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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

MIL pretty much confirmed she hates me

736 replies

whitenoise123 · 07/12/2020 09:47

First time poster here but really need advice. I’m a first time mum to a 3 month old baby boy. We usually visit DPs family every Sunday and go for a walk, have dinner there etc. DPs family have never been super friendly to me but I accepted that they might not have much in common with me so let it go. However, since having DS his mum has been unbearable. She pretty much ignores me now and is only interested in the baby.

I’m always polite to them even though I don’t get much back from them. When we leaving last night DS was crying in his car seat so I got in the car quickly to try to settle him down. DP then started saying I didn’t say bye to them even though I had.

Anyway I admitted I maybe should try harder with them so sent DPs Mum a message apologising if I have offended them. I then received this message back from her

We have noticed that not just today you rarely say bye or thank you.I have tried to help out with getting things for ......... food,meals and try to make you feel welcome when you visit.It does not cost anything to be civil and good manners are important in my opinion.I did not say anything this evening it was ..... who asked ........ if you were all right.At least you have reflected on the situation, apology accepted.

I have no idea what to do now going forward

OP posts:
Areweallsheepnow82 · 09/12/2020 13:01

To all the women on here saying OP should offer to help with the meal and washing up - should her partner offer to help too??

Or should OP be at the sink cleaning plates while her partner sits on his arse watching football with his dad?

Do wonder if a lot of these “offer to help with washing up”, be even more polite and always say please and thank you for every little thing comments would be made to a man.

(And I am a big fan of good manners but think new mums should be cut a little slack).

northstars · 09/12/2020 13:11

@Areweallsheepnow82

To all the women on here saying OP should offer to help with the meal and washing up - should her partner offer to help too??

Or should OP be at the sink cleaning plates while her partner sits on his arse watching football with his dad?

Do wonder if a lot of these “offer to help with washing up”, be even more polite and always say please and thank you for every little thing comments would be made to a man.

(And I am a big fan of good manners but think new mums should be cut a little slack).

Quite right. Nobody would expect a man to make nearly this much effort, and especially with his in laws. Just ridiculous.
bluebella4 · 09/12/2020 13:31

@overoptimism she doesn't need to tolerate anyone. If parents felt she was being rude, they've pulled her up on it. If she didn't want to be there then don't be there,which she has clearly made clear with her behaviour (possibly unintentional). She needs to make clear her boundaries. Maybe we have different views by sitting down, discussing issues and finding an outcome creates a better environment for everyone! If someone is rude, don't stand for it. That goes both ways (regarding BIL)

Feedingthebirds1 · 09/12/2020 14:11

To all the women on here saying OP should offer to help with the meal and washing up - should her partner offer to help too??

And to those same women, you missed this bit from the OP -

I do always try to help out when I’m there by washing up and putting things away etc

HannaYeah · 09/12/2020 14:24

I find there are many situations where one word from a man would put an end to the problem.

Also find many men completely averse to saying what they need to say.

In this case it “Mother that is my partner and the mother of my child. If you do not make her feel welcome and comfortable, we just won’t be visiting here anymore.”

Namechangeforthis111 · 09/12/2020 14:40

Op I have read all of your posts and wanted to post in support!

I can relate to a lot of what you say, and did find that things were worse around having my dc’s, especially the first.

I was very similar to you, quite quiet, and found it difficult to get into the conversation at the IL’s as they were quiet loud and talked a lot (think monologue) and often it was about things and people I didn’t know! DH would zone out and sit reading the paper etc and I would sit there nodding. Add a baby into the mix with the extra stress and it was torture. I think they prob thought (think?) I was rude, because I wasn’t as outgoing , but I was always polite and tried to help. I am not a gushy person but would always say thank you- but it was like they never heard me or didn’t listen. They tend to like very gushy responses to present giving etc so I felt like I always had to say thanks 3 times and it felt a bit false.

My dh was similar to yours, and just went along with things to keep the peace. I know he gets it in the neck to do certain things but I tolerate it in order to see my family too.

Things improved for me a lot over times and as I grew in confidence with being a mum and as the kids got older there were more people to talk to etc and more distractions. We had a few snippy messages too, but in the end I just ignored them. You have the upper hand as you have the gc, and it will get easier!

