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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not entertain my father for the evening?

24 replies

Sudocremegg · 05/06/2014 16:28

I have a particularly up and down relationship with my parents, or rather I have a difficult relationship with my parents where I am accepted into the fold if I do as they tell me and I am ostracised if I dare stand up for myself or disagree with them. Of late I've been rather compliant but got into a bit of a bicker with my mother (where she was insisting I was in the wrong about something inconsequential but I'd had enough and wouldn't back down) and she slammed the phone down on me. The next time I rang when I said it was me my father slammed the phone down on me too.

I've always been the black sheep of the family, from what I can gather for being too independent as a teenager, and everything I do will be looked upon as wrong. Conversely my idiot sister can do no wrong in spite of causing a lot of drama stealing/lying/drinking/gambling etc. History will be re-written to say I was abusing my mother hence I am unreasonable to not accommodate all their wishes. I could go into the instances where my parents have ruined things/caused friction but I'd be writing until Christmas. Both my engagement and my wedding were ruined by them and my birthday is always forgotten (three days after my sister, and hers is always remembered).

Anyway, I digress. I've now had a message saying my father needs (needs, not wants) to come to my home for an evening as my mother has been invited to an event nearby and wants him to drive her there and back. Given that they've both slammed the phone down on me for daring to have my own opinion in the last weeks, and daring to think it was a misunderstanding so calling to catch up, I'm minded to say no he can't come. I'll be expected to entertain him in my home as "it's family" which I understand to mean they can treat me like crap and I have to bend over backwards to accept them.

AIBU to say no and finally stand up for myself? Am terrified of the fireworks if I do.

OP posts:
Mabelface · 05/06/2014 16:31

Do it. Remember as well, you can't change how people behave, but you can change how you respond and deal with it.

ENormaSnob · 05/06/2014 16:31

Yanbu at all.

Monopolice · 05/06/2014 16:32

How was the message sent? Of course the answer is no - how you say no depends entirely on how much you want to deal with.

oldgrandmama · 05/06/2014 16:32

Say 'NO' and bugger the fallout. They sound horrible.

NatashaBee · 05/06/2014 16:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

diddl · 05/06/2014 16:36

Of course YANBU.

Even if they weren't horrible to you it would be OK to say that no, that didn't actually work for you that evening.

He can drive her there & she can taxi home.

diddl · 05/06/2014 16:37

Or their other daughter, the one they think about & aren't pissy with can help.

DenzelWashington · 05/06/2014 16:38

Or ignore, and make sure you are out that night. But certainly, don't do it.

Just as they've taught you your actions have consequences with them, it is time for them to learn that their actions have consequences with you.

Monopolice · 05/06/2014 16:40

How was the message sent? Of course the answer is no - how you say no depends entirely on how much you want to deal with.

BigbyWolf · 05/06/2014 17:04

Definitely say no.

Mordirig · 05/06/2014 17:12

Life is too short to bend to the will of horrible people, even if they are your parents.
YADNBU.

Sudocremegg · 06/06/2014 06:47

The demand request was just a text message with no hint of apology or acknowledgement of prior hang ups.

diddl you make an excellent point. I'm so bad at saying no to stuff, especially if it doesn't inconvenience me much, as I have been taught that it's selfish and unkind to put myself anywhere other than last.

OP posts:
FunkyBoldRibena · 06/06/2014 07:30

I would text back with 'aw, I would have considered it if both of you hadn't slammed the phone down on me last week. Hope you have a lovely evening and sort something out around transport'.

FuckYouChrisAndThatHorse · 06/06/2014 07:42

Not unreasonable at all. It sounds like you need to start distancing yourself from them. They sound really horrible :(

No more favours, no more jumping when they say "jump", time to realise that the way they treat you is appalling.

Decide how you want to be treated and refuse to engage with them unless they treat you with respect. They are toddlers, don't reward their tantrums.

Don't say you're busy, I like FunkyBoldRibena 's response. It doesn't hide from the truth, but is light and friendly.

FishWithABicycle · 06/06/2014 07:52

How about "sorry I'm out that night - dad is welcome to hang out at my house but I won't be there".

Or just "no" if you don't want to be that accommodating. They sound like hard work and I wouldn't blame you for a moment if you decided not to bother with them any more.

LaurieFairyCake · 06/06/2014 07:54

"I'm out at a lecture Toxic Oarent

LaurieFairyCake · 06/06/2014 07:55

Parenting so won't be home"

WynkenBlynkenandNod · 06/06/2014 07:56

I find that with difficult members of my family to say as little as possible and not to engage further if they try to make more of it. So a text saying sorry but you are busy that night and repeat if he tries t make anything more of it.

Jengnr · 06/06/2014 08:02

Don't reply.

Go out.

Fairenuff · 06/06/2014 08:13

Ignore the text if you want to. Your phone is for your convenience, not theirs and you are not obliged to answer them. Unless you think he might just turn up on the night, in which case it's probably best to text back "No, I can't have him here".

diddl · 06/06/2014 08:18

Even if they turn up, OP doesn't have to answer the door & let them in...

I'm not a texter, but if you want a favour like that isn't it more polite to phone?

Hope you are ignoring or have already said no OP.

justmatureenough2bdad · 06/06/2014 09:41

reply with:
on receipt of written apology for recent behaviour, i will consider your request...

Cocolepew · 06/06/2014 09:45

Fuck 'em.

sarinka · 06/06/2014 11:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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