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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

In-laws moving next door

533 replies

Lotsofluv · 23/05/2020 16:16

Just looking to see if anyone else would feel the same as I do about my in-laws moving to the house next door.
When the house came up for sale next to us my husbands parents showed interest, it needed renovation so I never thought them buying the house would happen (mother-in-law is very fussy).
Anyway, they did buy it and have builders in there doing the renovations while they still live in their current house. Once or twice a week they drive down (over an hours drive) to have a look at what’s been done. Am I being unreasonable to get pissed off about this? It’s just it disrupts my day as they expect us to go and say hello/make them a cup of tea, want to use our toilet etc. I know its not a massive deal but when I’m having a lazy day, no makeup, lounge wear on I just don’t want to entertain unannounced people. I’m really dreading them moving in, I’m dreading being out in the garden and them wanting a chat over the fence every time I’m out there.I like my own space and feel they are going to invade it. It’s making me want to split with my husband who I have a great relationship with, it’s making me resent him☹️..
Am I being unreasonable or would you feel the same?

OP posts:
Ezzabean · 24/05/2020 19:34

This would definitely me me consider leaving my partner. I would be miserable everyday. I know it sounds extreme, but it’s kind of an invasion of privacy.

Craiglang · 24/05/2020 19:35

You are absolutely not being unreasonable. I adore my parents but there is absolutely no way I'd want them living next door! We're LC with PIL (DH's choice) so the thought of them being next door is horrendous.

Setting boundaries at the start will help. When you're happy to have a chat or a cup of tea, do it. If you're busy, say you're busy and get on with your day. It'll be a fine balance to find. Good luck.

fedupdaddy101 · 24/05/2020 19:38

Set their house in fire before they move in. Can't have the in laws next door sounds the absolute worst.

Rowan8 · 24/05/2020 19:39

I love my child and would hate the thought she would be with some who had such contempt for me, but then again, I don’t know I would want to live right next door to her/them either maybe close by, but not literally next door... is it a cultural thing or do they have health issues they would like. I have a friend where her now widowed mother lives in the granny flat attached to the house. Be grateful they’re not in your house is the optimist way to view this as clearly it’s happening.

Rowan8 · 24/05/2020 19:39

WineWineFlowers

rosesandbees · 24/05/2020 19:41

I’m so sorry this would drive me insane. I like my in-laws I don’t want them next door.
Plant an evergreen hedge now yew is good. Or a beech hedge as they hold their Leaves. We all have to stay home this summer so you will be there to water it and make it thrive! You could also put in a pergola and grow climbing plants over it so your parents in law can’t see you sitting outside having a glass of wine!
Set really clear rules about popping over, keys, other family members visiting etc.... from the beginning.
It could also work to your advantage free childcare so you and your husband can go out more often on your own!

georgie279 · 24/05/2020 19:45

I live two doors away from my in-laws, they pop up over the fence occasionally.. I try to avoid them but we've had a baby so the 'popping over' has increased.

They've not been as bad as I thought they would but we've set boundaries, tried to at least.

We've decided to move when we remortgage.

ReenieD · 24/05/2020 19:45

Don’t give them a key and always keep the front door locked 😂

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 24/05/2020 19:47

Why are you and your DH allowing them to call on you during a pandemic lockdown If neither of you are telling them not to, or if your husband is allowing them to do it, then you have a BIG problem, since they clearly think they can do whatever they like.

They bought the house on the quiet with your DH fully aware of what they were doing.

Unfortunately you have only two options

  1. sell up
  2. live with it but lay down firm boundaries with penalties if they are infringed. It sounds harsh but we were in a similar situation, but with my parents a 15 mins walk away. It was very very difficult, they overstepped the mark all the time with constant drama and I was the evil ungrateful nasty person trying to tell them what they could and could not do. It was very hard to bear. I can only say that if they are there to muscle in on your life, you have to stand up for yourself. Your DH is either spineless, or clueless and it is doubtful if he will support you. Unfortunately it looks like you will have to be the bad guy,.
BevJdeV · 24/05/2020 19:47

We have lived next door to parents for 20 years, it was great when my kids were younger, and a blessing when my mum was ill and dying. But we never had dinner together, I do often pass a meal over the fence to dad. My parents always phone on the weekend, never call in without checking first, and likewise.

Set rules, agree in advance to avoid fall outs. It’s a privilege to be next door, and I wish my mum were still alive and next door. Make the most of everyday with family. It will be ok. My hubby loves it too.

M2B19 · 24/05/2020 19:48

You are not being unreasonable. My in laws moving to the same town would be enough to send me running. However it would not be enough of a reason for me to split with my husband, just find a new house. It’s a ball ache but I’d rather do that than live next door to someone scrutinising my every move.

BevJdeV · 24/05/2020 19:49

And they only come twice a week, put the kettle on for them! X

stephi81 · 24/05/2020 19:51

No. Fucking. Way.

x10

Holldstock1 · 24/05/2020 19:51

OP, your DH was wrong not to let you know and wrong not to have said no to his parents moving next door but it's now done.

I've been in situation of living in same house as prospective PILs which didnt work and I ended up breaking up with then ex fiance. Also been in situation where I had my elderly and terminally ill Mum move into an annexe my DH and I had done in our garden. Although it was a difficult few years because of her Illness I never regretted it and neither did my DH. It gave our children the chance to have more time with her. And my husband was completely onboard with this and totally supportive. But he and my Mum got on really well.

Would I feel like that if it was DH's parents either in annexe or house next door - to be honest the answer would be a big fat no. But then there is a history of family problems and I dont get on with them and have essentially NC.

You need to stop panicking and think about what your relationship is with your PILs. The good and that bad bits. What do you want to cultivate and what do you want to nip in the bud.

