Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be sick of pretending that the tactless comments aren't bothering me

6 replies

Onehotminute · 28/12/2018 18:04

DH and I have had difficulties with his parents since we were teenagers and he felt they were too controlling and particularly after he decided to move in with me instead of return home after university.

We had massive issues when we were planning our wedding, as they expected DH's sister's wishes to take priority over mine, whixh we had to concede to in the end.

I, and my family, have tried really hard with them, but everything is a competition to them and no matter what I do, they have to outdo it.

For years, I've tried not to let the comments get to me and I've had to stop complaining for the sake of my DH.

They can be cleverly designed to sound more tactless than anything and like I could be choosing to be offended, but are hurtful and personal. One memorable comment was after them being told in confidence about something traumatic that had happened to me (so DH had someone to share with, not so that they would discuss with me) was for MIL to bring up the harrowing subject in a round about way and go into detail about what she'd 'read' and what she thought about it, despite knowing I knew that she knew I'd just about survived it!

The latest at Christmas, after finding out that I'd started a new job and been constantly criticised bullied out after a matter of weeks, and despite my confidence being at an all time low had secured another new position, was to sarcastically comment on the fact I was 'working my way around' employers to another family member.

Cutting contact is not an option, as my DH would not forgive me. Am I right to think I shouldn't keep putting up with the remarks or should I really just let them think they're not registering? No idea how to say what I want to them without sounding like I'm dredging up lots of little insignificant issues that I didn't pull them up on at the time.

OP posts:
ShinyPinkLipgloss · 28/12/2018 18:08

It’s your life not your DHs. If he’s worth being in a relationship with then he should simply respect your wishes without it turning into some sort of Spanish Inquisition!

Life is too short. I’d let him stay in touch with them as much as he likes but actively avoid them. Don’t make it any sort of drama - just tell him you do not wish to spend any time with them.

RatRolyPoly · 28/12/2018 18:16

Could you maybe bring it up with mil next time she says something? So she says something passive-aggressive and you say, "that was an inconsiderate thing to say, don't you think? I'll be honest, this isn't the first time I've thought that so I thought I should just ask, is it deliberate?"

Then if she protests an awful lot that it definitely isn't deliberate you can say, "well in that case would you mind terribly if I mentioned it in future if I find someone you've said hurtful? Just so we can all get along a little bit better?"

It's a little power play, no doubt, but it does tend to close down that particular avenue if she has to either look like an idiot for doing it "by mistake" or admit she's a cow and doing it on purpose.

redexpat · 28/12/2018 18:28

Read Toxic inlaws by susan forward.

JamPasty · 28/12/2018 18:35

No fucking way should you have to spend time with them. Your DH can, but you don't have to put up with abuse. If he makes a fuss, ask him why he's happy to upset you, but not them.

fc301 · 28/12/2018 18:41

Yep. You have a DH problem. Why is he guilting you into continued contact? He can see them. You can choose not to. He should be dealing with this on your behalf.

posthistoricmonsters · 28/12/2018 23:48

Dealing with what you're dealing with can be super exhausting.

If your DH can't or won't support you, I think you know the answer.

MIL sounds a right shit.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page