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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Another in-law one...

443 replies

forfuxache · 06/02/2018 15:52

Argh! I don't know if I'm being an UR shrew or if I'm justified in being annoyed.

It's DHs birthday today. He's at work. I went out this morning and bought all the ingredients for a lovely three course dinner of his favourite things.

We have a toddler (22 months) and I'm 9 weeks pregnant. So as you can imagine chances for a romantic evening are thin on the ground. However, I'm finally feeling not so exhausted and a bit more chipper and our toddler has been playing ball recently by going to bed promptly by seven. DH will be home for half seven so we'll start to eat by eight. So, my plan is to have dinner, chill out then have an, ahem, early night together - he'll love it.

Inlaws asked DH last weekend if they could come for a cuppa around 8pm on his birthday to give him his card and present. He asked me (as he guessed I might have plans) and I said it wouldn't work, but would he like to invite them for dinner at the weekend instead - I'll cook. Didn't think anymore of it.

Now I've had FIL texting me this afternoon saying DH has told them it's not going to work for them to come today but they only want to come for half an hour? Why can't they? I replied nicely, saying really sorry but I'm cooking a three course meal which we won't start until eight but did DH ask them about the weekend - if so what day suits, what do they fancy to eat etc.

Got a snotty reply back from MIL saying she doesn't understand why they can't just pop in quickly to give DH his card and present, they don't mind if we're eating!

Argh! I replied saying that I was planning a 'bit of a romantic evening' (big enough hint, no?) and she's still not happy. Says she's surprised as she thought we were having a romantic evening next week when they babysit while we go out for dinner. I should add I didn't ask them to babysit. MIL offered when I said I'd got a table at a restaurant we like, and DD will be in bed.

AIBU to be cross? I've been nice, I've I invites them another night and offered to cook for them. Short of saying 'well MIL I might fancy shagging DH on the sofa at some point - I've even shaved my legs y'know - so it's not really appropriate that you're here!! Also we're tired parents - once we've had our fun we'll no doubt want to be asleep by half ten!'

They have no boundaries I swear! I know DH is their son and they love him, but he's 35 years old! Surely they don't HAVE to see him on his actual birthday?!?

No real backstory here, except for MIL doesn't like being told no. Which she isn't very often. Except for the time she wanted to visit a week after DD was born (they day after I got out of hospital after a truly terrible birth and was really quite unwell still) and threw a massive tantrum when we said no, give us a day or two please. Other than that, they are fine.

Is it me??

OP posts:
GreatDuckCookery6211 · 06/02/2018 17:50

Graphista the moment will have passed if they visit in another day. His birthday is today. Normally people send cards and visit on the birthday. Except when it's the MIL on MN.

As I said there's no real reason the OP couldn't have cooked a nice meal on a different day. There's 364 of them to choose from.

Megs4x3 · 06/02/2018 17:50

Good grief!! I'm a mother of sons around that age and honestly, your MIL's behaviour is thoroughly inappropriate-and your poor BIL. How lovely of you to deal with that as you did. Many of the posts here are inappropriate too. These are grown adult children, with their own lives now. Boundaries, anyone?

Graphista · 06/02/2018 17:53

"The moment will have passed" well again the SAME can be applied to the dh wanting to celebrate with his WIFE on HIS birthday.

They have both said no it's bloody rude for mil to try and dismiss that.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 06/02/2018 17:55

The H said no after asking the OP.

Karatema · 06/02/2018 17:56

I would love to see my sons on their birthdays but as they live 3 hrs away it's not always convenient for them or us. It's ridiculous your PILs are supposed to be adults. My DPs wouldn't dream of coming to ours if we'd said no and vice versa.

Whisperquietly · 06/02/2018 17:58

I think you’re being a bit selfish. Surely you can give them half an hour on your DH’s birthday to pop in and give a present? It doesn’t seem a lot to ask!

MammaTJ · 06/02/2018 17:59

It's my DGD birthday today and I have not seen her. I would love to see her on her birthday and every other day of the year but well, she has a mum and dad and two other sets of GPs demanding of her time!

I know my Ex and his wife saw her yesterday (and the wife made a point of thanking my DD on her FB wall for that), they probably saw DDs ILs today and we get to see her and my DD and SIL tomorrow.

I think we are probably last, as we are least likely to cause a fuss-last but not least..

I have no idea what will happen on DDs birthday in a months time. She has a lovely close friend who she may go out for lunch with, I may end up treating her to lunch, it may even be a combination of both. If I don't see her at lunchtime, I will see her the next day, as her DH works all day and the evening is theirs! All of this is supposing she does not go in to labour with their DD2. Grin

YANBU!

Megs4x3 · 06/02/2018 18:00

@GreatDuckCookery - the posters DH said no after asking the OP if she had plans - and she did. That's not the same as asking her permission as you imply.

forfuxache · 06/02/2018 18:00

They're his mum and dad and want to see him on his birthday. I think you are being unreasonable. In fact why don't you cook a bit more and ask them to stay for dinner.

