feel hurt and fed up if honest..my stepfather is with my mum his kids never put my mums name in a christmas card after 10 years he said if you can't put both our names in don't send a card at all..I think thats right.
They were late 30's going into the 40's.

The1stGuru · 15/09/2026 23:18

SecretsAndLies77 · 14/09/2026 09:24

I will try to not make this too long, but also not drip feed. Please help me distinguish reasonable actions from my own emotions because, to put it simply, everything's at stake.

Been with DP for 4 years and, on the whole, it's a very loving relationship. He's good to me and my kids, fun to be around, reliable and helpful, contributes financially to my household. We don't live together but spend much (most) of the week at each other's homes (although more mine than his), as well as every weekend and holidays.

At the same time, it's been a turbulent relationship (I know that sounds odd after what I've just said, but it can be both good and turbulent, as it's about very defined areas of problems, i.e. one problem = his adult daughters). I have a good relationship with his youngest DD (early 20s) who lives with him, but his eldest (30) who lives away doesn't want to have anything to do with me. At times she's been really rude to me and various members of my family. Most recent example is a message she sent where she was incredibly rude and disrespectful (before blocking me, so I couldn't even respond - a coward's move, IMO). My DP did reprimand her, sort of, via text and heavily prompted by me, which I hate as I don't think it's my job to stand up for this relationship and my dignity, but his. I think left to his own devices he would just always avoid all conflict. He is very scared she will cut him out of his life.

I feel I've come to the end with being able to accept that he doesn't stand up for me of his own free will, and that when he sees her he doesn't feel a shred of annoyance, resentment or anger about the awful ways she's behaved. I understand we all love our children, and I understand he's scared of losing her. I'm not even saying that he should necessarily show her that he's upset about her bad behaviour, but simply that he should feel something for me, the way she's treated me (in other words, show ME - show some kind of outrage, empathy, solidarity). If someone mistreated my DP, even if it was my kids, I'd be pretty livid. I know people are different, and I know men and women can be very different in their emotional processing. But still. How can it be true that he loves me, but that he doesn't feel anything when someone repeatedly hurts me?

The other thing is that, when she comes to stay at his, although at all other times I'm (more than) welcome in his house, there's an expectation that I won't come while she's there. Now, I get that it's her former home, she still has a room there. But, at all other times, I have complete access to his house, not just that but he's even repeatedly hosted friends of mine for long weekends (because the house is big and has spare rooms and bathrooms), but when his daughter is there, the quiet understanding is that I'm not welcome. But, just as an example, we're spending Xmas at mine this year and he of course invited her too. I knew she would say no, but that's not the point. So, she's meant to be always welcome in my house, but I'm not only not welcome at family events, but also my own partner's house when she's there? It strikes me as very unfair and unreasonable.

I've been living with this for a while, and this morning I woke up and thought, I don't know if I love him any more. This has seriously eroded my feelings for him. It's a huge shame, as four years is a lot of time together and he's amazing in many ways and I love(d) him possibly more than any other man before him, including my ex husband. But this continued unfairness and indignity has eaten away at the core of our connection.

YABU - this is a reasonable compromise in a complicated family dynamic because parents will always put their children first, even when they're nearly 30, and most women would find a way to live with this, even if it hurts them

YANBU - this is a major breach of love and loyalty towards me on his side, and if he's not prepared to let her know that his home is always open to me, I should walk away even after 4 years together.

Can I just say (if you're read this far), if you're not divorced and in a relationship with a man who's got adult kids, you won't have any kind of realistic perspective on a situation of this kind. I'm looking for some thoughtful and considered responses based in first hand experience of these kinds of dynamics - thank you (and I'll disregard any responses that are rude or unkind, as often I see "pile ons" when it comes to these kinds of questions)

I don’t think you are being unreasonable however, if the role was reversed and it was your child and you assumed he would not visit when your daughter was staying over, would he be upset? It sounds like maybe he would understand!

also it sounds like you have fallen out of life with him! I get that this scenario doesn’t help maybe! But if you have fallen out of love with him then that’s not true love! And it sounds sad but maybe you are better off splitting!? 🤷🏽‍♂️

littlemisspigg · 15/09/2026 22:20

SecretsAndLies77 · 14/09/2026 09:24

I will try to not make this too long, but also not drip feed. Please help me distinguish reasonable actions from my own emotions because, to put it simply, everything's at stake.

