Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Is this odd for me to ask? - DSs girlfriend?

337 replies

Isthisweirdthough · 14/03/2024 22:08

Ds has been with this absolutely lovely girl for around a year now. I adore her.

I managed to get 2 very good tickets for a band I love, and I know that she loves them too. The tickets were expensive so I want to take a fan.

Is it odd to ask her? I've bought tickets for ds, her and me to go to a couple of things before and its been fine, but this would be me and her alone.

It would involve travelling and an overnight stay.

This is my sons first serious relationship and I really want to include her in stuff, but don't want to be too overbearing either.

Would you feel weird if your boyfriends mum took you to a gig alone?

OP posts:
User236792 · 15/03/2024 11:27

Isthisweirdthough · 14/03/2024 23:28

She often works nights so I could ask her to come and then say I totally understand if she can't come due to work and just message me when she finds out, then she won't have to tell me face to face and has a ready made excuse if she wants one. Does that sound OK?

Thank you for saying I sound lovely, I honestly doubt myself all the time. I have no idea what 'normal' is for a family (abusive childhood, abusive marriage, dp doesn't have kids so has no idea either) so I'm really just trying my best.

Thank god for MN, I ask stupid questions here all the time that may be obvious to other people, but sometimes I just need reassurance (sorry).

She really is an amazing young woman so the last thing I want to do is upset or offend or make her feel awkward in any way. My lovely son picked a good un ☺️

This is literally the best way to do it, you should trust your instincts. You are obviously a really lovely person.

Nottheusualsuspect84 · 15/03/2024 11:32

I would think it was lovely that you had thought of me when booking tickets I wouldn't think it was weird at all but then I love live music so would never turn down a free concert

Stormyweathr · 15/03/2024 11:37

Isthisweirdthough · 15/03/2024 00:37

Just noticed a couple of people asking who the band is.

It's Take That, I know it's sad but they were a light in an otherwise shitty childhood for me, so this is a massive deal for me (slowly been checking off seeing all my childhood heroes for years, trying to heal something I suppose) she started loving them when they came back again so we've bonded over our love for Take That many times before. £250 a ticket though 😭

I managed to get 2nd row, tickets right in the centre so I am BUZZING.

If my MIL asked me to a take that concert I would be over the moon and snap her hand off especially if she loved them too and knew all the songs, I would go and have a good old time although I would have to make a pact with her not to tell her son that I had been shouting ‘I love you mark’ 🤣🤣

just be casual mentioning it and tell her if she can’t make it that you have others who would happily go, you will be able to gauge if she is feeling it or not as in, jumping up and down in her chair or the old ‘I will have to check with work’

you sound like a lovely lady and she is lucky to have such a thoughtful (future) MIL

if all fails please pick me to come with you instead 😁

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Thereader91 · 15/03/2024 11:38

I think it's a great idea. It's a binding experience. If she looks like a dear in headlights with a smile she's excited. Without a smile just say "don't feel obliged to say yes, I can ask someone else, I just know your a huge fan". Have a great time xx

Ninahaen · 15/03/2024 11:42

If she likes the band then absolutely invite her!!!

TheHighPriestess1 · 15/03/2024 11:44

Isthisweirdthough · 14/03/2024 22:15

She's 22, we do go for coffee or lunch on a semi regular basis without ds.

Ds wouldn't be coming because I don't have a ticket for him, he wouldn't enjoy it anyway.

I've booked a 2 roomed apartment anyway, I'll take one of my other dc if its a bad idea to ask her, they aren't keen on the band and I know she loves them which is why I thought of her. I just don't want her to think I'm 'that' kind of MIL(ish).

Can’t see anything wrong in it myself. Don’t forget to report back on the thread

zeibesaffron · 15/03/2024 11:52

I think this is a lovely idea 😊 enjoy x

easilydistracted1 · 15/03/2024 11:58

I'd be tempted to run it by your son first to see how he thinks she'd react. But personally I think it's a lovely idea. My mother in law is absolutely wonderful and I have a relationship I don't have with my own mum with her partly because of bad childhood experiences. We have planned stuff alone if my wife isn't interested (Im female just to provide some context). I'm surprised everyone is acting like it's such a big deal.