I think you need to sit your husband down and have a frank and open conversation with him and let him know not only your fears but how angry you are so he realises this is serious. This has been imposed on you with no discussion and if he wants this to work and if he doesnt want it to end up in divorce then he has to pull his weight to ensure it does work and that will mean establishing and supporting boundaries. You've got quite a few good suggestions on here including the garden, tech solutions and establishing what you BOTH are happy with and what you arent. I think you need to also tell him you are giving it 3 years and if it's not working out then the house will be going onto the market and the family will be moving. So it's in his best interests to ensure privacy and boundaries work.

Two other things I would say.

Firstly I dont know if his parents are manipulative or not, but you should have regular weekly catch ups with your DH (& your children if they are old enough) to compare notes about what is happening/being said and that everyone in your family unit are on the same page. That way you and your husband know what is working or not working with his parents and boundaries. Not properly communicating means surprises like your PILs buying the house next door happens. If something is done or said by PILs that upsets you, then that needs to be discussed with you and your DH and if necessary openly challenged with PILs. Secrecy and putting up with lots of irritations or snide comments are no good. They need to be sorted out to avoid upsets and resentments building. And your hubby needs be doing alot of the sorting. You also need to be assertive with them. If they say horrible things to you dont let it go - challenge it otherwise you are handing power over to them.

Secondly the other thing you should be thinking about is this. You (and many others here) are dwelling only on the negatives. Yes they havent consulted you which shows a lack of consideration and thought. But, they did want to move closer to be with you, DH and your kids. My PILs essentially dont give a damn about my children (wrong grand children)and are only interested in my DH when he can do something for them. They have always seen my children on limited basis - their choice, and why I stopped bending over backwards trying to make it work. I went NC with them personally because I found it upsetting to see my DH and children treated that way. And because I finally accepted that at the end of the day you cant make people care if they dont want to.

So what I'm trying to say is, as annoying as this is for you, your PILs obviously do care. Otherwise they wouldnt be moving. You need to harness that and take control. But also unless they are complete self centred manipulative @rseholes (like my ILs) also use this as an opportunity to build your relationship with them.

sashadjas · 24/05/2020 19:52

@Timekeeper1 oh dear, you've got issues haven't you? Even if OP HAD asked for advice you gave none. You just went into a completely unwarranted personal attack. Your outburst says alot more about YOUR weaknesses than anything...

Catgirl76 · 24/05/2020 19:53

This would be my worst nightmare if my inlaws did this. I can understand why you might be feeling like how you describe.
Why are they moving sooo close ?! I mean hopefully they are "ok" but even "ok " in laws should give their sons and daughter in laws a bit of space in their personal life.
How does your own family like this ? Good luck to you.

Lottielouc · 24/05/2020 19:54

OMG seriously horrendous.

My in-laws high jacked our seasonal campsite and got positioned a few caravans away from us, thankfully a a whole line of caravans inbetween us, but I was hugely upset that they didn’t even consider how rude it was and we spent time dodging them because it was our chill out place to get away from everything!!

If you don’t want to see them or other family/friends visiting you can’t even tell a little white lie about why you’re not available because they’ll see you’ve not gone out / you are forced to go out when you didn’t want to!

They will expect support for elderly care... I know this sounds mean maybe not to willingly give this (although should be husband, you will be dragged in) but I know personally I’m not good with that kinda stuff, not everyone is.

I would feel my privacy has been taken away and I really don’t think it was fair that this was not discussed before they made an offer. I would be furious.

I think it could have benefits but boundaries need to be introduced straight away so that everyone knows where they’re stand before they move in, which includes them popping over during the renovation period.

I would need to spell it out to dh and say if it doesn’t work we’re moving / splitting so he knows how serious you are.

Good luck!

sashadjas · 24/05/2020 20:05

@Lotsofluv Good luck chica, I'd say give it a chance but DON'T feel bad if you can't cope with it in the end. I'd be apprehensive too and I don't take shit off anyone! Good luck xx

ToftyAC · 24/05/2020 20:08

My former in-laws lived 3 mins walk from us on the same estate. They’re lovely, but were a factor in the fact they are now “former” in-laws. They’d let themselves in the house whenever which is a shit when you’ve a downstairs bathroom and would often walk naked from the bathroom to the bedroom Blush

Caelan2018 · 24/05/2020 20:12

I would go mad like why would they think this is ok without sitting down and talking about it to you and you mr husband do you have children?? You will have absolutely no privacy when they move in unless you lock the door they will ring door bell and if your in garden they will call out over fence if you have friends over for drinks they will be over OMG it’s a bloody nightmare I would say it’s either going to ruin your marriage or sell up and move

LovePoppy · 24/05/2020 20:13

And they only come twice a week, put the kettle on for them! X
@BevJdeV, you’ve missed out on the pandemic lockdown news then?

Ethicalbluey45 · 24/05/2020 20:13

Well its too late to start throwing tantrums because they have already bought the house and they are COMING , you just need to have some ground rules , there are some people I know who have made it work hopefully you will too . Its something I would personally have had the conversation before they even made the offer ,unfortunately its a 50/50 situation strengthen or weaken your relationship

Celestine70 · 24/05/2020 20:16

Make sure you have a huge fence put up. Build some kind of privacy area in the garden. One of those enclosed seats or something.

AwrightDoreenTakeAFuckinDayOff · 24/05/2020 20:26

I’d be getting a ring doorbell/security system for advance warning.

And be looking for my next forever home.

Fair play to you for having a go at it.

If that had happened to me, I’d have been on the gin. Quite a lot. 24-7

And I have about 4 drinks a year.

AwrightDoreenTakeAFuckinDayOff · 24/05/2020 20:27

And get a big fence up.