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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not try again with DB?

121 replies

Biancadelrioisback · 31/08/2019 15:20

Backstory:
My brother is 2 yrs older than me. We grew up privileged, in a nice area with very lovely parents, wanted for nothing. He was always very academic, always had top marks in science and maths, played football and was quite good, relatively attractive so no problems with finding girlfriends etc. I was more arty, loved writing and performing, good singer etc. We went to different schools (single sex) yet he was always in competition with me. I was still good at school and always had really good but not always top marks which he used to rub in my face, calling me thick etc. He just has a very nasty streak. If he could hurt me, he would. As he's very clever, he was very good at doing this subtlety and wearing me down over many years. As an example, when I would dress up for an occasion, he would side eye me and snort/laugh then just turn his back on me. I would call him out all the time but again, because it was always subtle, he could deny it or make it seem like I was overreacting. But this was constant.

When he went to uni, my life was much better, I had freedom and he was gone. He was quite nasty to my DM too, he would ignore her calls and texts all the time, told all his mates that she was really annoying and pathetic, but she loves him so when he did bother with her, she was almost grateful. He studied an academic subject at a very prestigious uni and did very well, went on to get his PHD and now has a successful, well paid career. I studied an arty subject at uni (still got into a good one!) and went on to be a wedding and events planner for a number of years. He mocked and belittled my course and later, my career whenever I saw him. He would always put me down wherever he could and caused issues between me and my friends/boyfriends. He told my first long term boyfriend that I was cheating on him and had 'proof' which was completely fabricated.
Now I always have been a very confident person, I call out shitty behaviour when I witness it, I've always had lots of friends and a great social life, I've taken lots of big risks and made some crazy choices but I've had a great life off the back of it. He has always played it safe, only had a couple of friends who he isn't close to and treats his wife appallingly.

So now, I have a 2yr old DS with my DH. DB, when I first had DS, started trying to plant the idea in DHs head that DS wasn't his. Saying things like "baby doesn't look anything like Bianca, or you. He actually looks a lot like X, don't you think?"
Now DH isn't stupid and basically told DB to do one.
We bought our first house recently and my parents very generously gave us half the deposit. We are a low earning household despite both DH and I working full time so we would never have been able to save up that money on our own. DB went mad and demanded the same money from our parents even though he didn't need it. My parents also help us with childcare and he has now asked my parents to give him the same amount they save us in childcare fees to make things 'fair'.
Very recently, there was a family get together for my parents 'big' wedding anniversary so obviously DH, DS and I were there.
DB has had nothing to do with DS before but he was actually great with him. DS loved his uncle and they played together the whole time almost. I was hesitant but thought that it was good that they have a good relationship even though I don't have one with DB. At the end of the day, my DS told me I was stupid and thick. He's never said this before. I suspect my DB was saying this to him to stir some shit. When I told DS off for things (playing with food etc) DB would undermine me and do silly things like stick his tongue out at me, so obviously DS copied.

It recently came out that DB is suffering with depression and is seeing a therapist and taking medication, apparently he was toying with the idea of suicide. My DM has approached me and told me I need to be the bigger person and make an effort with my DB in order to help him.
Tbh, I don't want to. I have nothing to do with him unless I absolutely have to, and I don't want that to change. I don't want him in my life. I don't really want him around DS. DH doesn't like him either. My DM has practically begged me as she can't face losing her son which I fully understand.
I just don't know what to do.

(Have changed some details as anyone who knows me IRL would recognise me from this I think)

OP posts:
S1naidSucks · 31/08/2019 16:03

You could be crafty and tell your mother that you think that getting involved in your brother’s life, considering your relationship, might be more detrimental to his health, (obviously you’re only thinking of him) however you’re there for him if he ever approaches you. 😉 Given his self obsessed he is, I dare say he would think it beneath him to ask anything of you.

He sounds like a nasty prick and you owe him nothing.

Flamingo84 · 31/08/2019 16:04

Go with your gut. You’ve seen through him for years and you know how bad he can be.

If he’s in a dark place (from the stories you’ve shared, the lack of people who want to be his friend and the way he treats his wife) it seems like it’s partially one of his own making.

Realistically other that getting himself to a GP, counselling or on antidepressants there’s nothing much anyone can do for him. He has a support network in his wife and parents. He’s thoroughly burnt his bridge expecting support from you.

