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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

in thinking DP's family's behaviour towards me is pretty outrageous?

405 replies

SylvieSmith · 03/07/2012 17:40

So, DP's DB and his wife have just had a baby. DP rings DB on Thursday to ask if we can round to see the baby for the first time on Friday. DB says no, they'll come to ours Sunday. DP says Sunday is absolutely no good because Sylvie is working all day (twelve and a half hour shift). DB says they will try to come on Saturday. Saturday comes and goes, no sign of them. Late Saturday evening DP gets a text saying they're coming on Sunday. Neither of us is happy about this, but DP is all like I can't get into a confrontation with them when they've just had a baby and refuses to talk to his DB about it. So I go off to work on Sunday and they and DP's mum come round with the baby, and DP gives them the presents I carefully selected, bought and wrapped months ago, and I'm left out of the whole thing!

But it's not only this. I've never been able to build much of a relationship with them. DP and DB are not really close, they're quite different people. DP: bookish, sensitive, university-educated, teacher, teetotal. DB: laddish, a drinker, left school at 16, works in a factory. We've never seen him and his wife loads and when we do it is an effort for both of us.

There have been a few things they've done that have pissed me off. For example, DB is our DS's godfather (DP's choice) but he has never taken much interest in him.

DP lent DB £500 when I was pregnant with DS, which we couldn't really afford, and DB has never paid us that money back, though they have been on several holidays since and are now in the process of buying their council house Hmm. (We, on the other hand, are finally going on our first holiday for three years this summer, as we haven't been able to afford it until now). DP refuses to ask for the money back and says we should just write it off. (It went towards paying debts).

They never say thank you for birthday and Christmas presents, for themselves or for their kids. Ever.

One time it was DP's birthday and we invited people round at four in the afternoon for a little party. DB didn't want to come at 4pm (he didn't have other plans, he just didn't want to come) so he turned up at 10 in the morning instead, with wife and two kids in tow! My friend from overseas was coming to stay that evening and I was rushing round trying to get the house clean for that and the official party happening in the afternoon, and somewhat stressed, so I stayed upstairs cleaning for most of the time they were here. After that DB complained to DP about me being "unfriendly", and came round less (his wife didn't actually come round again until this Sunday when they brought the baby over, which basically means she didn't come round for three years).

Another time we went round to drop a present off for their DD. We were in a rush (my mum had given us a lift up there and was waiting in the car outside) so it was just a very quick visit, but it led to another complaint about my supposed unfriendliness because apparently I didn't say hello or goodbye (I don't remember this - I'm sure I must've acknowledged them with a nod or a wave).

And one time, and this is a little thing but it pissed me off no end and now is my chance to get it off my chest (!), DB's DD threw up all over my settee and when he asked me for a cloth to clean it up with I told him to use the old cloth under the cupboard under the kitchen sink but instead he helped himself to a new one out of the packet, and it wasn't just any old cloth but a fancy M&S one, and of course it had to be thrown away afterwards so it was a complete waste, and what made it even more irritating was that the DD had obviously thrown up because she'd been allowed to stuff herself stupid with crisps before they came over, it wasn't like she was ill or anything...!!!!

I've never said anything to them about any of these things (though with the cleaning cloth thing I really wish I had!!). One, I'm quite shy, and two, I think it's DP's place to deal with his family. I was brought up to be polite to people I don't know very well and that is exactly what I've tried to do every time I've seen them. My only crime, as I see it, has been my shyness. But apparently they now feel justified in leaving me out of big family occasions.

OP posts:
SooticaTheWitchesCat · 04/07/2012 11:07

If my DD had just been sick I would have used the first cloth that came to hand! I can't believe you are more concerned about a stupid cloth that your little neice!

Personally I buy my cloths in Poundland so I woulnd't have had that worry anyway...

SylvieSmith · 04/07/2012 11:27

I was concerned about my niece, all of the family are concerned about the amount of junk food she eats, and the effects on her weight (she's also overweight) and teeth, it was hard to watch her suffering of it and I do think it was irresponsible of her parents.

OP posts:
SylvieSmith · 04/07/2012 11:34

Anyway. I'm leaving now, as I should have done hours ago.

OP posts:
mynewpassion · 04/07/2012 11:59

Look, Sylvie, you've got some great advice. I think you do realize that you do have some social inadequacies, which could be viewed as being unfriendly, snobbish, and rude. Get tested or get some help with coping social skills.

There's also of you doing things one way and they doing things one way which also causes tensions.

They are rude for not being polite when receiving presents. You cannot change other people's actions, just your on actions.

However, the biggest problem is your DP. On the money front, he's already told you that it is a write-off, meaning he's told his brother he doesn't have to pay it back. You wrote that in your original post. If this is the case, then it might be harder to get back the money.

I also think your DP undermines you a bit. If you are shy, maybe you have to mentally prepare to be social. When its change, it throws you off.

After five years, I think your DP sees that you struggle to be around his family because he sees that there is a mutual dislike among you all. Because of this, he's trying to minimize your contact. He's not doing it to be mean, just to keep the peace.

MorrisZapp · 04/07/2012 12:04

Your bil came to your house when your DP was out, to berate your housekeeping skills?

And this ended in calling you a b#tch, and waving his fist at you?

Why?

