Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not pay for my mum's birthday party.

177 replies

Loulou0 · 07/10/2016 22:04

Background is that my parents were abusive. My dad was a drunk and physically/mentally abused me/siblings. Mum never hit us but she was also a drunk - mean, neglectful, never stepped in to protect us from beatings etc.

Me and my siblings all moved out of the family home as soon as we could. (I was 16) We've gone on to do ok, have families of our own etc.

My dad died years ago and my mum is still a big drinker but has improved. She goes through phases of being interested in my kids but she's still self-centred, selfish and a pretty shit mum all round. I.expect nothing different any more.

So generally, I have moved on from my childhood and have done well financially. My mum turns 60 in December and I've just received a text from her asking if I'll 'pay towards her party instead of buying her a birthday present.' She wants £200.

I'm really upset by this. Growing up, events like birthdays and Christmas were horrendous. My dad was at his worst on special occasions and we used to dread them. I don't remember having any happy birthdays at all.

Aibu to not pay for her party purely on this basis?? Should I move on and just be kind?

I can comfortably it but I feel really resentful. I'm getting really upset writing this which is stupid as I'm in my late thirties now. I hate that I still feel shit about all of this after so long.

OP posts:
MrsBB1982 · 08/10/2016 19:20

OP I really feel for you. I see it from the other side. My MIL (and a lesser extent FIL) are bad parents. My DH didn't see it for a very (very) long time. Probably because they did what I call tick box parenting - fed, watered, clothed but never loved.

It was having kids that helped him see it. He loves ours to the end of the earth like you do yours. It makes it sting pretty badly now he realises how badly he was treated.

He's more of a son to my parents than his own which he finds difficult. Wonderful to be loved but hurtful he's only now truly loved.

Therapy is helping him work through it.

Hugs to all those with awful parents. The older I get the more I appreciate mine.

ohfourfoxache · 08/10/2016 19:43

Lou it might be worth considering NC - it genuinely doesn't sound like she brings anything positive to your life.

Have you spoken to your brother since you received those texts?

Catsize · 08/10/2016 21:02

Stay strong OP.

Alibobbob · 08/10/2016 21:12

Is she the type to give your Aunt grief over you paying for the boiler? Will she ask your Aunt for money?

As PP suggested block her number or ignore - you've worked hard for your savings she doesn't deserve a penny of it.

IhatchedaSnorlax · 08/10/2016 21:12

Say no Op - if you don't want the confrontation then lie & tell her you can't afford it. Sorry you had such a terrible time growing up.

Starlight2345 · 08/10/2016 21:23

If you feel any need to reply simply..As I explained kids have picked present..

Unfortunately even now she is not respectful of your opinion.

IhatchedaSnorlax · 08/10/2016 21:26

Sorry Op, the full thread hadn't loaded when I responded. Glad you've said no - I agree with the others & recommend ignoring the text messages.

HarryPottersMagicWand · 08/10/2016 21:43

Ignoring is the best way.

I'd be so tempted to say "just fuck off out of my life you useless twat" though, then block so you had the last word. Grin

AcrossthePond55 · 08/10/2016 23:50

Ignore her. She just wants to draw you into a 'text war' in which she'll either try to manipulate you or use your own words to make others think ill of you.

DecaffCoffeeAndRollupsPlease · 09/10/2016 00:35

Entitled addict mindset- ignore.

Your reply re present was well composed and appropriate.

RunRabbitRunRabbit · 09/10/2016 00:36

Ignore. She's baiting you to reel you in. Don't bite.

ParForTheCourses · 09/10/2016 08:43

Ignore her. She wants an argument so she can start manipulating or guilting. Or send the text mentioned above by Ginkypig and block after.

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 09/10/2016 13:02

Totally agree - she's trying to get a reaction from you, so the best thing to do is ignore her.
There's no point explaining to her that yes, you probably would help your A. Carol because she was lovely and wasn't fucking bastard useless drunk mother - because she just won't get it.
So silence is your best "weapon" in this war - refusal to engage at all.

Loulou0 · 11/10/2016 12:14

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their kind words and advice.

My mum got drunk last night and bombarded me with texts telling me how selfish and self centred I am etc.

My brother and I have finally decided to cut her out of our lives completely. This was the final straw. It feels good.

Thanks again x

OP posts:
sparechange · 11/10/2016 12:45

Stay strong, Loulou
The stately homes boards here are wonderful, should you feel you need them

I am sure you will look back on this as the best thing you've done

Featherybum · 11/10/2016 13:18

Please remember her comments about you aren't true, they are a symptom of her problems. Hope disengaging from it all brings you and your brother some peace x

CookieLady · 11/10/2016 13:26

Good on you Smile. Stay strong and don't waver from this decision.

Mummyoflittledragon · 11/10/2016 13:43

Wow! Go Loulou. I'm glad you are at peace with your decision.

AcrossthePond55 · 11/10/2016 14:14

Good Decision Lou. I think you and your brother are going to be much happier in the future!

Expect some 'tough times' during the first few weeks. She's going to bombard and then when that doesn't work, she's going to enlist friends and relatives as 'flying monkeys' to bring you back in line. Then will be the social media campaign about her 'ungrateful children'. Just persevere, block, delete, unfriend. It'll be so worth it in the end!

GeekLove · 11/10/2016 14:24

Yep. Brace yourself for the onslaught of flying monkeys and PA social media status updates.

MagikarpetRide · 11/10/2016 15:49

I'm glad your decision is bringing you peace loulou. Also glad your DB is also of the same opinion. Like geek says brace yourself for flying monkeys.

ZuleikaDobson · 11/10/2016 15:50

Great. I hope you've blocked her completely from your phone, texts and email services.

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 11/10/2016 15:50

I think that's a good choice for you and your brother, Loulou.Thanks

macnab · 11/10/2016 16:26

OP I have read the whole thread and think you've handled it perfectly. I think you're right to go NC too, focus on your own family from now on.

I've been NC with my father for 12 years. I thought I was ok with everything, had buried things deep and just got on with my life. Then something happened recently that made me think and I was very upset. I had never thought of counselling before, didn't think I needed it. But I've been seeing a wonderful counsellor for the last couple of months now and have found it really helpful. I would urge you to do the same. It's no good keeping things buried, talking it through with an impartial person is such a relief and really gives you perspective.

Wishing you all the best.

ohfourfoxache · 11/10/2016 16:29

Sounds like NC is long overdue- well done for coming to your decision Thanks

Swipe left for the next trending thread