Can't Win with family

[megsmoo179]

We have two family engagements really close together! I have arranged to attend both leave on the Sunday night to get back for the next one. My mum has said it will be hard work etc etc which I know but I am trying to keep my family and my partners family happy! Throw into the mix my sister also made a comment about me leaving early! Well the anniversary is at 11 on the Sunday and I'll leave about 6.30! AIBU to expect some support instead of my family having a go! I am really trying to keep everyone happy. I feel like I really can't win with my family, nothing I do seems to be right. I am driving with my two young sons because if we fly I would need to hire a car because no one understands the space two car seats take up!

I'd tell them that if they can't appreciate the effort I'm making to be there then I won't bother with either.

Just be assertive and firm and tell them this is how it is and this is what’s happening, and you do not want to discuss any further. You’ve made your decision on the best way to do things, and it’s too bad if they don’t like it. They just have to suck it up and accept it.

Where is your partner in all of this since you’re visiting his family as well?

Yanbu. You’re going to be there for 3+ hours with two small children on top of having driven there with said children vs flying. I can only guess it is quite a distance if you would have flown otherwise. They need to back off and accept it. If they continue, don’t go. They’ll probably go on and on about it at the event to guilt you further especially when you leave. I wouldn’t want to deal with that even on a good day.

"I am really trying to keep everyone happy."

Stop.