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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

not to want to give up my bed???

327 replies

lightsandshapes · 12/08/2011 16:08

My BIL and his family are coming to stay in 2 days. They have a 4 year old a 2 year old and a 6 month old.

The BIL has been quite pushy about sleeping arrangements and has asked twice now if I will give up my bedroom so his wife can stay in there with the 2 younger ones. I and DH will be relegated to the summer house. I havre tried to make gentle excuses (I will need the loo in the night - I have a special matress pad on my bed because of bump) but he is insistent. I am 7 months pregnant.

Too late to stop them coming now, but wwyd? I'm osscilating between standing my ground and being 'generous', but I would NEVER invite myself to someone's house and then ask to sleep in the master bedroom in their bed [shocked]. Feel like if I don't defend myself my boundaries could be trampled all over.

OP posts:
lightsandshapes · 18/08/2011 12:39

Shouty, I don't generally see sex as something to be held back as a punishment, especially as I wanted it as much if not more than him (pregnancy hormones!!!)

Also he was at the bottom of the garden when bil said all this, so didn't hear about it until much later that eve, and only properly next day. So he wasn't there to say anything until he'd worked out what was happing. Then he did,

But I agree with your last paragraph and will be saying something along these very lines once they have gone.

OP posts:
ShoutyHamster · 18/08/2011 14:28

I'm sorry, I didn't mean that - of course that's not appropriate - I meant that I would not have wanted to have sex with him, because I would have felt angry and let down. I wouldn't have been wanting to punish him, I genuinely would have felt that at the moment there was a barrier there. I would have been hurt, let down and would not have felt close enough to him to want that.

I was trying to illustrate the point that I think one of the very relevant things here is that you clearly just don't feel like that - your 'default', if you like, is to not get properly angry, even when there is good cause. That's great in many ways - I bet you are a very fair, very level-headed person. But I think in a situation like this - where it's your own DH letting you down - that character trait isn't actually doing you any favours. And I feel quite angry on your behalf about your DH, because I feel - consciously or not - that he seems to take advantage of that.

Think about it. This situation shouldn't have arisen, because a normally 'bolshy' (can't think of a better word) person wouldn't have allowed the discussion on beds to become your problem (the pregnant partner). But it did. It's as if your DH at some level is thinking 'well lightsandshapes is so laid back, she'll probably give in anyway and I won't have to step up and say something to bro.' You didn't, though. So, he saw you were in a bit of a tizz about it, and what did he do? Nothing. Just sat tight, as if waiting for you to give in. Oh sorry, he 'tried'. But no, you don't try in a situation like this - what does 'try' mean? How can you misunderstand 'You aren't having my wife's bed?'

He didn't sort it out before the visit. Then when the visit happened and BIL upset you, he didn't sort that either. Quite the contrary, presumably he was one of the chirpy breakfast crew (maybe a lightly muted chirp, y'know, just to show he was on YOUR side reaaaallly) while you had puffy eyes.

Do you know what, that is DISGRACEFUL. I can only imagine what my DH would have to say if his brother reduced me, while pregnant, to tears.

So, I am wondering why there is this dynamic, and I am thinking that your DH is actualy quite a large coward.

And I am seeing how you are actually reacting to this, how you actually feel, and the message coming over loud and clear is that no matter what happens you aren't ready to really lay any blame at your DH's door. And I think the two are connected - as I said, it is easier for him to upset you, because you will find a way to be ok with him about it even if you are upset with the situation. Much harder an option for him to stand up to BIL.

I hope that comes over as of use and not attacking in any way - I think you are in a very difficult situation and I hope I've been of some help - I really hope this doesn't come across as aggressive or unhelpful - I do apologise if that's how I've made you feel!!

