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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Seeing my ex from very long time ago

41 replies

brickingmyselfaboutthis · 31/03/2019 23:45

Name changed for this as it’s a bit outing.
My eldest son’s father was my childhood sweetheart and he left me when I was 12 weeks pregnant and married someone else. That was 28 years ago.
He played no part in sons life (his choice) but last year my son tracked him down. They met up once but I wasn’t involved.
Long story short-he will be in the country in 2 weeks time and now son has a 3 month old daughter he wants us all to meet up at his house.
I’ve never bore any animosity to ex and if truth be told was in love with him for a very long time.
I’m absolute dreading it but I have to do it for my son.
Ex will also have wife and grown up children in tow too.
Help wise mumsnetters!!

OP posts:
outpinked · 01/04/2019 13:36

Explain your feelings to your son. He is old enough to understand why this situation would be uncomfortable, awkward and potentially upsetting for you. Too much water under the bridge, he should be understanding of that.

Itwouldtakemuchmorethanthis · 01/04/2019 13:39

Why do you feel you have to be there?

Original poster
brickingmyselfaboutthis · 01/04/2019 14:59

@Itwouldtakemuchmorethanthis because my son has asked me!
Yes it sounds easy to say no to him but it's important to him and when he and his partner marry in a couple of years I'll have to see his dad anyway.
My original post was asking for advice on how to deal with situation not how to avoid it!!

OP posts:
Original poster
brickingmyselfaboutthis · 01/04/2019 15:05

Besides I'm not having that bloody woman trying to play the doting "grandmother" 😂

OP posts:
Itwouldtakemuchmorethanthis · 01/04/2019 15:50

You shouldn’t feel you have to do whatever people ask of you.Shock. Your ex’s wife is his step grandmother. Their relationship is not yours to police.

DanglyBangly · 01/04/2019 17:51

OK, how to deal with it. Polite, smiles, small talk, nothing personal or emotional, then get the hell out of there. The first time will be the worst but it might get easier seeing him after that.

Original poster
brickingmyselfaboutthis · 01/04/2019 21:53

Thanks @DanglyBangly. I'll also resist the urge to have an alcoholic beverage as I fear one may not be enough 😂

OP posts:
user1498572889 · 01/04/2019 22:01

Agree absolutely nothing personal. Ex does not have the right to know anything about you. Just praise your son don’t ask ex anything about his life. Smile a lot and definitely don’t have a drink. Get out of there ASAP and give yourself a big pat on the back for raising a son who because of you is happy to try and have a relationship with his absent father.

OohYeBelter47 · 01/04/2019 22:05

No way would I go.

Original poster
brickingmyselfaboutthis · 01/04/2019 22:18

@OohYeBelter47 love the name-a fellow countryman I think? 😂😂
@user1498572889 thank you. I'm still undecided about my partner coming (stepdad for 16 years) but eldest dd(18) wants to come to support me.
I'm very very proud of the man he has become. He made me laugh yesterday when he gave me a hug and apologised for being an annoying child-his dsd's we're driving him mad at the time 😂😂 x

OP posts:
PregnantSea · 02/04/2019 00:26

I was in a similar situation a few years ago (to your son) and I didn't even think to try and involve my mum. That seems odd to me.

Still, if he's asked and you've said yes then I suppose it's happening now. I would just focus totally on your son and the baby. You can be polite to his dad without making a big song and dance about catching up with him.

And you say there's no animosity? Are you sure that will still be the case when he turns up with his new family? I was heartbroken when I met my dad's other children and partner. It really hurt. And to top it all off they weren't even pleasant to me, as I had imagined they would be in my head. It was a horrible experience that I wouldn't recommend to anyone.

Crabbyandproudofit · 02/04/2019 01:12

Sounds as though your son wants to give you the opportunity to meet his half-siblings? Perhaps also to show "that bloody woman" what a fabulous person you are! If there is such a crowd at your son's house you can hopefully talk only to those you are comfortable with and avoid the others. You can always offer to help out with the baby if you need a break. Take your DD for moral support if you think it will help (and if your son agrees). The suggestion to have somewhere else to be, an hour later, is a good one. Keep your head high and stay calm.

RChick · 02/04/2019 06:27

Is your son planning to get married and wants to test the water with getting everyone in the same room perhaps?

I would request a short meeting in a neutral space if you feel you have to do it for your son.

Snog · 02/04/2019 08:40

No you don't have to do this for your son.

Original poster
brickingmyselfaboutthis · 02/05/2019 20:54

Just to update that I survived with my dignity intact. Son is just bursting with joy at having (as he put it)-the final piece of the jigsaw. It was very very emotional on all sides and I'm glad I was there to support him x

OP posts:
SusanneLinder · 02/05/2019 21:10

Good for you OP xx

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