Been with DP for 4 years and, on the whole, it's a very loving relationship. He's good to me and my kids, fun to be around, reliable and helpful, contributes financially to my household. We don't live together but spend much (most) of the week at each other's homes (although more mine than his), as well as every weekend and holidays.

At the same time, it's been a turbulent relationship (I know that sounds odd after what I've just said, but it can be both good and turbulent, as it's about very defined areas of problems, i.e. one problem = his adult daughters). I have a good relationship with his youngest DD (early 20s) who lives with him, but his eldest (30) who lives away doesn't want to have anything to do with me. At times she's been really rude to me and various members of my family. Most recent example is a message she sent where she was incredibly rude and disrespectful (before blocking me, so I couldn't even respond - a coward's move, IMO). My DP did reprimand her, sort of, via text and heavily prompted by me, which I hate as I don't think it's my job to stand up for this relationship and my dignity, but his. I think left to his own devices he would just always avoid all conflict. He is very scared she will cut him out of his life.

I feel I've come to the end with being able to accept that he doesn't stand up for me of his own free will, and that when he sees her he doesn't feel a shred of annoyance, resentment or anger about the awful ways she's behaved. I understand we all love our children, and I understand he's scared of losing her. I'm not even saying that he should necessarily show her that he's upset about her bad behaviour, but simply that he should feel something for me, the way she's treated me (in other words, show ME - show some kind of outrage, empathy, solidarity). If someone mistreated my DP, even if it was my kids, I'd be pretty livid. I know people are different, and I know men and women can be very different in their emotional processing. But still. How can it be true that he loves me, but that he doesn't feel anything when someone repeatedly hurts me?

The other thing is that, when she comes to stay at his, although at all other times I'm (more than) welcome in his house, there's an expectation that I won't come while she's there. Now, I get that it's her former home, she still has a room there. But, at all other times, I have complete access to his house, not just that but he's even repeatedly hosted friends of mine for long weekends (because the house is big and has spare rooms and bathrooms), but when his daughter is there, the quiet understanding is that I'm not welcome. But, just as an example, we're spending Xmas at mine this year and he of course invited her too. I knew she would say no, but that's not the point. So, she's meant to be always welcome in my house, but I'm not only not welcome at family events, but also my own partner's house when she's there? It strikes me as very unfair and unreasonable.

I've been living with this for a while, and this morning I woke up and thought, I don't know if I love him any more. This has seriously eroded my feelings for him. It's a huge shame, as four years is a lot of time together and he's amazing in many ways and I love(d) him possibly more than any other man before him, including my ex husband. But this continued unfairness and indignity has eaten away at the core of our connection.

YABU - this is a reasonable compromise in a complicated family dynamic because parents will always put their children first, even when they're nearly 30, and most women would find a way to live with this, even if it hurts them

YANBU - this is a major breach of love and loyalty towards me on his side, and if he's not prepared to let her know that his home is always open to me, I should walk away even after 4 years together.

Can I just say (if you're read this far), if you're not divorced and in a relationship with a man who's got adult kids, you won't have any kind of realistic perspective on a situation of this kind. I'm looking for some thoughtful and considered responses based in first hand experience of these kinds of dynamics - thank you (and I'll disregard any responses that are rude or unkind, as often I see "pile ons" when it comes to these kinds of questions)

Sad and unfortunate as it is, what if roles were reversed?....
Would you not behave exactly like him?
Sadly, you either need to accept & respect this status quo, or move on from this relationship.

Bubbaliciousss · 15/09/2026 22:13

SecretsAndLies77 · 15/09/2026 07:05

The whole thing about 'just turning up' was something I never once said, it was suggested in someone's response and then everyone started assuming I was turning up announced all the time. I have sometimes gone to my partner's for a cup of tea if I was in the area and he was at home, as he has done too. It's a nice surprise and we both enjoyed that kind of intimacy, at the end of the day we have each other on 'Find my' app so we can see who's where and it's nice to surprise someone at home. Both my kids and I have enjoyed him popping in sometimes. But I wouldn't drop in when there's someone at his house who hates me. I don't know why there's an assumption I would? I only said I had a key because someone said 'but you don't have access anyway'. In any case it's not about physical access - it's about the sense of being welcome.

I didn't assume you had; I was advising you to not do what the poster I replied to suggested you do.

Bedlingtonwarrior · 15/09/2026 21:32

FFS
His daughter is 30 and you did not cause his divorce..
Give him his key back and wait a short while for a response
His further reactions might be revealing.
Why live a life of confrontation for no real reason.
However, daughters inheritance concerns.......?????

