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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not want ill ExSil moving to my town?

26 replies

flythewindmill · 11/08/2020 20:31

So I know this doesn’t paint me in a good light but it’s how I feel.

Ex-Sil has a degenerative disease which I know has worsened since Ex and I split about 10 years ago. She lives about an hour away from where we live, and it has become apparent to me that ex has moved in with her and is presumably her carer. He doesn’t speak to me and hasn’t since I raised a CMS claim about 4 years ago, but from things the dc tell me I’m sure this is the case. Ex keeps a rented house in our town purely to have our dc in once or twice per week. He works from home, though work is putting it generously and that’s another thread.
The dc have told me that Ex-sil is looking to move to our town. Now I see that this would make sense as it would mean ex wouldn’t have to travel so much (money is an issue for him – see above comment about work) and it would be a lot more convenient. However, all their other family (mainly elderly people) are in the other town, as well as friends. Ex Sil had her mortgage paid off my her dps so ex would also be rent-free if this happened. He does come back every week without fail in term time, though can be a bit flakey in the holidays as he knows I work term time only so he can be a bit freer (this was the case ever since we split).

I’m really worried about her coming to live here. One reason is it just feels odd – she has no ties with this place and it feels like part of ex’s family coming very close to me, which has never been the case since we split. It was an acrimonious split based on his infidelity and the whole experience made me not want to see his family again. It’s a small place we live in so she’d be very near, people would know, I’d be certain to see her.

That reason is shit, I know, but I’m also worried about the effect on my dc. They are in their early teens and I’m really worried that they will become somehow responsible for her and that as a result, so may I. As I said, there is no one else here she would know. Ex also has the disease she has, though it seems to be a milder strain. What if the dc end up doing stuff for them, particularly if ex worsens? I don't want them responsible in any way. Yes, helping out a bit would be fine, but this seems to me to be two quite vulnerable people moving to somewhere where the only people they know are two kids and an ex, and it doesn't sit right with me. Also, when my dc go to uni, wouldn’t it then fall on me? Yes very selfish, but the whole thing makes me feel so anxious. I know I sound like a bitch and that there’s nothing I can do, but AIBU?

OP posts:
RedHelenB · 11/08/2020 20:34

I think you are overthinking it tbh.

nestisflown · 11/08/2020 20:38

Why would the caring fall on you? But if your DC decide they want to help care for their aunt (of their own volition) then that’s something to be commended and praised. It’s great for teenagers to commit to something greater than their own selfish needs and desires/ pleasures.

forrestgreen · 11/08/2020 20:39

I think you need to let them live where they want and it should be easier for your dc if they're closer.
If she's worse them ex will look after her, when/if he becomes ill the dc will probably have grown up, maybe moved away etc. If they want to help they're dad, they can, most adults help their parents in some way.

1Morewineplease · 11/08/2020 20:41

You’re definitely over thinking this, sorry.

Love51 · 11/08/2020 20:42

It is fine to feel uncomfortable with it. You would become unreasonable if you were to do or say anything. This is your issue, and unless you happen to part own the property, you have no say over where another adult chooses to live. Hopefully you are venting here as you know that you can't in real life.

unfortunateevents · 11/08/2020 20:46

Why would you be responsible for your EX-SIL? Although you sound a bit callous in not wanting your children to be in any way responsible for your ex's potential future care - he isn't their ex, he's their dad. Don't most children expect to help their parents in some way as adults - either through advice, financially or in other ways? And I'm afraid you don't have a monopoly on your town either, why shouldn't they move there if they wish? If they were really thinking about it from a perspective of looking for practical help in coming years, surely they would stay where they live now?

flythewindmill · 11/08/2020 20:48

@Love51

It is fine to feel uncomfortable with it. You would become unreasonable if you were to do or say anything. This is your issue, and unless you happen to part own the property, you have no say over where another adult chooses to live. Hopefully you are venting here as you know that you can't in real life.
Absolutely that's what I'm doing.I won't be saying anything.
OP posts:
shinyredbus · 11/08/2020 20:52

You’re overthinking and being a bit mean. You cant dictate where anyone lives surely? And if your kind children did want to help out - then what’s the issue? Is it that you don’t want to help out (if the need came up?) then surely you can just say no? You can say no - for you. But your kids have to make their own mind up (if asked)

Shizzlestix · 11/08/2020 20:57

How on earth will any care fall to you? Do you think your ex will ask?

Haffdonga · 11/08/2020 20:58

Overthinking and overreacting. YABU but I think you know that really don't you?

