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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think DP caused this argument and he's a knob

334 replies

CharlieBitMe · 07/06/2012 12:31

DP and I are moving in together in two weeks. He's suddenly decided that my kids need more "discipline" and "structure" so on the 4 nights a week he stays with us he's attempted to lay the law down about us having a "games night" Hmm where we play a board game and insisted that we all sit at the table to eat dinner. I'm really not happy about him trying to lay the law down like this and we had a small row about it and I said I would compromise by trying the meal at the table and would offer the kids the board game thing but not insist on it. So we're sat down at the table and it was really awkward and false. DP had "dressed for dinner" which I found absolutely hilarious and he tries starting shit conversations which all sounded so corny and sitcomish.
DS said something about "oh god, we're becomming one of those geeky families that think they're better than everyone else because they're smug" and DP snapped "well maybe it's about time you were aware of how you come across to others, there is nothing wrong with sitting at the table for a meal".
He was obviously implying that the kids had been dragged up and so I snapped and said he looked like a total dork in his "dinner wear" and he should stop thinking he was something wasn't. DS burst out laughing and DP snapped back "well if I'm a dork, you're a fishwife". DS again burst out laughing and I laughed along, it was quite funny. The dork and the fishwife. DP however sulked that it wasn't funny and he was just trying to be civilised "for once". For a laugh I agreed with him and asked DS to pass the caviare so DS flicked a load of mash at DP. It went all down his suit and I did tell him off and said he'd gone too far but DP was furious and stormed upstairs saying we were all beyond help.

AIBU to think that despite DS being naughty, the whole thing was caused by DP?

OP posts:
MarySA · 07/06/2012 13:02

This is just not going to work. And flicking food at a table is totally out of order. Can't understand why this is allowed in your house. I think he is making an effort with what sounds like a totally impossible situation. I don't envy him I'm afraid.

everlong · 07/06/2012 13:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

wordfactory · 07/06/2012 13:03

bejesus it's not sanctimonious. It's just how people feel about manners. In other countries it's even stricter.

By not passing on to your DCs how important this stuff is, you completely hold them back.

I've been there and wore the tee shirt. My Mother was ridiculed by all and sundry for being up herself and being la-di-dah...

Ephiny · 07/06/2012 13:04

So why do you want to move in with him?

ClaireBunting · 07/06/2012 13:04

I'm wondering what he sees in you, OP?

manicbmc · 07/06/2012 13:04

I would have more sympathy for the OP if she had taken on board all the advice given about this relationship on her last thread.

You are flogging a dead horse - move on.

cory · 07/06/2012 13:04

We are very much an oldfashioned dinner-at-the-table-and-polite-conversation family.

It is clear that some of dc's friends are not very used to this routine- but tbh they adapt very quickly to whatever they see around them.

Otoh you can spot a mile away the children who have grown up without learning what a respectful atittude looks like- disrespect is a habit that is far, far more difficult to break than eating with your fingers.

OldGreyWiffleTest · 07/06/2012 13:04

I agree with MarySA - totally unacceptable to flick mash at DP. It sounds to me as though you should release DP and not move in - it will not end well.

everlong · 07/06/2012 13:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MeCookGoodSock · 07/06/2012 13:04

He sounds like he's having a hard time fitting in with you and your DC. His suggestion to sitting down to dinner and playing board games is his way of wanting to get involved with your already made family. And all he got for that effort was disrespected. Poor man. I don't know the history, but going by this thread alone I do wonder, why are you with this man? You don't really like him, do you?

AnnieArsehole · 07/06/2012 13:04

Your wall OP? Oh,that's ok then.Hmm

CeliaFate · 07/06/2012 13:05

CharlieBitMe Regardless of who's right and who's wrong - this relationship will never succeed because you are not right for each other. You'll constantly be trying to change each other, rowing or sulking. End it and find someone you are more suited to.

AnyoneForTennis · 07/06/2012 13:06

Move it to relationships?? Why..... Like it will be any different there!?

AllYouNeedIsAClickyBallpoint · 07/06/2012 13:06

"He does LOTS of stupid things and then makes out he's perfect."

You're not being forced to be with him. If he's so irritating you call him a dork, complain about his manners, are not happy with him trying to introduce some family values, call him a knob, allow your dc to treat him with no respect, have no respect for him yourself, then for fucks sake, let him go!

LentillyFart · 07/06/2012 13:07

bejeezus - starring here in a minority of one. Roll up! Roll Up!!

Is this kind of scummy behaviour ok in your house too then?

cory · 07/06/2012 13:07

The bottom line is: YOU DON'T LIKE EACH OTHER. There is nothing compelling you to live together. Don't do it!

Coconutty · 07/06/2012 13:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Rindercella · 07/06/2012 13:09

You have obviously had issues with your relationship with this man Charlie (have not seen any of your earlier threads). I think you need to think very long and hard about moving in with him. You don't appear to actually like him very much. There's potential on-going issues with his mother and you and he have very different opinions on parenting. Why do you want to continue a relationship with him? And why do you want to move in with him?

Right now, leaving him will be relatively easy...no joint home, finances, children, etc. A couple of years down the line when his mother gets over-involved again, you have a mortgage together, a baby together and you realise you cannot stand this man and what to get the fuck out. Then it becomes a hell of a lot more difficult to separate.

Tbh, whatever the rights and wrongs about eating dinner at the table, playing games together as a family, those things are pretty irrelevant. Other than they do demonstrate just how incompatible to the two of you are.

bejeezusWC · 07/06/2012 13:09

I couldnt be less interested in yous opinions of my mental health or the behaviour in my house everlong and lentilly

sugarice · 07/06/2012 13:09

Charlie, you two haven't even moved in together and it's already strained.Why did he get a £200 loan from Quick Quid? How long has he been spending 4 nights with your family?.

CheeseandPickledOnion · 07/06/2012 13:09

Disaster. Waiting to happen.

AllYouNeedIsAClickyBallpoint · 07/06/2012 13:09

Is he good in bed?
Because right now, I can't summon up one good reason for you to be together.

wordfactory · 07/06/2012 13:11

OP from the owl incident he sounds like a PITA.

I'd get rid if I were you.

However, do take away one thing he said which rings true to me. You don't know how you come across to others.

Poor manners, eating on the floor, ruining property, calling polite conversation 'geeky' and 'dorky' is just daft. It's just lack of self confidence and self esteem. Don't do this to your boy. Bring him up to know he is as good as everyone else, which in turn means he deserves to know how other people behave.

4ducks · 07/06/2012 13:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Imisssleepingin · 07/06/2012 13:13

You are ignoring all the posts questioning why on earth you eat on the sofa or on the floor.
Do you really think this is ok to do ALL time?
What do you think you'r teaching your ds when you eat sat on the floor and not at the table?

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