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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Really need to stop being so irrationally angry...

88 replies

MustBeBU · 23/06/2020 14:06

Hello,

I have NC as, quite frankly, I'm not proud of myself and I'm not too keen on associating my other posts with this nonsense.

Anyway... I feel angry. For background, I live with my OH, our two children, and FIL. FIL has a grandchild, who I will call Tom, who is an adult, that technically lives here too. He has his own bedroom.

He pays zero rent to stay here. He refuses to contribute to food shopping, gas, electricity, internet. He uses the internet, a lot, often it's slowed right down because he is downloading (illegally) tons of games to his laptop for his xbox, PS4, etc. He eats the food that's in the house most days and treats himself to a takeaway when he fancies it. He regularly tells me he's hungry and wants to know what's for dinner, ie. what am I cooking him. I think it goes without saying that he uses gas and electric. He doesn't work, he is a mature student so he gets a student loan. He refuses to be available to help out if OH needs help with the kids (they're both quite young).

A few weeks ago (but during lockdown, I might add), Tom decided fuck it, he's going to stay for a while with his friend. It took everyone else by surprise. He and OH used to be very close, but now Tom is a miserable, selfish arse that only seems to care about himself. He has no children and no partner, which is not a criticism, he's only in his late twenties, I'm just adding to make sure the full picture is there.

After Tom fucked off left, I decided that the surplus of canned food etc that has been clogging up the kitchen and even the hallway needed to be moved. Tom made it very clear that he has no intention of returning until university starts again in September/October. (PS we didn't stockpile food, for some reason we just have a lot building up). So, I moved it all to Tom's bedroom. That is now my makeshift pantry.

Now, Tom has become aware that his bedroom is being used for storage, and is barking orders at FIL to make sure it's cleared up before he gets back, which could be 'at any time'.

So yes, as I mentioned before, I'm not going to deny it, I'm angry!! The sense of entitlement is driving me up the wall. I rarely get this bothered by other people's behaviour but when I do, I start to think of ways to make things more difficult for the person that wronged me, which is not an acceptable trait to have. So just to give an example, part of me wants to throw MORE shit in his room. This is vindictive. I have no intention of acting on this.

So I'm asking for rational people to a) tell me if Tom really is a huge Dickhead, or if I'm being judgemental and entitled; and b) to tell me what a rational kind person would do, instead of what a hot tempered PMSing banshee would do. I imagine they're two different things Grin

TIA!

OP posts:
ArriettyJones · 23/06/2020 15:29

Why does everyone think Tom has to provide free childcare at will?

The more I read, the more I think your real anger is towards your boyfriend about not having a legal stake in your home.

MustBeBU · 23/06/2020 15:31

@ArriettyJones I feel frustrated at OH sometimes but as far as I can figure out, my rage isn't towards him, I genuinely have been getting annoyed solely at Tom due to his behaviour and attitude becoming so poor.

I totally agree that I'm no less a lodger than Tom in these circumstances though. It irks me. I am a SAHM at the moment because childcare will cost more than I would earn by going back to work, so I'm doing freelance work from home as and when I can and waiting for when I can utilise free childcare to facilitate me returning to work. I personally feel that because I contribute to the household, financially where I can and practically in every other sense, that I am less of a cocklodger, if that makes sense.

I'm slowly working through the cans, using them for lunches and dinners, there's cereal in there too. I have some put aside to give my mum and I have offered some to the street WhatsApp group in case anybody needed something. I know I probably didn't explain it very well, but my decision to move the stuff to Tom's room wasn't initially a power play, I just saw an opportunity to declutter and took it because Tom had made it clear he had no intention of returning any time soon. The real irritation has come now that he is stomping his feet telling FIL that he wants his room clear. That just pissed me off.

OP posts:
ArriettyJones · 23/06/2020 15:36

I totally agree that I'm no less a lodger than Tom in these circumstances though. It irks me. I am a SAHM at the moment because childcare will cost more than I would earn by going back to work, so I'm doing freelance work from home as and when I can and waiting for when I can utilise free childcare to facilitate me returning to work. I personally feel that because I contribute to the household, financially where I can and practically in every other sense, that I am less of a cocklodger, if that makes sense.

I bet it irks you. I think your DP is taking the piss out of you TBquiteH. I’d be chucking your energy at that situation. How do you feel about the “Hmm” faces OH throws you when you mention Tom moving out at some future point? That reads to me like he has zero intention of giving you an equal say.