..

Switchnow · 15/09/2026 21:02

ThreadGuardDog · 15/09/2026 19:52

Op has also said that DP spends most of his time at her home - 5/6 nights per week. I don’t think this is a monthly allowance - it’s more paying his way. Is it not the case that me who stay and don’t pay are cocklodgers ? OP says it’s not significant sum so this is just conjecture.

It seems like more than paying his way:

From OP ‘Again, it's a private agreement between us. It's not any staggering amount of money (nor is he some rich old dude I want to marry for his money. I'm a successful professional woman myself, so I don't need that). It was a matter of showing commitment to us as a unit, and him being a higher earner, it makes sense (to us). It's really no one else's business. My kids don't know either and they benefit from it, so why would his daughter who lives 100 miles away.’

ThreadGuardDog · 15/09/2026 19:56

Notsosweetcaroline · 15/09/2026 17:08

Are you ok, maybe you need to take a break, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone lash out and fight like it was their thread like this, you’re more upset than the op.

OP confirmed no less than three times that the message was sent directly to her and then DD blocked her before she could reply.

ThreadGuardDog · 15/09/2026 19:52

Notsosweetcaroline · 15/09/2026 17:26

I suspect the older daughter is judging her for being in a relationship with the much older father and taking his money , feels like the op gets a monthly allowance and I suspect it’s much larger than what it costs when he visits.

and the op is furious about it,and so competing to come first with the father.

I suspect if we knew their ages and how much money he gives her It would reveal another side to this.

Op has also said that DP spends most of his time at her home - 5/6 nights per week. I don’t think this is a monthly allowance - it’s more paying his way. Is it not the case that me who stay and don’t pay are cocklodgers ? OP says it’s not significant sum so this is just conjecture.

ThreadGuardDog · 15/09/2026 19:48

Switchnow · 15/09/2026 17:15

Yes I get it, she’s expressing her thoughts. But these thoughts reveal someone who isn’t thinking about building bridges and is thinking about the ways in which she could or even ought to be prioritised over the DD. Just as the DD’s actions as described indicate she is also thinking of her own wishes.

These things create an impression that neither of these adult women are keen to change the relationship in order to make things easier for their DF/DP.

Yep. Don’t disagree with that at all.

Anonymouseposter · 15/09/2026 19:39

People are making guesses about the situation now which might or might not be true, it’s all conjecture. What does come over clearly from your posts though is that you want your partner to take a firm line with his daughter even if it damages their relationship. It’s not kind to him at all and puts him in a difficult spot.
You’re stamping your feet and competing with her in a not very mature way.
Is it really that important that you have to stay out of the way on the odd occasion.
You don’t seem to want to improve things.
What was the nasty message and why was it sent?

Chocolattecoffeecuppa · 15/09/2026 19:10

I'm not sure OP. I'm wondering what his or her side of the story would be. On the face of it I agree he shouldn't stop you from coming over as she's 30(?) and this implies he agrees with her rather than you but I'm sure she has a view on why she doesn't like you and maybe he just wants his daughter to feel comfortable.

If you've genuinely don't nothing wrong and you're fair to her then I think he's wrong but you've also said you don't love him so just tell him you're out.

Redragtoabull · 15/09/2026 18:45

Err....why is everyone condoning a grown arsed woman of 30 years of age despicable attitude to another woman, also rude to her family!!! Just WTF people? Is the 30 year old stamping her ickle feet because Daddy has someone else special to him. She's behaving like a child.
I couldn't accept, nor would I put up with her behaviour, and if my partner also couldn't address her attention seeking nonsense, he too can fuck off. He sounds like part of the problem and it is not one for you to fix. Time to let go of this one, but by the sounds of it, you're almost there and then brat wins

rollypollly · 15/09/2026 18:42

I really don't know why people get into these sorts of situations and then when the problem is obvious stay in them.

Bottom line is you can't force someone to like you. Why would you stay around in this situation? If you are despearate for a partner, there are billions of men on the planet who will come without this upset.

Parents will always pick their children. His daughter has a problem with you.

You have two choices one is put up with it but why should you ? you could have a relationship with someone whose adult kids think you are the greatest thing to happen to their dad. The other is leave.

You won't be able to change the situation and long term it will cause carnage. It's like people who marry when they know the in-laws can't stand them. You know these people will be the parents of your partner and the grandparents of your children for ever so why give yourself problems. There are other people .