CurlewKate · 15/03/2024 12:03

@Thereader91 I know it's a typo but t my heart melted a little at "dear in the headlights"! My young adult children look exactly like that sometimes!

Supernova1908 · 15/03/2024 12:04

Not weird at all - it’s lovely! My MIL took me to a Belinda Carlisle gig as we are both fans, just the two of us - really enjoyed it and loved that she asked me! We went for dinner and prosecco first and it wasn’t weird in the slightest.

Mrsjayy · 15/03/2024 12:22

as an aside I can't believe tickets are £250 doesn't Gary Barlow have enough money 😂

Isthisweirdthough · 15/03/2024 12:24

Mrsjayy · 15/03/2024 12:22

as an aside I can't believe tickets are £250 doesn't Gary Barlow have enough money 😂

He's probably started paying tax now or something 🤣

OP posts:
fafsmam · 15/03/2024 12:27

Isthisweirdthough · 15/03/2024 10:07

Oh god I never even thought of the cost embarrassing her. Something new to stress about.

Her birthday is the month after the gig so would it be more or less weird to give it as a gift, but then it's not really a gift if I'm inflicting myself on her as well 🤣 I don't really see it as spending 250 on her anyway, more like paying 500 to see someone I really want to see (also ridiculous).

I know I called her a girl, I know she's not, she's a lovely young woman, I still see my son as my baby boy though and he's 6ft 5 and built like the side of a house with a professional job and a house of his own 🤣

I could have Bojo on one side of me and Sunak on the other and it still wouldn't be ruined.

Please do keep an eye out for future threads such as "will this totally inoffensive outfit embarrass her and make her block my son on everything" or "I got the words to relight my fire wrong and now I'm stressing that she thinks I'm a fake fan and secretly hates me" 🤣

Thanks for all the advice, I'm just going to casually ask next week and give her the chance to say "no I have work".

This really made me laugh out loud. If she says no can I come. I’m a young heart 66 year old who also lives in the arse end of nowhere 🤣
On second thoughts my 40 year old daughter would never forgive me she bloody loves them.
You’ve already had some good advice and you sound lovely but sorry to tell you but the over thinking gets worse as you get older 🥰

Mrsjayy · 15/03/2024 12:31

Isthisweirdthough · 15/03/2024 12:24

He's probably started paying tax now or something 🤣

clearly skint now 😂

Dingdong90 · 15/03/2024 12:33

Absolutely a great idea, there's nothing wrong with you spending time with her when your sons not there. My mum would do the same and go shopping trips etc with my brothers girlfriend so it's not weird. It's a great bonding experience for yous too and I'm sure she would love it

Buggerthislove · 15/03/2024 12:36

I used to go to the theatre with my MIL all the time without DH, started just after we first got together. She was my theatre buddy before she passed.
Invite her, your DS and your partner and make a weekend of it. The lads can find something to do and you see the gig with DIL.

HeydeHey · 15/03/2024 12:52

I think this is really lovely. People seem to have very different relationships with their children's partners so I think these threads will always end up a bit split.

My sister in law has been with my brother since they were teenagers and as I'm younger she has been in my life since I was 10. She would always be around our house. My mum and her are close. They definitely annoy each other sometimes but they love each other. My mum would not say she loves her like a daughter but perhaps like you'd love a niece.

Of course she'd always choose my brother if it came to it as that's her actual child but she would still care about my SiL and would be very unhappy if my brother treated her badly (and would call him out on it).

I have similar feelings about her - I don't love her like a sister exactly but I do love her and I'd miss her if they ever broke up and I'd want to see her happy.

Growing up I always kind of expected that that's how these relationships are and assumed that my relationship with a future MIL would be like that.

Hah!