AllyBamma · 23/06/2020 15:36

Ooof yeah that’s a tricky one. I think at some stage you’re going to have to have a heart to heart with your partner about what your future expectations are and that while Tom would be welcome as a guest, you don’t see or want him as a permanent house mate. If your OH doesn’t see things your way then I’m afraid you have much bigger problems than Tom. Have you at all entertained the possibility that in order to get rid of Tom, you may have to move just you and the DC out if your OH doesn’t have the same views as you?

sst1234 · 23/06/2020 15:36

OP, it’s understandable that you should feel this way, however Tom has as much right to be there as you. His grandad owns half the house in the same way as your partner does. Of course, his behaviour is totally worthy of your frustration. You have two choices: stop doing everything for Tom and be difficult just as your instincts are telling you to, it will cause a bad feeling in the household but it’s a battle of wits and maybe you will beat Tom and he will move out, but it will cause ill feeling all around.
Second choice is to have you and partner move out and tell Tom he is now responsible for half the outgoings for running the household along with his grand father. I don’t think having a grown useless man living within this family unit is sustainable.
It’s your father in law and I feel lost sorry for, that he’s stuck in the middle.

MustBeBU · 23/06/2020 15:37

@ArriettyJones I was actually very angry on Tom's behalf when his parents kept pushing for him to move back home to look after his siblings. They actually were upset with him for applying to university because that meant he would be staying away from home! I really can't begin to explain how much that pissed me off. But the fact that I constantly reminded him that he was worth more than that, and that his life and independence is important, in some ways makes me more angry. I don't expect for him to babysit our DC. I don't want him to do anything for me. I just want him to respect the place he lives and contribute. And in fairness, answering questions and hearing opinions here is helping me to put things into perspective.

OP posts:
GoddessArtemis · 23/06/2020 15:39

I think you need to redirect your frustration at the 2 other useless males in the house.

MustBeBU · 23/06/2020 15:46

@sst1234 agreed, FIL is lovely, he doesn't deserve to be taken advantage of. He is Tom's primary taxi service, Tom's bank, Tom's 'landlord'. He wants the best for Tom. He feels the same about our kids. I just hope that I would never let my kids take advantage of somebody like that. I love them but that means I want them to be decent people.

@ArriettyJones how I feel about the Hmm?... it makes me want to scream and throw things quite honestly. I'm one of those people that sucks in the anger. So I don't manage it very well when it starts leaking. I would love it if OH grew up and realised that normal adults don't live with their nephews into old age. But who am I to say what's normal? Confused. I'm shaking my head even just writing this. I think my perceptions have been dramatically skewed, I really need to pull my head out of my arse.

OP posts:
MustBeBU · 23/06/2020 15:50

@AllyBamma yes, definitely. It's sad but ultimately there really is only so much I'm willing to put up with myself, as me being passive aggressive, vindictive and angry is NOT an appropriate way to bring up my children.

OP posts:
MyOwnSummer · 23/06/2020 16:03

I think your main focus here should be how you will safeguard your own financial interests and future. The fact that you're a SAHM with no ring and no legal stake in your home is a massive, massive risk. Not denigrating your partner at all, but if anything happens to him or your relationship you are utterly screwed. The first step has to be getting back into work, even if that means your OH has to put his hand in his pocket for half the childcare bill.

The second point here is that you need to consider your relationship with Tom in the light of the above. You can't be sure that they won't all gang up on you if you go on the offensive. Your best bet is to step right back, disengage and allow your OH to bear the brunt of Tom's manchild bullshit. I'm not suggesting you continue to cook and clean up after him, quite the opposite. Just don't let yourself become the "nasty outsider" who is attacking the "family" in this fucked up dynamic". Be unavailable at meal times - "What's for dinner?" "Oh I'm not cooking tonight, I'm working on X. Why don't you make us all something?"

FWIW if you were not in this situation, I'd be the first to tell you to boot his lazy arse out on the street before sunset.

MissHemsworth · 23/06/2020 16:04

You sound a bit trapped OP! You're unable to work because you are doing the lions share of the childcare. You DP is unwilling to talk/consider you, him & the DCs getting your own place & FIL & OH can't see that Tom is doing any wrong. No wonder you're frustrated & angry. You don't have any power/control atm. My advice? Stop facilitating these men by doing all of the wife work. Just sort you the DCs out for now especially when Tom returns.

Also speak to your OH & make him realise how unhappy the whole situation is making you.

ButteryPuffin · 23/06/2020 16:09

You mentioned Tom asking what's for dinner. Who does the cooking in the household? Do you cook for FIL? Also, I missed whether you and your partner are paying rent, and how the food and other bills are split if Tom isn't contributing?

AllyBamma · 23/06/2020 16:22

I hope your OH sees the light and things start to change for you. And if not then I hope you find happiness in your next chapter x

MustBeBU · 23/06/2020 16:31

@ButteryPuffin embarrassingly, I do all of the cooking. I do the housework too. OH has a demanding job so I made my peace with this when we had kids. But I've come to realise that nobody else expects to have to make dinner, or do the dishwasher, or anything. I often have to go into Tom's room to pick up dishes that he keeps up there, because eventually I run out and need them. If for whatever reason, I don't have the capacity to make dinner, OH gets a takeaway. In the past, I would occasionally say to Tom that I need some money for chicken/beef/pasta whatever for everyone's dinner. He would literally laugh at me and say no, he's not paying for that. It made me feel very stupid, and I still feel stupid now because I haven't stopped being a dogsbody. As PP mentioned, I don't want to rock the boat, I'm aware I'm a lodger, I'm aware that I can be kicked out at any point.

