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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think my IL's could be a bit kinder to me?

141 replies

jamoncrumpets · 30/03/2018 09:05

Have NC for this because I'm terrified they might read this...

In the last few years, in the last twelve months particularly, I've noticed DH's family have been cutting me out a bit, ignoring texts and phone calls.

His sisters don't reply to any of my texts at all, even one where I invited them to come and stay with us (any time, was a kind of 'hey, we've sorted out the guest room now, would love to see you for a visit' text). I wouldn't say I was texting them excessively, maybe once or twice a week at most, with things mainly about DH or DS, never myself. They used to reply. We'd talk about their lives. Now, nothing. We used to like and comment on each other's Instagram pics, but they haven't interacted with me at all on there for over a year either. I still like their pics, to show that I'm interested in their lives, but I don't really feel like writing any comments if they can't be bothered to interact with me at all. I'm also aware of looking needy.

I should point out here that DH is crap at contacting his family, and they used to say that without me they'd never hear from him.

MiL was obsessed with getting baby pictures and used to tell me how much she loved seeing pics of DS, so I'd send her them often, maybe two or three times a week or if he did something funny. I would always ask about what they were up to too, trying not to make everything about my DS! We'd chat. It was all lovely. But again, in the last year I haven't had any replies really - it feels like they're ghosting me. Again, I have cut contact to maybe once a week, just too keep the lines of communication open.

I'm trying to work out why this has happened and keep coming back to two things. One is that I had a miscarriage last year at 11 weeks. DH's family weren't particularly supportive at this time. In fact, lots of comments were made the next day along the lines of 'Oh you'll forget it soon' and ' Get your weight down and you might have more luck next time'. None of them have mentioned it AT ALL since then. Two is that DS is undergoing assessment for additional needs, it's looking like an ASD diagnosis, but it's not set in stone at the moment. He's lovely but he doesn't behave in the way a lot of 3yos do, and the IL's have often suggested this was because he was at home with me instead of nursery (yes, I know this is bollocks). He can't really hold a conversation at all and they can't get their heads around that. SiL's don't really make much effort to try and engage with him in person, thinking him aloof, which is a shame because once he trusts you he will lavish you with attention!

I'm trying to understand why they have pulled away from me, and I'm also trying to see ways that it could not be about me - I do suffer from low self esteem so blame myself for things a lot.

I don't really know how to tackle it, going forward. Do I just let them go? They're my DS's family.

OP posts:
JessTessMess · 31/03/2018 09:39

I don’t think you’ve done anything wrong either - all you can do though is try and find ways to let it bother you less.

RickOShay · 31/03/2018 09:39

Jam you honestly don’t need to justify yourself. You are in a difficult situation which is not of your making. It is incredibly hurtful when family behave like they don’t give a shit about you and your dc.
I have a nasty feeling it is down to your son’s diagnosis.

Aeroflotgirl · 31/03/2018 10:23

Good just confine like that. Unfollow them on Facebook and Instagram so you don't see them, the do sound quite shit.

PinkbicyclesinBerlin · 31/03/2018 11:20

Pinkbicycles I think you're projecting your own issues onto mine a bit, I'd never invite myself on holiday with in laws and wouldn't dare dictate terms

Hmmm that is what you took from my post, not that maybe contact extended family members 2-3 times per week over a protracted period of time was over exuberant. I think we might have spotted their issue with you I suspect.

JustVent · 31/03/2018 15:05

To my satisfaction? What an odd thing for you to put.

You’re not understanding what I’m saying whatsoever, that’s very clear by your responses.

🤷🏼‍♀️

Lacucuracha · 31/03/2018 18:13

FFS, OP said in her first post that MIL was obsessed was pics of DC, that's why OP must have got used to sending her pics 2-3 times a week.

It was MIL who changed, not OP. Now OP has clocked that MIL is uninterested, she is not going to engage anymore.

And OP never said she was sending SILs pics, it was just to MIL.

OP, I think you gave been remarkably forbearing with people on this thread who want to give you a kicking for some reason.

Don't be so forbearing in real life! Enjoy your family, ignore your ILs.

ssd · 01/04/2018 00:27

jamoncrumpets Sat 31-Mar-18 09:00:06:
I said downthread that I was going to pull right back. I don't know what more you want me to say or do

this is mumsnet op, you could turn cartwheels whilst whistling Dixie and it still wouldnt be enough for some folk.

Almostthere15 · 01/04/2018 06:27

Well I'm going against the grain here but I don't think receiving 2-3 msgs a week (particularly for a grandparent) is intrusive at all. What can't people just text back. Are people honestly so busy that they can't find time to respond. It would take 30 seconds. And it's not like you're sitting round their house for hours at time, you're just staying in touch.

They sound mean to me (e.g. never liking your pics on social media but continuing to do so to one another seems a bit off but more importantly not offering support after a mc is unforgivable) so I'm not sure if want them in my life. They are missing out, not you. As you say pull back and don't allow them to influence your view of yourself. Constantly feeling rejected/unappreciated is vile

MsSquiz · 01/04/2018 07:42

@jamoncrumpets just stop it all, sit back and relax. If they then choose to complain about lack of contact, let your DH sort it. Don't remind him about anniversaries or to call them.
You are human and you've tried with them, why stress yourself out about it?

I have a similar situation with SIL, and since her birthday (where I sorted her gifts from DH, BIL, SIL and me and got no acknowledgement at all) I've decided it is not worth the hassle. Why jump through hoops for people?

What is stopping them from contacting you?

jamoncrumpets · 04/04/2018 12:32

To update, I've unfollowed one of the SiLs because she didn't even call to wish DH, her brother, happy birthday. So I don't have to pretend to be interested in her life any more. It's liberating!

OP posts:
RickOShay · 04/04/2018 18:06

Good for you Jam.
You are on the right track.

JessTessMess · 04/04/2018 19:50

Glad to hear it - now just ditch Instagram altogether and put more energy into peolle that are actually nice to you

spacecadet48 · 04/04/2018 20:22

jamoncrumpets I feel for you. You have been berated on this thread for simply trying to maintain contact with your Ils. As you have stated you used to have a good relationship and lots of contact, it is them that has changed over the past year without any explanation and stopped contact or responding to you. It would be basic manners for someone to at least explain their change in stance. Good for you for trying though. You are right to withdraw, they are your DH family and he doesn't appear to care and neither do they. Look after yourself, your little boy and your new baby when they arrive and keep those around you who actually care.

Tomselleckhaskindeyes · 04/04/2018 21:44

It is liberating when you find you are in control. Listen they sound awful OP even if you might have been texting too much for their taste they would be able to see that it is well intentioned. I think your earlier theories are more likely the cause!

GabriellaMontez · 07/04/2018 11:15

Great! You have space freed up for someone more worthwhile!

MrsMozart · 07/04/2018 11:26

Glad you're getting your time and peace back lass. DH family will lose out in the long run but that's their lookout.

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