Biancadelrioisback · 31/08/2019 16:05

@S1naidsucks that's what I was thinking. Sort of politely excuse myself from the situation but tell her that my door is always open to him when in reality that door is well and truly bolted shut

OP posts:
Snowfalling · 31/08/2019 16:07

I don't understand why your parents failed to discipline him for bullying you so relentlessly. Some things were very obviously bullying such as cutting your sleeves off and calling you thick. In the nicest way possible, your parents have let you down in this regard. My older sister bullied me and I havent forgiven my parents for making excuses for her. You keep saying you'd do anything for your dm. Tbh, it sounds like fog to me (fear, obligation, guilt), not love.

I would have NOTHING to do with db, and I would remind dm of the years of bullying you suffered as a child, and that she and df should have protected you.

Biancadelrioisback · 31/08/2019 16:13

I guess I've forgiven them for that, or repressed it.
My DM and I are friends too, we go out together, shopping, theatre, for meals. She helps me loads and is always there for me. She is such an amazing person and I have loads of respect for her.
I like to think she tried but often couldn't see what he was doing, or when she did, tried to excuse it as sibling arguments. From the moment he went to high school, I hardly saw or spoke to him. He went through the moody teenage phase and never really came out of it.

OP posts:
elvis86 · 31/08/2019 16:15

My DM and I are friends too, we go out together, shopping, theatre, for meals. She helps me loads and is always there for me. She is such an amazing person and I have loads of respect for her.

If the relationship and your mum are that great, then she'll understand your reasons for wanting to keep your distance from your brother.

It'll be her choice if she chooses to let that affect your relationship.

DinoroarDinosaur · 31/08/2019 16:17

Have you ever really explained to her everything that he's done to you? What did she say?

ssd · 31/08/2019 16:21

I'd have gone nc long ago. He sounds an utter prick. Sorry op, you deserve better.

Biancadelrioisback · 31/08/2019 16:26

No I've never fully told her everything. On the one hand, I'm fine. It hasn't scarred me for life, it didn't stop me chasing my dreams. I don't need a resolution if that makes sense. On the other, I don't want to hurt her or make her feel like a failure. She's dealing with my dad, looking after my son, and now dealing with her son.

OP posts:
Wonkybanana · 31/08/2019 16:26

I understand your mum's feelings. But actually what she's doing by trying to have you all playing nicely is expecting you to suck it up. She may have a story book 'happy family' in her head, but she can't have it when it's all at your expense.

As for but my poor mum - it' a shame that your dad's ill and that she has to cope with that, but there's no 'poor mum' about the family she's created and allowed to continue.

I note that you say you'd do anything for your mum. And also that your brother is shit to her. Don't try to compensate her for his behaviour by being the opposite. Your brother is a user and totally self centred, you wouldn't be doing anything wrong by cutting him out, in fact you would be doing the right thing for yourself, your DH and DS. And while it will almost certainly upset your mum, she has to recognise that she has two children and that she can't always make one of them accept being a victim of all his nastiness just to keep the peace.

BerylReader · 31/08/2019 16:27

I have been thinking of starting a club for people whose siblings are horrible people and yet they are the ones that get told to be the ‘bigger person’. My DM does this but after being the ‘bigger person’ several times I have given up and gone NC with my sibling. Your family needs to come first - you don’t want someone that toxic and your child seeing you put up with it

Cherrysoup · 31/08/2019 16:35

I empathise, OP. My db was a twat to me growing up and mum tried desperately to foster a sibling relationship between us. MH issues don’t excuse his shitty behaviour and I would have nothing to do with him either.

Getting your own ds to say nasty things to you is really fucking low. YANBU.

Rainonmyguitar · 31/08/2019 16:36

My parents also help us with childcare and he has now asked my parents to give him the same amount they save us in childcare fees to make things 'fair'

Oh my goodness. Please tell me your mother didn't give in to this demand?

kenandbarbie · 31/08/2019 16:38

What does your dm expect you to do with your dB?

Biancadelrioisback · 31/08/2019 16:44

rain absolutely not. She did however promise that if/when he has children she will offer the exact same childcare, no matter how old she is or if my dad has passed by then if not.