OH pays towards the house, utilities, furnishings etc. If I ever have more money than I need for my own bills, I always use it to buy nappies/food/toiletries/cleaning products. I really am a prize idiot. I guess I can see now why I'm misinterpreting my own idiocy for anger at somebody else 🤦‍♀️

OP posts:
MustBeBU · 23/06/2020 16:33

And yes I cook for FIL. I genuinely don't mind that, he is disabled and it's helpful for him to have something substantial for dinner instead of a ready meal. He is always happy to get out the drill and fix something/put up a new stairgate when it's necessary. He is like a father to me.

OP posts:
Cookies2523 · 23/06/2020 16:37

I have just said to my husband to read this thread and we are both angry for you. Tom is an adult and should be acting responsibly. He is just using you all and taking advantage. My husband has suggested that you & your husband ask FIL to buy you out ( don't know if that's an option for your FIL). If he can, then you, your husband & kids get your own family home. A similar situation happened years ago with my husband. He was married, his MIL passed away, his BIL moved in with them. Few years down the line, arguments started with my husband & his wife and they ended up divorced.

MustBeBU · 23/06/2020 17:03

It's not a bad idea about FIL buying OH out. FIL has mentioned in the past that he would like to move out of the city and live closer to his daughter. He and OH were discussing the logistics. I asked 'what about Tom'. OH gave me the Hmm. He said that if Tom promises to start contributing, then what's the problem with him staying with us? A) I'd rather not. And B) like hell will he actually contribute. He 'promised' he'd contribute to the fibre broadband when OH got it. Now he's said he has no intention of doing so because he never wanted it and rarely uses it Confused. As I said before, he uses it the most, hands down. It's this logic and behaviour that I'm struggling with the most. If somebody is looking you dead in the eye and telling you red is green, how the hell to you argue with them?

OP posts:
Cookies2523 · 23/06/2020 17:32

It really is an awful situation for you to be in and my heart goes out to you - to all of you (well maybe not Tom)! I really hope that as a family you can resolve this so that everyone is happy & living peacefully. I should add though, that, when I explained to you about my husband's experience with his ex-wife, I was in no way, shape or form saying this will happen to you! I apologise if my comment came across like that.

MustBeBU · 23/06/2020 17:37

Not at all! I appreciated your perspective. If anything it's a slight relief to know that in-laws can be more than just 'a bit annoying'. I really am beginning to see that none of this is sustainable long term, so instead of eyeing up the biggest objects to lob in Tom's room, I need to start being more proactive. I really appreciate all of the advice.

OP posts:
sadie9 · 23/06/2020 18:12

You are in a tight spot. It's really your OH who should be doing the communications with Tom but I can't see it happening.
It might just be that Tom wants to know that he has a base for himself esp if some weird shit went down in his own family.
It could be possible to say to Tom - look if you ever come back I can clear the room, but right now it makes sense to use it.
You've very tough on yourself too! You're doing the best you can.
Dare I ask what will be the situation with the house when FIL dies? Confused

Beachcomber74 · 23/06/2020 18:26

FIL could well be around for another 20 Years so don’t waste your life waiting for the house to become your OHs & FIL night leave his share to Tom.

namesnames · 23/06/2020 18:34

Forget Tom, he is not the real issue here.

Sort yourself out, with or without your Dp.

slipperywhensparticus · 23/06/2020 18:34

Tell him you want it in writing that he will contribute or he is gone

MustBeBU · 23/06/2020 19:37

This manchild could probably be ordered by a court to contribute financially and I still don't think he would Angry. I do agree that I need to sort myself out, with or without OH because there's only so much you can stay in a situation and complain about it before it just gets old. Plus I have no intention of turning into a miserable whiny cow.

@sadie9 I'm not entirely sure! OH seems convinced that the house will become his. As more of an 'outsider', I could well see FIL giving his share to Tom, or Tom's dad. It's a lovely idea to have our kids grow up in one house (this was also OH's childhood home), but I'm not going to place that wishful thinking above my kids being in a stable environment. They don't need to see some arsehole growing old with no aspirations sitting watching TV while I'm trying to tell them to plan for their future and simultaneously hoovering around everyone's feet!

OP posts:
RandomMess · 23/06/2020 19:46

I would tell your OH you are leaving, that either they sell up and the two of you buy together or it's over.

Tom has student finance, Tom can rent student digs...

FIL would like to move nearer his daughter.

If your OH paid 50% of childcare costs as he should then you would be better off working...

Stop being a mug!!!

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