Sure @Ickyockycocky. I'll offer FIL a shuffle under the table too shall I, just to include hen in every part of our evening? 🙄

OP posts:
BiddyPop · 06/02/2018 18:00

GreatDuck, at the ripe old age of 35, should one not be able to decide for oneself how they celebrate their birthday? And to say that, I think there are already plans, yes, there are already plans and while I know why you want to come down today, I will see you at the weekend instead? It's not cutting off your DM forwever, it's just telling your DM that actually, you are now 35 and can make your own plans for the day as an adult with free will and set your own boundaries?!

Graphista · 06/02/2018 18:00

I don't think he exactly needed his arm twisting! He was just checking if they were busy - they are!

Selfish?! For wanting a rare romantic evening with her dh? Give me strength!!!!

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 06/02/2018 18:03

Graphista did you miss the bit where the OP says they're going out next week to a nice restaurant? And now insists they have another one in his birthday.

Just seems very awkward behaviour to me.

GreenTulips · 06/02/2018 18:05

I think is MIL that's uptight and needs a bit of loosening up!

I wouldn't necessarily call cooking a meal for someone at home having plans so that nothing else can happen

No idea have you?

Graphista · 06/02/2018 18:06

No I didn't - they can hardly shag in the restaurant it would probably be frowned on Hmm

Nquartz · 06/02/2018 18:06

Goodness me, I'm gobsmacked at some of these replies!
I haven't seen my mum on my birthday since my 18th & I'm 37 this year. Our birthdays are only 2 days apart & she likes being on holiday for hers - I like her priorities, I hope I'm the same when DD is grown up

Only1scoop · 06/02/2018 18:06

I think cooking dinner at home and refusing them popping in for half an hour before you serve it up is a bit precious.

Maybe the weekend doesn't 'work for them'

A quick happy birthday, card, gift and then them popping off doesn't sound like any great shakes to me.

I wouldn't offend them over it personally.

Dobbythesockelf · 06/02/2018 18:06

I can't get my head around all these people that insist on seeing their adult kids on their birthday. I mean why is it that important?? Surely once they are married with kids of their own you understand they might want to spend their birthday with their wife and kids. Last year for my dh birthday I planned a meal and had set up the living room with duvets etc so we could watch a movie and 'cuddle' afterwards thankfully my in laws don't feel the need to see him on his birthday they would be happy to wait till the weekend. And my mil is a bitch half the time.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 06/02/2018 18:07

Stop being ridiculous.

forfuxache · 06/02/2018 18:07

We are going to a restaurant next week too. Sinners we are. Its only so close by because we got a cancellation after I made the original booking (for May), you normally have to wait 6 months to go there. Is a once yearly treat!

OP posts:
SockUnicorn · 06/02/2018 18:07

I actually think it’s quite rude to show up ON the birthday with a card. I’m a “day before at the latest” person with cards and gifts. I like the recipient to open them when they open the rest.

Also, I wouldn’t even show up at my DParents on their birthdays without asking. People are busy that day. And I would hate to make them late for anything or them not do something out of politeness of me being there. So I ask what day “that week” people are free.

When my children are older I will pick a weekend, check with their DHs and children, invite them all round and then make a fuss of them with a meal/balloons then. Like I do now they’re little. I wouldn’t take the day or demand a set weekend day.

YANBU OP

Graphista · 06/02/2018 18:07

Only1 - op has said it's unlikely they WOULD stick to a half hour, plus as I and others have said - does kill the mood somewhat

RebelRogue · 06/02/2018 18:08

This meal involves sex . I get the feeling it's been a while for both OP and her DH. The shaving of legs makes this quite monumental . No wonder they'd both prefer things to go as planned.
I mean honestly what would you rather have on your bday? A duck and fuck or maternal kisses a present and a card?

strikingstarlet · 06/02/2018 18:08

LOL

"As I said there's no real reason the OP couldn't have cooked a nice meal on a different day. There's 364 of them to choose from" and all similar comments!!

can seen the next generation of MIL's are going to be just as unpopular and fucking ridiculous as the last...

"No Yvonne I don't want to watch your son open up a pair of socks that are dyed with the blood of your placenta and personalised with the tears of your disappointment...I just want to get him drunk on cheap whiskey and have him shag me sideways over the kitchen table"

Grin
Graphista · 06/02/2018 18:10

I'm being ridiculous - ok then Confused

Don't think my dd will need to worry about me turning up at inopportune moments when she's over 30, left home, married and got DC of her own.

Her birthday is 2 days before Valentine's Day so I'd imagine romantic will be the way to go. Grin

TitaniasCloset · 06/02/2018 18:10

GrinGrinGrin

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