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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To want to do a language class while PILs are here?

28 replies

thewallisblue · 15/09/2020 16:27

I do virtual language classes on a weekday evening. The new term is starting this week.

My PILs are coming to stay with us for three days. They haven't been for a while (because of Covid). When they're here I find them really intense - they need constant entertainment and attention. They're not content with just relaxing at home - we have a jam-packed itinerary for things to do with them.

My class is 1.5 hour long. My DH thinks I'm unreasonable for wanting to do the class, as they're not here for very long.

So, AIBU?

OP posts:
cologne4711 · 15/09/2020 16:29

1.5 hours is nothing. My mum goes off to the hairdressers when I visit her - I don't think it's personal - it just seems to work out that way - every single time.

Your DH is being unreasonable. He probably just doesn't want to entertain them by himself for 1.5 hours. Well tough, they are his parents.

squashyhat · 15/09/2020 16:31

YANBU

ButteryPuffin · 15/09/2020 16:34

He can use that as quality time just him and them, parents and son Grin YANBU.

lafillette · 15/09/2020 16:35

YANBU at all, your husband is.

unmarkedbythat · 15/09/2020 16:37

Yanbu. Is he incapable of entertaining his parents for a couple of hours?

thewallisblue · 15/09/2020 16:41

Thanks all! Yes I suspected as much.

He's now saying his parents would be annoyed if I did the class (which is likely true), which he realises is unreasonable, but he doesn't want to have an argument with them about it.

Why are PILs so annoying?!

OP posts:
TheDuchessofMalfy · 15/09/2020 16:43

Ffs he’s their son! You shouldn’t have to be involved at all times!

ArnoJambonsBike · 15/09/2020 16:45

Well if they don't like what you do in your home, they are more than welcome to stay in their own fucking hovel, aren't they?

Longdistance · 15/09/2020 16:46

Do your language course. Let them get annoyed. Learning a language is really important.
What language are you learning btw?

lazylinguist · 15/09/2020 16:47

YANBU. I'm sure they can cope without you for 90 mins!

2bazookas · 15/09/2020 16:48

Generously, tactfully, you make sure the rarely-visiting PILS have some special time alone with their beloved son. An hour and a half every evening, no interruptions, no distractions, just Mummy and Daddy sharing quality time with Sonny.

   How can the lucky lad possibly object?  The ungrateful  oaf  should be  kneeling at your feet giving humble thanks for your sacrifice.
AdoraBell · 15/09/2020 16:50

YANBU your DH can spend time with his parents.

Hahaha88 · 15/09/2020 16:50

Why should you not do your course. Your oh needs to grow a pair
I mean alternatively they could choose another 3 days when you aren't doing your course? But I imagine they would be more bothered by this

afaloren · 15/09/2020 16:50

is it a Dysgu Cymraeg course??? Only because mine starts this week too Grin

BlueJava · 15/09/2020 16:50

1.5 hours to do a language class is fine. You don't want to miss it and risk falling behind just for chit-chat! If they were over for the evening only then fair enough, but they are there for 3 days. If my parents or ILs turn up the whole house doesn't revolve around them.

Billben · 15/09/2020 16:52

Surely your DH can entertain his own parents for an 1.5hr 😀

thatwouldbeanecumenicalmatter · 15/09/2020 16:54

They're all CFkers. I'd be childish and tell him only boring people get bored.

Onekidnoclue · 15/09/2020 16:54

Perfectly reasonable. And yes. PIL are a PITA

ButteryPuffin · 15/09/2020 16:55

Well, you'll be annoyed if you DON'T do the class. Ask him which is worse.

DPotter · 15/09/2020 16:58

As is often the case - the clue is in the question. Parents in law, ie his parents. And yes - he can take the opportunity to take them out for coffee / walk, just the 3 of them. They can take a whole morning or afternoon about it too.

So you are not being unreasonable. If they were coming just for an evening meal and your class was at 7pm, then yes I think it would be awkward, but they are staying for 3 days - 1.5 hrs off / way from them is not unreasonable. And your DH should be extolling your virtue for wishing to expand your mind and learn a new skill. "Isn't my wife, Wallis, amazing, she never rests, always learning something new. What a role model".

LannieDuck · 15/09/2020 17:00

He just doesn't want to do the work of entertaining. Of course you can quietly disappear to your room for 1.5 hrs during a 3-day stay.

PurpleDaisies · 15/09/2020 17:00

He is in the wrong here.

IntermittentParps · 15/09/2020 17:07

He's now saying his parents would be annoyed if I did the class (which is likely true), which he realises is unreasonable, but he doesn't want to have an argument with them about it.

Why are PILs so annoying?!

Actually it's your DH who's being annoying. He needs to stand up for you and for himself.
I'd absent myself for their whole trip if my DP tried something like this. But I'm a cow Grin

monsterad · 15/09/2020 17:09

Off topic! But what company does the classes? I really interested in continuing my Spanish learning

standupsitdownturnaround · 15/09/2020 17:09

How much does the class cost? Let's say it's £100 for five lessons, to not attend one would be a waste of £20 and you'll fall behind, possibly making the other £80 a waste too.

It's in the way he communicates with them as well. For example

He needs to say: TheWallisBlue has her class at 18:00. Shall we go ahead and eat or are you happy to wait until 19:30

Not: I'm so sorry but Thewallisblue has this class she could skip it but then she might fall behind.

On what planet would you not honour a weekly commitment of 90 minutes for two grown ups who are staying 3 nights?

Ask him how long you're allowed to spend on the toilet or in the bath whilst they're there. You wouldn't want them to be offended....

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