Lotkinsgonecurly · 18/08/2011 17:37

I got the lilo joke Grin. We've wanted to do similar when BIL and MIL arrived for 3 days last christmas and stayed for 6!!! Its far too long. This year DH will have to put his foot down and agree it cannot be for longer than 3 days. Also our present to ourselves this year will be a couple of days away after christmas so we're not here!!!

lightsandshapes · 18/08/2011 17:40

shouty, I totally agree - I can see what you mean with the above. I am struggling with that issue (how much DH stands up for me) too. The reason I didn't totally tell (BIL & SIL) them to f*ck off is that I thought, if the roles were reversed and I was the bloke and telling my DW relatives to f-off, I would be seen as controling and manipulative and saying who I could and couldn;t have visit. Also, thiswill be the baby's uncle. Hmm), I didn't want to start some massive family drama that would ripple down the years as this little one grows up or be seen as the 'unreasonable outsider' wich is how I think BIL is trying to portray me. So, I have tried to be very reasonable, just to confoud him.

So I have been trying to be the bigger person, thinking to myself, DH has a right to have his side of the family visit, just as I would want my side of the family to visit. If I said F-off to his family, I would be saying / implying he could do the same to mine. I'm struggling with what is a cultural difference between our families (BIL family being much more forthright than mine who are very very polite - perhaps too polite and accommodating) and how much it is that his BIL is an actual ARSE! (Actually, I have now come to believe the latter). DH hasn't told him to get lost I suspect, because below all the crap, there is some brotherly love there. It's very odd (like the blooming mitchell brothers or something ;) )

So there we have it. When they leave tomorrow I will be putting my foot down with DH,telling him how the visit has made me feel, and saying this can't happen again (and all the stuff you mention above).

x

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lightsandshapes · 18/08/2011 17:46

Lotkinsgonecurly - it always amazes me how other people can out themselves up in your house for 5/6 days and feel fine about it. Good for you for putting your foot down this year! I could never do that (stay beyond my welcome) to another household and wouldn't want to. I'm intererested in the mindset of these people. With us we have the unfortunate beauty of living by the beach (like a ghost town in winter) but suddenly everyone wants to visit in the summer. This was happening long before I moved in and people try to carry things on in the same way. I'm trying to send out a message it's not a bloody batchelor holiday home for free holidays any more!!!

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Shoutymomma · 18/08/2011 19:14

Much as I hate the 'round robin' (generic message) that gets sent out with xmas cards, I think something like that could be very useful for you guys. As well as letting everyone know about the progress of your new child, you can close with:
"So now we have a full house, we feel slightly sad that we won't be able to put people up the way we always have. That said we know how much you all love the sea-side, so we'll look forward to seeing you when you book your cottage/caravan/camping holidays!"

MigratingCoconuts · 18/08/2011 19:28

they are going tomorrow? How have the last few days been?

Your posts seem calmer, as though you have reached a decision in your mind.

TheMagnificentBathykolpian · 18/08/2011 20:23

Re the people coming in the summer. I can sort that for you.

"Sorry, it won't be possible for you to come in the summer. we are busy/away/have plans/don't want you to. You can come in February, during the half term."

If they say anything, you can laugh and say "Anyone would think you were after a free holiday. God job I know that's not your intention." "February it is then."

AnyFucker · 18/08/2011 22:36

brilliant. Bathy Grin

February in a UK seaside town

lovely

I would love it, in actual fact, but it would certainly sort the wheat from the chaff Grin

ie. the family who really want to to see you as opposed to the fucking freeloaders

ShoutyHamster · 18/08/2011 22:48

Ha!

'The Annual Family February Get-Together Chez lightsansdshapes - Don't forget your cozzie for the traditional Icy Beach Dash!'

... otherwise known as sorting the wheat from the chaff Grin

OP, I actually do admire the way you have kept your integrity during this. You've been yourself - a person who doesn't make snide comments, who doesn't rant or lose their temper. That's fab (and I hope might actually have illustrated to your DH just why he'd be a fool to pander to his pig-ignorant brother at your expense...)

