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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To want to meet my exs partner before my DC sleep there

186 replies

Rugratstruggles · 28/04/2017 22:07

I'm not sure if I am.

They're moving in together next week. I've never met her, DD has met her a few times over the last three months. DD stays twice a week with her dad.

I asked if we could meet for a coffee, ex said that's fine I'll set something up. Tonight he said she doesn't want to me and doesn't see the point.

I'm a bit Hmm about it. I trust exs judgement but it would be nice to put a face to the person DD lives with twice a week.

AIBU?

OP posts:
BurningViolin · 29/04/2017 13:29

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Willyoujustbequiet · 29/04/2017 13:33

Flossy

Its not odd at all - it will depend on each individual circumstance surely.

There are RPs that dont trust the NRP as far as they can throw them but may be court ordered into contact.

Its good parenting not control.

BertrandRussell · 29/04/2017 13:36

"You don't stop being a parent just becuase your child isn't at home with you"

That applies to the NRP too.

ProudBadMum · 29/04/2017 13:37

Not sure what's to gain by meeting. It's not like the GF will say 'yeh don't like kids so will probably ignore, beat or insult yours'

So the person you meet won't be the real her. Be a false interview version

FlossymooToo · 29/04/2017 13:42

Willy it is odd because it does not apply here to this thread so why are you labouring the point?

If you want to generalise then there are many rp that cannot be trusted especially when it comes to choosing a new partner. However it would be pointless to make such a sweeping statement on this thread as it does not apply and would be an odd statement to make dont you think?

EnthusiasmIsDisturbed · 29/04/2017 14:01

Of course that applies Bertrand

I would also support a NRP wanting to meet a new partner of a RP of their child is going to be spending a lot of time with them/going on holiday with then and especially if they are planning to live together

HoHoHoHo · 29/04/2017 15:09

I was petrified the first time I met dp's ex. It happened in a more natural way. I don't think I'd have gone for a coffee with her if she'd asked me to be honest. It would have felt like being summoned to be interviewed. I think you'd have been better off just taking the kids to drop them off when she was there or inviting her in for a cup of tea at a drop off.

I get on really well with dp's ex now and even babysat the children at her house when her brother was in hospital and dp was working away.

itsmine · 29/04/2017 15:43

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BertrandRussell · 29/04/2017 15:47

Out of interest, what use would the meeting be? Why would you want to meet? Apart from normal curiosity, of course.....

HoHoHoHo · 29/04/2017 17:00

Also op, if you didn't like her then what? Genuine safeguarding concerns aside you couldn't refuse to let the kids stay with them.

worridmum · 29/04/2017 17:01

Would you let your ex meet your dp if the roles were revised nope I didn't think so people would be jumping upon the ex saying he had no right to meet new partners etc so why is ok the other way around?

gluteustothemaximus · 29/04/2017 17:16

I don't understand not wanting to meet. It's all in the best interests of the child.

And yes, if the roles were reversed, even more important to meet new partner who could be living with mum full time.

FlossyMooToo · 29/04/2017 17:20

The wanting to meet is understandable. Its the judgement when the other person says no thats the issue.

BertrandRussell · 29/04/2017 17:21

Entirely up to the new partner.

FlossyMooToo · 29/04/2017 17:24

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FlossyMooToo · 29/04/2017 17:24

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Graphista · 29/04/2017 20:10

"I imagine if she posted here to say DP's ex is insisting that she has a meeting with me before letting DsD say the night in the same house as me, the responses would have a rather different slant."

The response would depend on who posted, it hasn't been everyone agreeing even on this thread.

My response would be along the lines of 'you are going to be in this child's life, in a position of trust with the child. It's just a quick coffee/meet & greet it won't hurt you to do this and will make relations & communication among all the adults in the child's life run more smoothly. It's a small thing to do to put this mothers mind at ease. And you never know you might find it useful to be able to talk to her about the child at times if you need to.'

"Not a valid comparison, she isn't being paid to take care of you DD she is your Ex's new partner" I agree it's not a valid comparison, nursery teachers are vetted and background checked, have training and experience, are unlikely to be left completely alone with the child or have the responsibility of caring for them overnight. The ex's new dp could be anyone!

Also those saying it would be uncomfortable or awkward - are your feelings of discomfort more important than a child's need to feel secure that all the adults in his life can put their feelings of what is really just embarrassment aside in order to ensure THEY are best cared for? The child/ren are more important than a half hour of discomfort for you.

And yes if it's a new partner moving in with RP the same applies.

I'd be very interested to know if those saying there's no need, it's unreasonable etc have actually been in op's position? I have and from what I've read of the responses generally speaking those saying op is not unreasonable have and those saying it is unreasonable have not.

FlossyMooToo · 29/04/2017 20:26

I didnt meet DSS mum until my own child was 6 weeks old. I had already been in his life for 2 years.
I have said hello, waved and nodded to exes partner of over a year. DC tell me she is nice and fun and has a special tea cup Smile

TheDowagerCuntess · 29/04/2017 20:38

Would you let your ex meet your dp if the roles were revised nope I didn't think so

How strange that you're so sure the answer would be no.

If it were me, I'd be even more anxious for ex-DH to meet my new partner, if new parter was going to be sleeping in the house DC were also sleeping in.

Who wouldn't...?

itsmine · 29/04/2017 20:46

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DixieNormas · 29/04/2017 20:52

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DixieNormas · 29/04/2017 20:56

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silkybear · 29/04/2017 21:04

I think it perfectly reasonable to offer to meet someone who will spend lots of time with your kids in future, yanbu. You don't have to be best mates but one meeting hardly seems a big deal.

TheStoic · 29/04/2017 21:10

Honestly, I think a summons like this is usually a power play on behalf of the RP.

Because really...what are they going to learn from one meeting? And what can they do if they don't like what they see?

Smitff · 29/04/2017 21:13

YANBU but for your own sake, what would you do with the information you'd glean from meeting her?

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