Life is short. Enjoy yours by making choices to put you into a happy situation not one that comes with a stressful repeat battle you can't win and is miserable for you, for him and for the daughter too.

carchi · 15/09/2026 18:39

pidgeonfood · 14/09/2026 09:47

I’m a bit surprised that all of the responses saying that you’re unreasonable. I’d agree that kids have to come first, especially if they were minors What about if OP wanted to eventually get married to this guy, or move in would it work then? It doesn’t sound like there are any ways that this would really work then, so in my mind, surely this would have to change eventually? Also the child is now a grown up and surely can’t really expect her Dad to not have a live in partner ever again?? Would be interested to hear others’ views on that point

Edited

Exactly she is 30 years old and adult enough to have some respect for her fathers partner even if for some reason she does not like her. There is no need to be rude to someone on social media then block them so they have no right of reply or opportunity to ask why. Also she expects to be invited into OPs home but won't let OP into her dad's when she is there. Is her relationship with her father so fragile that he can't speak to her about it in case she rejects him. Yes children come first but she is not a child she is an adult who is being manipulative.

TooMuchRedMaybe · 15/09/2026 17:59

Notsosweetcaroline · 15/09/2026 17:26

I suspect the older daughter is judging her for being in a relationship with the much older father and taking his money , feels like the op gets a monthly allowance and I suspect it’s much larger than what it costs when he visits.

and the op is furious about it,and so competing to come first with the father.

I suspect if we knew their ages and how much money he gives her It would reveal another side to this.

Yes, I think you are spot on.

The fact that OP is so enraged that the DD "dictates" when she can and can't be there says a lot too. Especially as she thinks she has the right to be there anytime she wants to. It's neither of theirs house. Why does neither of them think that the DP/dad should be able to decide who comes to his home and when? It's bizarre how their pissing contest has basically stripped him of any autonomy.

PepsiBook · 15/09/2026 17:52

Lots of people have a key to my house, it doesn't not mean they can turn up whenever they like - especially if I have made it clear they're not welcome when my kids are here.
You don't live together, he's not doing anything wrong is asking you not to come certain times + it's his house.

Switchnow · 15/09/2026 17:31

Notsosweetcaroline · 15/09/2026 17:26

I suspect the older daughter is judging her for being in a relationship with the much older father and taking his money , feels like the op gets a monthly allowance and I suspect it’s much larger than what it costs when he visits.

and the op is furious about it,and so competing to come first with the father.

I suspect if we knew their ages and how much money he gives her It would reveal another side to this.

I think there’s probably some truth to this and the OP knows it which is why she’s pretty silent on that. I can’t say I’ve ever been in a relationship where someone gives me money to prove their commitment, and my kids benefit from it even though they have their own dad.

Regardless of age, that’s a bit weird to me. And then there’s that he anticipates being lonely when younger DD goes and wants OP to move in. If he’s close to his DDs it seems possible the older one has picked up on some of this, or he’s told her (why wouldn’t he, if it’s all so normal and above board).

Personally if I was the DD I’d have made it my job to befriend the OP and keep a close eye on her. Maybe that’s what the younger DD is doing.

Notsosweetcaroline · 15/09/2026 17:26

Switchnow · 15/09/2026 17:15

Yes I get it, she’s expressing her thoughts. But these thoughts reveal someone who isn’t thinking about building bridges and is thinking about the ways in which she could or even ought to be prioritised over the DD. Just as the DD’s actions as described indicate she is also thinking of her own wishes.

These things create an impression that neither of these adult women are keen to change the relationship in order to make things easier for their DF/DP.

I suspect the older daughter is judging her for being in a relationship with the much older father and taking his money , feels like the op gets a monthly allowance and I suspect it’s much larger than what it costs when he visits.

and the op is furious about it,and so competing to come first with the father.

I suspect if we knew their ages and how much money he gives her It would reveal another side to this.

Switchnow · 15/09/2026 17:22

Vivi0 · 15/09/2026 15:00

Yep, she has. But it is simply a response to 4 years of the DD not wanting to get along. It’s perfectly understandable that the OP has some feelings around that.

Is it? I don’t think we can conclude that. Surely after four years where you’ve only met 6/7 times you just accept it. I’d have thought any flashpoint would be earlier - eg when the DD would ask DP to cancel plans with OP. It seems odd that after four years you’d suddenly think ‘I want access to his house 365 days a year even though we mainly stay at my house all week’.

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