You don't have contact with them so realistically how could you end up being responsible for her in any way? As you say, your dc will be off to uni and they wont be in a position to help out. It could be to your dcs' benefit having their dad actually living locally rather than just pretending to though (or is that your real concern?)

RhodaDendron · 11/08/2020 21:02

I think mostly yanbu, I would feel weird about people I didn’t want to see moving closer.
But maybe yabu a bit about not wanting your children to care at all - it’s not a bad thing for them to help out. Although again, I can see why you might worry that a disproportionate burden may fall on them/you with no other relatives around.

billy1966 · 11/08/2020 21:04

OP, how you feel is how you feel.
Obviously you can't say anything.

You can be firm with your boundaries and not engage at all, other than in connection with your children.

I do think if you find your ex is trying to impose on your children, then you definitely can step in too and be firm as to what you feel is acceptable.

diddl · 11/08/2020 21:07

Well as he has a house there & is her carer it would presumably suit him better?

But what would be in it for her?

Hopefully he won't be roping them into helping out with caring that he has chosen to do & presumably is getting paid for?

flythewindmill · 11/08/2020 21:10

Yes I did say IWBU. I do want my children to care - if they said we're doing some shopping for X today then great. What I don't want is them being made to feel responsible. Ex is a selfish man, and I don't want to find that they're being taken advantage of in any way. Also, if, for example, ex became impaired and dc got into a routine of fetching shopping every Saturday, that would be fine. But if they then went to uni and told me about routine, which they obviously would, I would feel obliged to take it over. I don't see how I couldn't if they said 'Who will get dad and X's shopping while we're away...?'

Yes, I'm over-thinking but these things do happen.

OP posts:
FourDecades · 11/08/2020 21:18

would feel obliged to take it over. I don't see how I couldn't if they said 'Who will get dad and X's shopping while we're away...?'

Errr.... delivered??..

Also, why feel obliged? If you end up doing it knowing that actually it's not your responsibility ... then it's your own fault!

FizzyGreenWater · 11/08/2020 21:22

‘Who will get dad and X’s shopping while we’re away?’

‘I don’t know. It’s a shame they made it so clear when we split that they’d rather the families didn’t remain close isn’t it. I’m sure they will work it out.’

forrestgreen · 11/08/2020 21:29

He's divorced from you
He can get a carer
He can order his shopping online.
The only reason you'll do it is if you get involved.
This is all his life for him to manage.
If he starts asking the ch for favours there will be a time to say, you've done enough he needs to get professional help

flythewindmill · 11/08/2020 21:30

That's a great response, Fizzy, except it was really me who didn't want to remain close. They were all 'Oh, we've all had affairs, haven't we...'. Not Sil, but she is close to her dps and they had that attitude. In fact, ex mil wanted to carry on coming to stay with me overnight so I do think I will be cast as a bad guy if it comes to that.

OP posts:
slipperywhensparticus · 11/08/2020 21:39

Your overthinking this but we have all been guilty of that (looks in mirror)

Young children should not be caring for their parents unless its absolutely necessary

SuperCaliFragalistic · 11/08/2020 21:50

I think YABU. It's s possible to live in the same town and not see her unless you want to. His family is his business, not yours, but it won't do your kids any harm to understand a bit about caring for other people.

flythewindmill · 11/08/2020 21:54

Why assume my kids don't know about caring for others currently?

OP posts:
adreamofspring · 11/08/2020 22:07

I completely understand why your brain has gone to worst case scenario. I do it all the time - I catastrophise and imagine how all sorts of things are going to play out. You got shot of your useless DP once; it would be a massive pain in the arse to have to do it twice with a SIL thrown in too.

this sort of thinking is exhausting but also can be useful. You are conscious that this ^^could be an issue, which means you are now prepared in case you feel it beginning to creep upon you.

If they start to lean on you - be strong, be clear, teach your kids the same.

Illdealwithitinaminute · 11/08/2020 22:11

You are nothing to do with them any more, and it's best to leave it that way. Of course you shouldn't be (fantasy) shopping for them in 10 years time or whatever, your paths don't need to cross except to make arrangements for children. You aren't their carer and will never need to be, that's the great thing about being divorced! You are going to have to support your children to be part of their lives anyway, wherever that may be, I'd focus on that.

tinkerbellvspredator · 11/08/2020 22:13

Why give a shit about whether they think you're the bad guy? You're not close to them.

If you're worried about people in your small town "talking" honestly I dont think anyone reasonable would expect an ex to take up any caring responsibilities.

SandyY2K · 11/08/2020 22:16

There's absolutely no reason for you to take over caring responsibilities.

If it becomes an issue when your kids go to Uni...advise them to contact social services.