SerendipitousHarlot · 04/07/2012 12:08

You are never going to get an answer to that question Morris!

CinnabarRed · 04/07/2012 12:13

OP, on the off chance you're still reading - and I'm saying this for your own sanity - do you see on any level at all why it's your DP you need to tackle?

So many posters have made this point to you, and I don't think you've acknowledged it once. Is that because you disagree?

SylvieSmith · 04/07/2012 13:18

I'm still reading, for my sins. Of course my DP is a huge problem, I thought that went without saying. We have had endless rows about his failure to stick up for me with his family. We've even had couples counselling, which broke down after the counsellor insisted I had to allow the DB who threatened me in the house, which I was refusing (and still refuse) to do. But what am I supposed to do? We have a DS together. I don't think it'd be right for me to just up and leave.

OP posts:
SylvieSmith · 04/07/2012 13:20

I feel completely powerless in the situation, that's why I come online to vent.

OP posts:
squeakytoy · 04/07/2012 13:23

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MsOnatopp · 04/07/2012 13:39

Don't get me wrong I think your ILs have done some things wrong, I do, BUT you 1. have come off as a 'woe is me', 'how can you all turn on me' drama queen throughout the thread. 2. sound snobbish, and rude. and 3. seem determined to shove all the blame on someone/anyone else, for everything.

About the daft cloth thing... why you didn't clean it up yourself I will never know. Surely that's what a good 'host' does?!

MsOnatopp · 04/07/2012 13:44

Oh and 'outrageous'?! Er no...

I would say at it's worst it was 'not great'

I would say your behaviour towards them was 'pretty crap'

Nobody has been outrageous...

wordfactory · 04/07/2012 14:30

Sorry OP but YABU.

The cloth thing is such a non-issue that it is laughable.
The other things are all get-over-able if you want to. But you don't.

I supect that you are as intractable in real life as you are on this thread. That is not a happy place to be either for you or your DH.

CinnabarRed · 04/07/2012 15:51

"Of course my DP is a huge problem, I thought that went without saying. We have had endless rows about his failure to stick up for me with his family. We've even had couples counselling, which broke down after the counsellor insisted I had to allow the DB who threatened me in the house, which I was refusing (and still refuse) to do. But what am I supposed to do?"

Please do consider starting a new thread in relationships. There is a wealth of experience there to help. And also some posters who has ASD, and might also be able to support you there.

SylvieSmith · 04/07/2012 16:03

It's the internet, I could be lying, squeakytoy, but unless you're omnipotent you don't know that. (Plus as I already said, I'm a Christian, believe in God and He knows I'm not lying, so my conscience is clear). But kicking somebody when they're obviously down is a pretty bitchy thing to do. Is that what people do all day on AIBU? Just look for people who are struggling in life to give them a good bashing and make them feel even worse? You should be deeply, deeply ashamed of yourself.

OP posts:
SerendipitousHarlot · 04/07/2012 16:13

Why aren't you answering anybody's questions though? The Christian thing is kind of irrelevant, to be honest.

Why did your BIL turn up at your house and kick off about the housework. We need context, or we're unable to advise you Confused

carlywurly · 04/07/2012 16:29

Op, if you genuinely suspect you have as, I'd deal with that first, away from Aibu. To me, a lot of your post makes sense in that context, and that includes the cloth business.

I'd also post in relationships or sn where I suspect you'll get a more sympathetic response.

There are some downright nasty and unnecessary posts on this thread. Op openly admits she may have a condition which makes it hard for her to read or judge social situations, why the need to stick the boot in? Depressing.

SylvieSmith · 04/07/2012 16:33

This reply has been deleted

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TapirBackRider · 04/07/2012 16:39

AIBU is here for people who are undecided about whether or not their behaviour or that of others is unreasonable. This is why it is called "Am I being Unreasonable".

You chose to post here, ignored the vast majority of posters that, after reading your posts believed that you were being unreasonable, and you have descended to ad hominems towards posters.

Here, have a [grip]. Obviously much needed.

cricketballs · 04/07/2012 16:39

its not kicking someone when they are down though Sylvie - its putting the situation into context and you obviously thought that everyone was going to agree with you - surely the fact that so many have the same opinion should have you asking questions about your own opinion

girlpancake · 04/07/2012 16:42

Sylvie, I'm really not sure why you are carrying on with this thread. I can't believe this is going to do you any good. You must be finding all this hurtful.

weasar · 04/07/2012 16:48

I havent read the whole thread, but just... WOW about your reaction to the cleaning cloth. I'm honestly not sure if you are joking!
What do you buy cleaning cloths for then? the word cleaning is a bit of a clue, surely? Confused

SerendipitousHarlot · 04/07/2012 16:54

Oh ffs. I'm not bullying you. I'm trying to put stuff into context. If you want questions answered, you have to answer questions yourself, surely?

I just don't know, OP. Do you want help, or don't you? Do you actually want to know whether you're being unreasonable or not? Have you started a thread in Relationships like so many posters have suggested? All you seem to be doing is accusing people of bullying and adopting a silly victim mentality.

Do you want help or not? If not, why post in the first place?

insancerre · 04/07/2012 16:54

is this for real?

RabidAnchovy · 04/07/2012 17:08

OP it sounds as if you would be better just having nothing to do with your DPs family,

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