OP posts:
Biancadelrioisback · 31/08/2019 16:46

ken she wants me to begin a relationship with him. Be another shoulder to cry on for him and an ear to listen. Regardless, he wouldnt be prepared to have a relationship with me, but I think she wants me in his corner.

OP posts:
BMW6 · 31/08/2019 16:48

Truly OP I think it's time you told your mother EVERYTHING he has done.

If I were you I'd do it in a letter. Pull no punches. Spell it out. Tell her how much you love her and Dad, but they really really need to know the truth.

And of course, NC with him at all under any circumstances.

Biancadelrioisback · 31/08/2019 16:49

A letter is a good idea.

OP posts:
Biancadelrioisback · 31/08/2019 16:50

Sorry, someone up the thread asked if I felt I was overcompensating towards my mum for my brother's shitty attitude to her. I do think there is an element of that.
She is so sad when he won't answer her calls and wonders where she went wrong. I try and show her that it's not her

OP posts:
Shelby2010 · 31/08/2019 16:54

Do not have anything to do with him.

Trying to alienate your child against you is unforgivable. That’s the line in the sand, I would never trust him again.

DowntonCrabby · 31/08/2019 16:55

It’s sad for him his MH is suffering but you have to protect your own MH.

ThunderThorn · 31/08/2019 17:05

You have basically described my life with unbelievable accuracy - my brother is the ultimate cockwomble and I finally cut him out of my life last year, best thing I ever did. When I found out he was suffering with stress and low mood I actually roared with laughter. Look after you and your family, tell him to fuck off and I promise you it will feel SO GOOD. (My brother broke ribs, a collarbone, eye socket, cochlea, and soft tissue damage to my skull and everyone worships the ground he walks on - I know your situation too well)

Andahelterskelterroundmylittle · 31/08/2019 17:19

Yanbu, he needs to sort his own mental health. Proximity to you and your family does not seem to give him a positive experience , unless you count totally getting off on being down right malicious .
You are being asked to stand up fr target practice!! No way ... protect yourself and your family

Graphista · 31/08/2019 17:24

Nope! Depression or indeed any other illness is NO excuse for such appalling behaviour!

I've had similar crap with my sister, won't bore with the details, long story short I'm now completely Nc with her and that suits me fine. I've been Nc with her on 2 occasions before and mum and others persuaded me to get back in contact and re-establish a relationship, NEVER ONCE had an apology from her despite some of her bad behaviour including assault and screaming rages!

She too has MH issues (as do I) but they are no excuse for how she behaves and treats people, I can't think of a single person she treats consistently well and she's a mother of 3!

Some people just are too much hassle.

You have not only yourself but also DS to consider.

One of my reasons for wanting Nc with my sister is how she treats/speaks about dd.

It's unacceptable.

Your mum is acting like a "flying monkey" I suspect partly to fob db on to you at least sometimes to give her a break! Not your problem.

Go read the "stately homes" threads on here, also

outofthefog.website

And do some reading on narcissistic personalities, toxic families and FOG (fear obligation and guilt)

He is not your problem.

"People never believe me when I tell them because he is so good at presenting himself as a nice guy." Yep! My sister is a QUEEN of virtue signalling, especially on SM, while in private being a nasty, vicious, vindictive bitch! One thing I've experienced is she goes through bffs in a conveyor belt way! When they're first her bffs and she's bending over backwards for them (to ingratiate them, before she starts using them) they have tried to get me to be "more reasonable" and "see that she means well really" and of course she has only given them the side of our disputes that make her appear a martyr! Then she gradually starts showing her true self and they see the reality.

I'm afraid I wouldn't be so quick to let your parents off the hook either, sounds like they have pandered to him and while certain characteristics of such behaviour is believed to be to a degree genetic/innate their role as parents was to address that as soon as it arose and teach him NOT To behave like that.

Certainly my parents especially my mum are very much responsible for my sister being the way she is, they never hold her to account for her bad behaviour and bail her out of trouble CONSTANTLY.

Mum does at least acknowledge it these days and since she witnessed the attack that led to this final decision of mine to be Nc (sister thought mum was busy elsewhere) she has not even attempted this time to make me have anything to do with sister.

Again, not your responsibility not your problem.

kenandbarbie · 31/08/2019 17:31

Could you say you're always there for him if he wants to talk about his problems? Since it seems he is unlikely to take you up on that anyway. Would that be what your mum wants?

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