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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not continue to buy my exH's family presents?

254 replies

GlummyMcGlummerson · 05/05/2020 20:06

ExH and I have been split up for nearly a year. We’re leading separate lives in separate cities whilst trying to co-parent our 7yo and 3yo.

When we were together I did ALL the “life admin”, even in regard to his family - bought all presents, RSVPd to weddings and organised hotels, outfits etc, sorted us going to family parties, everything. I did it begrudgingly because I always loved (most of) his family and otherwise nothing would get done.

The kids came back from a week at his on Sunday, the same day as their cousin’s (exSIL’s son) 7th birthday. I commented on her Facebook post saying happy birthday Harry, but I didn’t check if the kids had spoken to him as, by then time they got home at 5.30pm, it had gone from my mind. May or may not be relevant - “Harry” is very spoilt and indulged, to a ridiculous degree, Ex and I used to refer to him between ourselves as Little Lord Fauntleroy. There would be an expectation from everyone to make a big deal about his birthday.

Yesterday I got a text from exSIL saying that Harry is very upset as he feels his cousins forgot his birthday - they didn’t get a call, a card or a present, and she “expected better of me” Hmm. She knows they came home in the evening and Harry was expecting a call when they got back. Now since Ex and I split up, I’ve maintained a good relationship with his family - mainly because I always got on with them, especially his mum and dad, and there really was no need for any animosity. But his siblings were always hard work and I wasn’t sorry to see the back of them. So I simply replied “speak to your brother” and thanked my lucky stars I didn’t have to please her any more.

Anyway today I got a text fro exMIL - who BTW I adore and she’s been amazingly supportive since the split. She said exSIL is obviously upset because Harry’s birthday was a bit naff in isolation and that was compounded by no contact from his favourite cousins - which she acknowledges is exH’s fault entirely. However she’s basically gone on to ask if I could carry on getting presents for their family members - on behalf on the DC and/or me rather than from ex - as she feels that otherwise there’s gonna be no presents at all and a lot of upset.

My first thought was “no fucking way”. Aside from the fact that I don’t want to continue to facilitate exH’s goal of being the biggest manchild in existence, I’m a single mum now and this could cost a fortune! His family is huge and even if I spent just £10 each on cousins, aunties, uncles and grandparents, for Xmas and birthdays that would be £400 a year!

However, she’s right about one thing - if I said no, there’d be no presents for them ever again. ExH has the unfortunate affliction of being lazy, selfish and tight fisted all at the same time. He’s not hapless or forgetful - but buying presents means taking more than 4 seconds to do something for someone else, whilst parting with his money, and he won’t do it. And he wouldn’t be ashamed about it either (you can see why he’s an Ex). His mum and dad especially deserve better than that. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ll be amazed if DD gets anything from him for her birthday in a couple of weeks. So if I do say no, then my in laws will get nothing and my DC will be in the horrible position of being the only grandkids not to buy granny, grandad etc presents at Christmas - something they scarcely notice now but will do before long.

Good people of MN - what should I do?!

OP posts:
peperethecat · 05/05/2020 20:21

Not your circus, not your monkeys, OP.

If you get on well with ex-MIL you just say, I'm sorry but I can't afford it.

ThePowerball · 05/05/2020 20:23

I wouldn't even emphasise the money.

The fact is you're not there to do his life admin anymore. Life admin is time consuming and a significant mental load.

The MIL needs to be told that.

1Morewineplease · 05/05/2020 20:23

Agree with PPs.
It’s no longer your responsibility. Your ex needs to step up here and if your MIL presses on the matter just tell her that it’s her son’s responsibility from now on.

CalmdownJanet · 05/05/2020 20:24

I would say "Mary this puts me in an awkward position because actually I know you are right, I know he won't bother with gifts for anyone and that is sad, but I organised it all my married life and I can't or won't keep doing it for him, because it would be for him. Like sil texting me the other day was so unfair, he is a grown man, he needs to be responsible, he is not my responsibility. So no I am sorry I can't do what you ask. I hope you understand"

I would buy mil & fil a small token on their birthdays/Christmas if they are lovely & supportive but from you & the kids not him and not anyone else

AdaColeman · 05/05/2020 20:25

No, buying his family gifts is no longer your responsibility, because he is now your EX!
Don’t get involved with shopping on his behalf, him giving you the money etc etc, because that is still assuming responsibility for tasks that are HIS.
This is why you have divorced the man, so that you do not have to be responsible for him. Use all that freed up head space, emotional energy and resources, and time, to make your own life better for yourself and your children.

OneMomentInHistory · 05/05/2020 20:25

God no, don't do it! Suggest to MiL that if she wants the family to receive presents then she can facilitate it - and then if she does, it would be a nice gesture if you got something for her from them. His family are not your problem. Your kids can still learn that giving presents is nice - your family, friends, teachers. Maybe practice waving them off with a cheery "remind Daddy you need to get MiL a birthday present" and then they'll figure out for themselves that he's the odd one out.

