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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to say my mum can't have my phone number?

41 replies

Amykins35 · 24/04/2013 23:09

I moved out of home at 15, my mum had thrown me out several times from the age of 11 and I slept rough. I was a mistake, the reason she was forced to stay with my dad etc - she hated me and made my life a misery in return for my arrival ruining hers. My dad used to work away to avoid her and her behaviour deteriorated until one day she tried to stab me. Eventually she was diagnosed as being bipolar and sectioned. That was when I was 14, she came home on medication and pretty much just slept for a couple of months before deciding not to take them anymore. She became very nasty to me again (in private, never public) and I moved out at 15. I had no contact with her until I was 20 and bumped into her. I was six months pregnant with DD1 and she told me bump was too small and I'd probably lose it. Fast forward 3 years and my sister gave her my address so she could write to me - I now live a few hours away. She asked how DD and I was but proceeded to write several pages about her and how tough life is for her (despite getting over 100k in the eventual divorce from my dad) and there was never any apology for abusing/hurting/throwing me out etc nor asking how I survived etc. I wrote a couple of letters back but she was so self absorbed it seemed pointless. I never had a good relationship with her, there are no happy memories and I have no expectations of a mother daughter relationship with her. My sister text today (over 2 years on from letters) saying my mum has asked for my phone number. WIBU to say no, she can't have it?

OP posts:
cardamomginger · 25/04/2013 10:14

YANBU. I had a toxic mother (now dead) and my life would have been so much easier if she hadn't had my number.
I'm so sorry - I know what you mean about wishing you had a nice mum and a nice granny for your children. It can be hard and painful to accept that she's never going to be that. Good luck X

Tailtwister · 25/04/2013 10:18

YANBU at all. Going from your post, there's no way I would want any contact with her, let alone by phone.

facedontfit · 25/04/2013 11:26

Do not let her have your phone number. She brings nothing to your life. She has dragged you down with her letters she will do the same with phone calls.

quoteunquote · 25/04/2013 11:52

Do NOT give her your phone number and if she does get hold of it, change it, get caller ID.

The only person you have a responsibility towards is yourself, because you need to be happy and stress free for your family.

This is not your problem, do not let anyone make your problem.

Lemonylemon · 25/04/2013 11:58

OP: Fudging the issue and working round your sister, you could buy a PAYG mobile and give her that number. You need never turn the phone on.

CarpeVinum · 25/04/2013 11:59

No.

And ignore any guilt tripping family members who say you are BU.

It's not her fault she is ill, but it's not your fault either, and the fact it was illness rather than pure free will doesn't do anything to eradicate what you went through.

You are perfectly entitled to refuse to permit mental illness from colouring your present and future in the way it did your past.

starfield · 25/04/2013 12:01

Definitely not unreasonable.

Sorry you've had to go through so much.

sparechange · 25/04/2013 15:12

Definitely, totally not unreasonable
Your mum sounds like mine, and she has absolutely minimal details of my life, even though my DB still has some sort of relationship with her
I live by the theory that I wouldn't let anyone else treat me the way she did and stay in touch with them, so she doesn't get special dispensation just because we share a bit of DNA
If an ex-boyfriend had treated you like that, there is no way you'd want them to have your number

Astley · 25/04/2013 16:05

Never, ever let her have it. She lost the right to have it when she stopped being a decent Mother.

pigletmania · 25/04/2013 16:12

Yanbu at all, how awful. I wouldn't you would just be opening yourself to more toxic behaviour

Chiggers · 25/04/2013 16:44

Maybe you should wait to see if your mum rings/texts you. If she does, it'll tell you that your DSis/other family member has given it to her and you should change your number and refuse to give it to your family, unless you can actually trust them.

oldtoys · 25/04/2013 18:43

sounds like your sister is stirring somewhat? Self presevervation tells me don't call text your mum. Will open up a can of worms etc

mouseymummy · 25/04/2013 18:54

No yanbu!! My m is toxic too, I now have no contact with her.

My mother has gone to most of my family and asked them for my number, they've all declined. Luckily. However there are many apps that allow you to block numbers. My suggestion would be to download one just in case. At least then, if she does get

mouseymummy · 25/04/2013 18:56

Sorry, posted too soon.

Does get hold of your number, you will be able to block it straight away. This is what I've done. Just in case my mum catches someone on a bad day.

Good luck op.

Altinkum · 25/04/2013 19:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Finola1step · 25/04/2013 19:43

Walk away and protect your own children.

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