I was genuinely astonished to find that after years of being "part of the family", my own in-laws apparently had no feelings for me whatsoever, would support my DH in treating me as badly as he wanted and even would try to set him up with other women while we were married.

I had always been polite with them, made an effort, always treated their son well (and put up with a lot more than a lot of wives would!) I even cared for him through very ill health.

It became apparent that it was not about me really. There was a very odd enmeshed relationship between my MiL and my DH, that she felt I had taken him away from her, that she wanted to be the one to "care" for him and my DH even described their family as "us against the world". Things weren't as bad when I was just a girlfriend but once we married and I was his family it's like they saw me as competition and always wanted to ensure they were his first priority.

I did not expect to become like a daughter to them but I did think they were my (extended) family and that they'd at least grow fond of me and care for me.

I would have done anything for a MiL like you who really made the effort. It sounds like you've got a great balance and honestly I would not worry too much about it being weird.

If the worst thing your sons gf has to worry about is that her MiL invites her to things she enjoys while being absolutely fine if she declines then she's got it pretty good. If she doesn't believe it I'd be happy to introduce her to the absolute insanity that I was part of.

Just be aware (sounds like you already are) and offer outs ("I know you may be working and so no worries at all if not. Just check your calendar and let me know if you fancy it..")

I think it's only be "too much" if you were upset at her declining or kept putting her on the spot and wanting to know why if she declined.

If she starts declining more often then pull back with the invites but if not then continue as you are. She's an adult too and she is more than capable of making excuses if she needs to, as we all do when we decline things.

One thing though... gently, your "who should I take?" idea is terrible. It would be very presumptuous of her to say "me" and would likely come across that she was actively not invited. Being honest while giving her a ready-made excuse and not forcing her to respond in real time face to face is plenty.

solemnlyswearimuptonogood · 15/03/2024 12:54

You sound lovely, wish I had this sort of relationship with my MIL! Definitely ask her, just say no pressure at all but I know how much you love them so wanted to give you first dibs! Even if she can't/doesn't fancy it she'll appreciate the offer.

gannett · 15/03/2024 13:06

This is a lovely idea, because you've already bonded over the music. Finding someone who's into the same artists as you to be a gig buddy is a terrific thing, whether they're a friend or a relative or your son's gf.

It would only be weird if you didn't know she already loved Take That (especially as I wouldn't have assumed any 23yo would be into them).

I think when you offer you have to make it clear that you're OK with paying it in total, you don't expect her to contribute and you don't expect anything in return. (And be clear about whether this applies to accommodation/transport costs too.) Because I doubt whether she could actually afford this off her own bat - the total cost will be a huge deal to her.

But ultimately it sounds like you're going to have a terrific time and it's a lovely gesture.

Y6yhnsr5 · 15/03/2024 13:07

You genuinely sound so lovely OP. Your idea up-thread is a good one. Hope you guys enjoy the concert when it comes around x

Mostlyoblivious · 15/03/2024 13:08

It’s a great idea! Don’t over think it at all. You have a sociable relationship with her, it sounds like she knows her own mind and she can say no. It’s not odd, it’s natural in context of your relationship with her and your DS which is why you bought the tickets in the first place. Have a great time!

74Violette · 15/03/2024 13:19

I think you sound lovely and asking her along is not weird at all. It's not like you'll be sharing a room, which would make me feel uncomfortable. Maybe best to ask DS along for the apartment stay and he can do something else or just chill whilst you and his girlfriend go and enjoy the gig.

CactusMactus · 15/03/2024 13:23

Just ask her! Let her decide if it's odd.

BrickPombear · 15/03/2024 13:32

Sounds like a lovely idea and that you are close enough to do it. She's and adult and they sound serious about their relationship. Odviously separate rooms, but it could be a really nice trip for you both. Make it clear she is under no obligation to say yes though. It's not unusual for dad's to take their daughters boyfriends on trips when they share an interest either- fishing, football ect so why should this be a problem 😊

DottyLottieLou · 15/03/2024 14:36

I absolutely do not see a problem with this and find it weird that anyone would.