CalmdownJanet · 05/05/2020 20:25

Actually FromtheAllotment put it much better than I did

EmbarrassedWoman · 05/05/2020 20:27

No. Mil while she may be nice, is wanting you to do the job to save face because her son is a lazy whatever.
Its not your job to still facilitate his laziness.

"Sorry mil, while i understand where you are coming from, you will need to speak to ex as this is now his responcibility. Talk soon.'"

gingerscot · 05/05/2020 20:28

Yep agree, buy for granny and grandad and then they can do the rest of the family if it’s important to them.

They brought your Ex up after all, they can reap what they sowed rather than expect you to fix their mistake 🤷‍♀️

LaurieMarlow · 05/05/2020 20:28

FFS, of course you shouldn’t be doing this.

It’s your lazy arse ex husband’s job. Keep saying that to his family until they STFU.

CodenameVillanelle · 05/05/2020 20:29

Absolutely don't do this. MIL can buy presents from the children if she thinks it's that important

Flumo · 05/05/2020 20:32

I was exactly where you where 4/5 years ago, I used to do all presents/card birthday and christmas. When we spilt up, I was kind of made to feel like I should still be doing it. After a little while I just had a chat with one of his cousins and said I couldn't do it anymore. He doesn't really speak to his family so they still drop off presents at my house for our 2 which is completely fine with me :)

MissEliza · 05/05/2020 20:34

@CalmdownJanet that's a perfect response.

MarieIVanArkleStinks · 05/05/2020 20:34

I'd simply politely suggest that this is a conversation she might want to have with her son.

pumpkinbump · 05/05/2020 20:37

She's very rude to ask that of you in the first place. I would tell her that as a single mother you wouldn't be able to afford it but maybe buy a small token gift for the kids in the family from your dc?

Whatsername177 · 05/05/2020 20:37

I dont think you are being unreasonable. But, if dh and I split up, I'd still consider my nieces and nephew my family. I'd still get them a gift on their birthdays. We are really close though.

HildaSnibbs · 05/05/2020 20:37

Definitely don't do this!
CalmDownJanet and FromTheAllotment have nailed it - simple clear polite explanation and it's done.

Nottherealslimshady · 05/05/2020 20:38

No way! They want you to continue to do the "wife work" when you're not his wife?!
If you want your kids fo learn the value of giving then remind them that its such and suches birthday soon and to talk to their dad about getting presents.
Do not pick up the slack for him. His mother should be embarrassed for even asking

MaternalNewt · 05/05/2020 20:38

Sooo you're being guilt tripped into covering up his being a shite son / Uncle etc despite the fact that you're not even with him..?

Frankly I think this is a ridiculous ask even if you were still together.

It's not your problem to cover up the fact that he's just shit.

Do not offer to do a halfway house like buy stuff if they give you the cash. That's time and energy you should be spending on your responsibilities, work, self care, exercise, whatever.. not him! Do not spend 1 minute on this!!

Devlesko · 05/05/2020 20:39

No, it's not down to you at all. just be nice to mil and say that doesn't work for you and she's best talking to her son.
Sorry, but she raised a man child along with her husband of course.

Mulhollandmagoo · 05/05/2020 20:41

I wouldn't do it, I think his mum was a tad cheeky to ask you too, she's maybe banking on you being too polite to say no, she then doesn't have to listen to your SIL moaning about the lack of presents and phonecalls.

Be polite and just explain that financially it's not really viable as your household income has now reduced and it's a lot of pressure to remember everyone's birthdays etc. So she will have to push her son to do this, it's not difficult it's his family! Your children won't turn out like their dad don't worry they will go to kids party's with gifts so they'll make the connection that way, also do you buy for your friends and family?

Fedhimtotigers · 05/05/2020 20:44

Seriously stop being a doormat and reply with something like
"Opps you meant to send this to EX not me silly"

If they do reply about you doing it say
You did it when married however you are not his secretary. His family is his problem.

TinRoofRusty · 05/05/2020 20:45

Adding to the chorus of NO. FromTheAllotment nails it for response. Excellent. Do NOT go down this road at all. And any go's at you, continue directing them to your ex h. 'We are no longer married and I am no longer able to facilitate his life administration. They have a helluva cheek to even approach you and not their lazy arse son/brother.

Itwasntme1 · 05/05/2020 20:46

He is a functioning adult, how embarrassing for him and his mum that they still expect you to run this very simple aspect of his life.

His mother is an enabler, and it is no surprise he ended up such a selfish useless arse.

Totally agree, buying presents for his family is not your responsibility. Don’t let them walk all over you.

fronttoback · 05/05/2020 20:48

I'm going to go slightly against the grain here, and say that these people are still your dc's relatives and it makes sense for there to be a good relationship between them, even if it is you who has to maintain it rather than their useless dad. Maybe make a token effort with the cousins etc who are still children, and with the grandparents. If you get on ok with your exMIL then you can just say to her that financially that's all you can manage at the moment.

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