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Not feeling like a united couple

2 replies

Chinchi14 · 27/05/2014 14:25

I keep getting the gut feeling that I am being undermimed by my future mother-in-law, not in a nasty way, just in a manipulative way which renders me unable to have an opinion.

I am right in the middle of a heavy MSc course, finishing off coursework and about to begin my dissertation. Our upstairs toilet packed up and my fiancé and I bought a new bathroom suite as the whole thing needs re-doing. We were planning on moving so enrolled my parents to help with the re-fit as my dad is a dab hand at plumbing. I was concerned about the timing as my workload is very heavy, but we needed to get it done so I picked a weekend that wouldn't be too painful workwise. Anyway, my in laws got wind of the plans and announced to my mother that they were coming up too for a visit at the same time. My mother tried to get my MIL to just give me a call and ask me first as she is concerned about my workload and having to run around after extra guests whilst trying to help my dad fit the bathroom and do my coursework (my fiancé is hopeless at DIY). So what does my MIL do? She calls my fiancé and asks him to keep it a secret that they are coming up to visit! I think she did this as she knows I would say no, please come another time. My fiancé goes along with it without consulting me!

Unfortunately, I have found all this out by accident. My mum told me that MIL would call us and ask, but she only called my fiancé who didnt tell me anything about it, even when I asked how she was etc. So I know he is keeping it secret from me. I do NOT want them up at this time when we have so much on and what makes matters worse is that she never even asked me and went to her son who doesn't seem to think he should discuss it with me first! I hate being shut out of decisions, but this is what often happens, I just don't get a say in the matter and I'm fed up of it. Plus, my dad doesn't really want more people in the house as he's worried about getting it all done in time which isn't fair to him, but he doesn't want to tell my in laws as he says it's not his place to.

So my real issue is with my fiancé going behind my back and not telling me what is going on. I don't know whether his motivations are good or bad, does he just want them up or does he think it'll be a nice surprise for me? I'm not a huge fan of them, I am polite but that is about it. So I have no idea why he would think this would be a good idea! I am really upset about it and I just don't know how to bring it up with him. I don't want to betray my mother's confidence with my MIL as they are good friends.

I would really appreciate any advice as it's making me sad that I am supposed to be getting married to him and he still shuts me out of decisions like this, which don't seem a big deal in themselves, but mean so much more due to the respect they convey.

Thank you

OP posts:
OnePlanOnHouzz · 02/06/2014 17:58

You are so right to question this - it's the sort of behaviour that can go on if not nipped in the bud straight away ! You need to phone MIL and say that you are so looking forward to your new bathroom, but not the upheaval that comes with it ! Ask her for tips on how to put off visitors dropping in at that time ! ( as it would be just soooo inconvenient ) and that you will call them to let her know how it all went - and to arrange for them to visit AFTER it's all completed ! - if she's just unthinking - it will be enough to make her rethink her ideas - if she's being manipulative - you have kindly let her know YOU are in charge of when you have visitors not her ! As for your fiancé - he won't have even given it a second thought I bet ! So a quick reminder of - by the way - can we decide together when and who we have to stay in our home please -might be in order !
Good luck !!! Hope it all goes well !!! :-)

HayDayQueen · 03/06/2014 18:15

You have to stop tippy toeing around this!

Your DM had every right to tell you about your MIL's potential visit. Why is everyone being so careful about her feelings here?

Just tell your DP that he had better tell his mother to NOT come on that weekend. There is far too much going on to entertain her.

If for some reason he doesn't, then you have a choice on how to deal with it.

Personally I would opt for telling her it's not convenient, and sorry, but you won't be spending any time with her. Then just alternate between helping your DF and doing your coursework. If your DP gets upset with you, you can tell him that you WARNED him that it was a bad weekend, and that you would not be up for entertaining your MIL so HE is responsible for any upset she feels.

Do NOT give her the ability to take away your decision making. She CAN'T make you spend the time running around after her. It is only your guilt and sense of duty which will do that. Sod that, good manners has it that you don't land on someone's doorstep when you know you won't be welcome.

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