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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:
Rosspoldarkssaddle · 05/05/2020 20:48

I would be inclined to do grandparents and cousins until they are 16. The rest get cards. Explain that you are financially challenged so have had to cut back. You are a separate unit and now need your own arrangement. Apologise for assuming that her brother would take up the mantle with his kin and send the child a little something. As you see them less, this may just fade into just grandparents over time.

FeeLock28 · 05/05/2020 20:49

Lots of good advice here; my only addition is that if your exMIL is putting this on you because her son is such a wastrel, what else is she manipulating you over? Your exSIL sounds like an absolute piece of work that you're well rid of, but your exMIL's tactics seem more devious.

ZombieFan · 05/05/2020 20:50

If the grandparents already know their son it a lazy bastard they why dont they buy the gifts 'from him'.

strawberry2017 · 05/05/2020 20:51

I would still buy for the grandparents because like you say you actually do like them and you will most likely continue to see them, however I think the rest of his family is on him.

AlwaysCheddar · 05/05/2020 20:51

No way! The grandparents yes but sod the rest!

Do you get gifts from them? Do the kids?

OnlyJudyCanJudgeMe · 05/05/2020 20:52

Nope!

Chloemol · 05/05/2020 20:52

I would buy for grand parents and that’s it unless they sent the money first

Itwasntme1 · 05/05/2020 20:53

Hold on a minute - you are apparently having to do this because your ex is not capable of remembering birthdays and organising Christmas presents. What happens when he gets a new girlfriend? Will you also have to buy his gifts for her?

Will his parents, siblings and becomes and nephews still receive gifts bought by you or will responsibly for running his life pass on to the new woman?

Will your name go on the presents - or his - or just the kids?

Do they all buy you presents?

OhMyMirror · 05/05/2020 20:53

I dont think you should be buying for any of them for the sake of keeping up appearances for your ex (which is what seems to be implied by them). But if you want to buy gifts for his parents because you genuinely care about them, then i would carry on doing so...but make it clear they are from the grandkids, not him.
I split with my ex almost 3 years ago but I still buy gifts for his parents, his teen brother and my niece and nephew. I buy them because they still treat me like family and I adore them. He buys them bugger all, so i always make sure that the gifts are labelled from myself and the kids. I do have a small family though, so dont have a lot of people to buy for. I think if i did I'd probably phase it out.

trilbydoll · 05/05/2020 20:54

I'd let the kids choose stuff for MIL/FIL (doesn't need to be £££, just 100% kids choice so box of chocolates or framed picture type thing) but no other members of his family.

Beautiful3 · 05/05/2020 20:56

I think it's down to your ex, the boys actual uncle to buy the gift. Tell him that he needs to do his side of the family and you do yours. If mil asks again, explain that you dont have the money to do so for both sides of the family. And that she needs to speak with her son! It's no longer your responsibility. Unless you want to send a card?

Stingeray · 05/05/2020 20:56

Just reply and tell her that you cant afford the presents and cards but you'll keep the birthday dates of the kids cousins in your diary and make sure they call if it's your day with them . It's a nice compromise that doesnt set you back financially.

Candyfloss99 · 05/05/2020 20:56

Eh no why doesn't your exMIL just not buy them for her son to pretend he bought them? You are no longer that family's skivvy.

Jaichangecentfoisdenom · 05/05/2020 20:59

Stay with your first thought.

BertieDrapper · 05/05/2020 21:00

Do not do this!!! If you do this, there will be something else down the line. You need to make clear boundaries.

My mum buys stuff "from" my Nieces because my brother is a selfish arse. If MIL is so concerned she should do it....

GrumpyHoonMain · 05/05/2020 21:01

I agree that you should ask your mil for the money.

1forsorrow · 05/05/2020 21:03

Are granny and granddad good to the children, do they buy them nice things, spend time with them? If so I'd help the children to choose something for them, particularly if you don't want them to be like their father. Pefectly reasonable to say you just can't afford to do it for the whole family, although I don't know how many cousins there are, if it is only the one I'd probably get something small for him.

You don't have to spend much, the kids could even make them something.

Dontbeme · 05/05/2020 21:04

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

Hahahaha tell her she and his DD should have raise a more considerate and caring son then. What is her plan with this exactly to tell people that the gifts are from you and ex, to save face for him? Or just say the gifts YOU buy are from him and the DC and airbrush you out so he maintains his shine? I agree with the previous comment that she is manipulating. let her buy the gifts for various relatives if she is so bothered.

iwampix · 05/05/2020 21:04

Absolutely do not engage in present buying. I've been with my partner 6 years now and I don't organise anything for his family. As a result his nieces and nephews don't receive presents from us and vice versa. This is fine by me, (he is not close to his family) My nieces and nephews do receive presents from us because I go out and buy them, write the card and send them. Our children receive presents from my side of the family but not from his.

This is not your responsibility OP! I would just tell mil that she'll have to speak to her son with regards to presents.

HannaYeah · 05/05/2020 21:05

Child of divorce here. I’d help the kids make homemade cards for the adults and buy token gifts for the cousins. Not for your DH’s sake but for the sake of your children.

1forsorrow · 05/05/2020 21:06

I'd also ask MIL if she can make sure your ex gets something for your DDs birthday. If she can't persuade him to do it she could do it. I know people will say that is just letting him get away with it but I am looking at it from the child's point of view and it will hurt her.

iwampix · 05/05/2020 21:07

Also I think CalmDownJanet's response is perfect.

'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"'

Thebookswereherfriends · 05/05/2020 21:08

As you get on well with exMIL I would continue to buy a gift for the grandparents from your children as that is fascilitating their relationship which is important. All other family members, no, refer them to your ex. If he chooses not to buy that's on him, not you.

1forsorrow · 05/05/2020 21:10

HannaYeah, I agree it is for the children. I have to confess my husband has no family so I only ever had a MIL to consider and we usually did it together so I guess I had it easy. I still wouldn't want the children to be hurt by it.

One of my GC was really sad one year as he suddenly realised he had no presents for us as neither of his parents bothered, his other GM got presents but not me who looked after him alot, even had him placed with me once by social services. I told him it didn't matter as I just wanted hugs but I do feel sad when I think of his little face. In future years his aunt, my DD, would take him shopping to get presents for us.

Friendsofmine · 05/05/2020 21:11

I think it depends on things like will the family continue to buy for your children, send you birthday card etc? If so, then I personally would continue and I still buy a card for my ex gran who is now 90. Your relationship with his family doesn't have to stop if you and your children don't want it to. There are no rules beyond make sure it works for you I think.

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