So I think that if, after they've gone, you DO sit your DH down and show some very determined newly-grown Mummy Bear claws, it would see you in very good stead. He really, really needs to be told, for the good of your relationship. It's no bad thing for him to be brought to a point where he has to stand up and be counted. What you say - a calm, determined I do not want them staying here again has added weight when delivered after your dignified silence during their actual visit. Go for it, get it sorted - you'll be glad you did. Two years down the line, it'll simply be The Done Thing for them to find a b&b so you probably won't see them very often and you will have made the point that you expect to be able to respect and love your DH as a man who puts his family first. How can he argue with that, eh? Grin

AnyFucker · 18/08/2011 23:03

shouty, I agree with your posts on this thread, FWIW

the sex thing was a bit clumsy < licks end of pencil > but I knew what you meant Wink

< whistles innocently >

lightsandshapes · 18/08/2011 23:22

Just wanted to say, these posts, every single one of them has got me through the week. Thank you so much to every single poster. The support has been amazing. I know I haven't replied to all, but I have read every single one. Roll on tomorrow.......

OP posts:
diddl · 19/08/2011 07:16

Hope that they get off soon safely lights.

I know what you mean about not telling BIL to F off but you certainly need boundaries for next time & what you would do/say if he is so rude again.

You have been very considerate in the circumstances imo.

I´d love to visit the beach in the Winter-I rarely go when it´s "Summer".

Went here in the Winter & there was ice floating in the sea!

hairfullofsnakes · 19/08/2011 07:26

Having rea all of this - you telling your bil that his words are offensive and rude is what you should have done? There is no nerd for a family fall out because of it, just a firm 'that kind of silly comment won't be tolerated' tone.

Totally agree with shouty's suggestion of a round Robin - do it!
I am always aghast at how rude some people are when they stay at people's houses or that they expect to.

bagelmonkey · 19/08/2011 09:33

Have they left yet?

ShoutyHamster · 19/08/2011 10:06

Two Shouties!!

AF - yes sadly when it comes to le action de la chambre clumsy is my middle name Grin

lightsandshapes · 19/08/2011 10:46

They've gone! (smile). Post traumatic stress therapy booked for next week (I wish). ;) day of nesting and reclaiming my space is in order!!

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Eglu · 19/08/2011 10:48

WHOOP WHOOP!!!

nickelbabe · 19/08/2011 11:07
Grin

I think the fact you've got your house to yourselves should be therapy enough Grin

lightsandshapes · 19/08/2011 11:35

hoover and disinfectant out, nursery rearranged, to how it was before - nesting hormones in full swing. Lock down chez lightsandshapes in order (should I feel any guilt at my lack of tollerance of guests - addmittedly, opinionted ones?) Does everyone find guests difficult, or am I odd? I never want to see another guest again. Am I anti-social?

OP posts:
ShoutyHamster · 19/08/2011 12:08

You are not odd, nor anti-social - you are a DEEPLY TRAUMATISED WOMAN.

I confess that I cannot really see much improvement on the horizon for you without several courses of deep Cake Therapy. Expensive, but does get results. Grin

LeBOF · 19/08/2011 12:14

I do love ShoutyHamster

lightsandshapes · 19/08/2011 13:00

Deep cake therapy it is then Grin

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girlywhirly · 19/08/2011 13:51

lights, I'm stunned having read all the posts. BIL is unbelievable. I think he's either on the autistic spectrum or has a serious personality disorder to say the things he did and not have any idea of how obnoxious he was.

I don't think you are anti-social, you did the best you could with the space available, and that still wasn't good enough. In your shoes I would put a stop to anyone staying in your home unless you want them to, and then they have to bring their own airbed and bedding.

You will have no hesitation in refusing next time BIL decides to invite his family to visit. Start compiling a list of B&B's, travelodges and pubs with rooms to let for guests in future. A nice little job while you sit with your feet up!

ZonkedOut · 19/08/2011 14:10

I've been reading this from the start, and have found other people have said what I wanted to say much better than I would, so I've not replied 'til now. But I have to take issue with your self-proclaimed "lack of tolerance". You seem remarkably tolerant to me!

I found when pregnant, I just wanted my own space, I didn't like going away and I wasn't that keen on other people staying, but I put up with it on occasion because they were nice people and my DH did the cooking. :)

In your case, you have this rude, nasty man staying who you only put up with because he happens to be related to your DH. I think you handled it very well, and were nicer and more tolerant than most people would have been in your situation. Probably too tolerant!

I hope you can relax and recover from this, and enjoy the remaining weeks until your baby arrives! Best wishes for that.