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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

my husband's extended family don't make me feel welcome

6 replies

BearWithBearWith · 27/12/2012 21:30

Husbands immediate family are lovely however extended family always seem to want their way.
There is past history with comments made by his family eg the state of our house when i was suffering paralytic attacks. Speaking a foreign language around me makes me feel unwelcome too. However last time we were round his cousin hurt me but i do not know if i am being too sensitive. The cousin demanded go know why we were not going to spend Christmas day with them at their house like the rest of his family do. I explained as we have two young kids and my mum died last year,leaving my Dad the only family who lived locally that we'd probably just spend in Christmas in our house. More practical and I didn't want to leave recently widowed Dad on his own.

What upset me however is that she waited to demand this when my husband had popped out to give someone a lift. Also upon me reminding her we'd had a bereavement in my family she simply said but that means her son won't get to play with our kids. No apology or understanding from my family's predicament.
I didn't tell my husband what was said at the time because I just wanted to forget about it and not hurt him.
I suppose I'm extra sensitive because I often feel it's her needs over anyone else's but my husband refuses to see why past comments have hurt me.

Am I being unreasonable to not want to go tomorrow? I feel extra sensitive thinking about Mum and don't feel strong enough to be around people who put themselves first especially when I feel I can't tell my husband how hurt I am due to a cousin he loves and I may just be oversensitive.

It doesn't help she texted on Christmas eve to rub in how we weren't going,I deleted text straightaway due to being upset so can't now show that to husband. I just feel his family always get their way but we are doing Christmas our way but I am getting the brunt of their disapproval when my husbands back is turned.

They caused a lot of bother between us when our first child was born so now I rise above it and tell myself me and husband are fine so they can think what they like. But I'm afraid I'm too emotional to remain level headed about it at present.

I'm sorry this is a jumble, I'm too upset to think straight or know what to write. I hope this makes sense.

Do I tell husband I need some much needed rest and go himself with kids,which he doesn't want to do. Or do I tell him why I'm uncomfortable with not going. Or do I just go,suck it up? I just do not feel like talking,arguing about it tonight when I'm already feeling so low.

Thank you for any help,even just hand holding.

OP posts:
WorraLorraTurkey · 27/12/2012 21:37

It's difficult really.

I mean your Mum dying last year is obviously something that's going to affect you massively, but it's quite possible your DH's cousin didn't remember. I'm not sure I'd remember if my cousin's wife's Mum died a year ago I'm afraid.

You're using the word 'demanded' but did she really demand or did she ask? You're understandably upset so perhaps you're seeing it differently?

All the rest just sounds a lot like petty goings on that happen in most families...and speaking in their own language around you is probably something that comes so naturally, they forget it might appear rude.

YANBU to stay home and chill out if you feel this way, I'm sure your DH will go with the kids and have a good time...and you get to relax and spend some 'you time'.

Win-win

digerd · 27/12/2012 21:54

There are many cultures where the bride belongs to the husbands family, and it's his family who are her priority, not her own. I don't agree with this. Your priority is your widowed father this Xmas and your DHs to support you in your grief too. They should be supportive of you for losing your mother and be sympathetic but are obviously not. It is up to your DH to be assertive with his family, not you.

BearWithBearWith · 27/12/2012 22:15

Thank you both of you. I'm making a mountain out of a molehill about things that usually doesn't bother me. I think that reflects more on how I am feeling tonight.

Interesting that a cultural difference could be at play too. Whether I agree or not with deep seated cultural beliefs it is reassuring to know that any sub feelings may not necessarily be personal.

Feel much more grounded after my crying rant so thank you.

OP posts:
WorraLorraTurkey · 27/12/2012 22:26

Aww well I hope it works out well whatever you decide to do.

Personally I'd pack them all off with a cheery wave and go back to bed Xmas Grin

Laquitar · 27/12/2012 22:47

Also, OP, don't forget that if they translate from their language to English (which you do unconciously when you speak another language) perhaps the questions come out more direct and forceful than they meant to.

I'm sorry about your mum, it is still very recent and of course you feel upset.
I think in your shoes i would stay home tommorow and rest x

BearWithBearWith · 27/12/2012 22:56

Thank you laquitar, that's a valid point that I often remind myself. This occasion I'm too tired and preoccupied to have allowed for that.

Worra,time to myself sounds good but I know my husband would prefer me with him. I shall see how I feel tomorrow.

OP posts:
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