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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be annoyed at Inlaws for 'calling in' today

132 replies

OhDearMe2 · 22/05/2016 18:49

So today is my DM's birthday. For a few weeks we have had a nice day planned close to my home (My mum dad and sis travelled over to us) for lunch out with my DH and two DCs also went a nice walk etc. At about 4pm DCs got tired so DH said he would take them home and my sis went with him as was feeling tired (she's preggers). Anyway then my DM informs me that my Inlaws have just called DH to say they're in the area and will call in for a cuppa.

I'm mildly annoyed DH didn't mention it to me but to be fair I was not close by on the walk (split off for a bit) and I think was all a bit hectic. Anyway when I got home at 5pm Inlaws were there drinking tea etc and DH was then meant to go out (has cycle ride some Sunday eve). I don't mind at all because he looks forward to it all week! Anyway all a bit weird then as Inlaws are there with me and my sis and its 5.30pm and time to get tea and bed and I'm annoyed because they've basically just invited themselves over on my mum's birthday (which they knew). Mum and dad arrive back from walk slightly later as stopped to rest and house is then full and all v stressful getting kids to eat / bed.

AIBU to think they should just sod off home? It's 6.45pm on Sunday eve, my DH has missed his cycle ride (tried to go but turned around because he felt guilty 'as everyone is over') and I am now left feeling riled that my family have departed (they know that bed / bath / tea time is not sociable time for us) but Inlaws are just waiting for us downstairs to chat after kids in bed.

I could be annoyed with DH but they told him they were popping in for a cuppa for twenty mins. That was almost 3 hours ago!!

I like them but just think this is quite rude?! AIBU?

Also MIL is totally full of cold. She's not the sort to let this stop her but I am annoyed she has no qualms about cuddling my children even when Ill!!

OP posts:
Horsemad · 25/05/2016 08:58

I can't believe many DILs would be happy at having another woman - be it their MIL or Mum faffing around in their own house!

Most women ime are quite territorial and prefer no interference.

If someone wants help, then fine offer it. If they don't, then take HEED, FGS!

Nana - have you actually asked if your DILs would like your 'assistance'? Or, are you just assuming and riding roughshod over their wishes?

For me, it was when my MIL just assumed I'd want her help it all went wrong...

As I pointed out, I'd been running my own home for years without any help and was perfectly happy with that situation.

GnomeDePlume · 25/05/2016 11:29

If someone wants help, then fine offer it. If they don't, then take HEED

It so much depends on how the asking is done:

  • 'can I help by doing XYZ' is fine. If the person says 'no but can you do ABC' is also fine. If the person asking doesnt want ABC done then they are free to say 'no' but then they shouldnt go ahead and do XYZ
  • 'I am going to help by doing XYZ' is not fine. It puts the person on the back foot as they then may feel that they are obliged to accept the 'help' even if it isnt in fact helpful

Recognise that offering & accepting help can be a bit of a minefield and that sensitivity to the other person's feelings is absolutely essential.

rwilkinson84 · 25/05/2016 11:51

If my FMIL did anything like the OP's the police would have a hard time finding the bits of her that were left.

minesapintofwine · 26/05/2016 09:23

If my FMIL did anything like the OP's the police would have a hard time finding the bits of her that were left. Hmm you sound lovely

rwilkinson84 · 27/05/2016 09:24

You haven't met my FMIL Smile

MrsHardy1 · 27/05/2016 16:31

my in-laws do this. 'pop in for a cuppa' and end up staying hours. They think nothing of staying until 11pm. I'd be livid if they did it on my mums birthday! Ive been known to have 2 hours baths during this visits, or just go to bed.

minesapintofwine · 27/05/2016 21:13

rwilkinson84 ok fair point Grin

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