Bluehues · 09/12/2020 16:04

Have you spoken to DH about how they make YOU feel? I would’ve just explained to him that I did say goodbye & I wouldn’t have sent any apology, if you don’t think you’ve been rude, why’re you apologising? I don’t have DIL yet but I can’t imagine sending her a text like that. If someone stormed out, slammed my door & no goodbye, I’d be shocked, but my DIL who I see every week jumping in the car to settle the baby instead of giving me a long drawn out goodbye, is not offensive in the slightest. As far as pp’s saying get stuck in helping out when you’re round there, I personally dislike it when guests start doing washing up or helping themselves to drink etc, if I’ve invited you round, I will wait on you, everybody is different in this respect so you’ll have to gage how she is. Some people are never happy, and some have complete double standards. She sounds overbearing and hard work IMO. You mention you’re 24 & as an older person I just want to say that age, is 100% an excuse, as you get older you will look back & scold yourself or cringe at things you said/did/accepted when you were younger, but you will only know better because you have simply got older and more experienced, you will also realise people should have been kinder to you because they were once young and made mistakes too Flowers

overoptimism · 09/12/2020 16:49

If parents felt she was being rude, they've pulled her up on it.

Isn't it quite rude to pull someone up on something who isn't your child, isn't a child, and, most importantly, has just apologised?

You misunderstood about the word tolerate. You think they must want her to be there because why else would they have her round. I replied they have plenty of reasons to put up with her and yet still not be welcoming or very happy to have her. Which she would naturally feel.

LittleBlueToday · 10/12/2020 06:21

I'm not getting the impression that you're a rude person from your posts OP. I wonder if your DP's mother doesn't want to make any room for you in her family, and this is why you've found yourself in this position.

She wants to keep things exactly as they've always been, family lunches on Sunday, watching the football and so on. With her in control.

I suspect there is animosity from your partner's family, not because you are rude, but because you are there, and they have to accommodate you. It automatically changes the dynamic and this is what she doesn't like.

I would be having a long hard think about how much time these people deserve of your time and energy, given how they have treated you so far.

You deserve much better. Her reply to you, given that you had apologised (already!!!) was a weird thing to say, and strikes me as the sort of tactic that is employed by someone who wishes to control and manipulate someone into doing as they see fit.

Don't let her push you around. Put boundaries in place and don't get drawn into arguments about it with your DP, just state the facts - his mother is unwelcoming and unsupportive. See how things go from there.

Stopandlook · 10/12/2020 06:40

You’ve got a 3 month old baby, MIL needs to look after you and give you a break rather than expecting you to be on your best behaviour. I imagine you are a bit sleep deprived and frazzled- I sure was at that stage and sure I wasn’t at my best.

Luddite26 · 10/12/2020 06:54

I think a lot of us oldee mumsnetters have sympathy for you and have experienced similar when we were young mums.
One thing you do learn with age is life is too short, time is far too precious. Before you know it you will be the MIL.
Don't let this make your mental health suffer and don't give them any more of your time than YOU want to.
Life goes in a flash spend as much quality time with your children as you possibly can.
These Sundays do not sound like quality time to me.
No more apologies to someone who takes advantage of you doing that and to someone who should be treating you kinder.
I hope that you can feel some of the kindness and support that is coming through to you on this thread as a first time poster. It's because we are on your side and i hope you can get some strength from this to go forward in the way that YOU want to.

phoenixrosehere · 10/12/2020 07:51

If parents felt she was being rude, they've pulled her up on it.

Technically, MIL has pulled her up on it. The rest probably don’t even notice because they’re too busy watching the football. Let’s not pretend MIL hasn’t been rude either. It is rude to have someone over and discuss things and people they know nothing about for the majority of the time they are there. Also, MIL seems to care more about goodbyes than her DIL that has gone through a traumatic experience, had a premature baby, is nursing, and tired all in the middle of a pandemic and hasn’t even thought to ask if OP is ok or managing which is really sad. I bet OP has said bye in the past and MIL hasn’t heard her or it wasn’t up to what MIL wanted. OP visits every week yet MIL can’t be bothered to even talk to OP and ask about her yet gets fussy about saying goodbye when she pretty much ignores her.

I bet MIL will be interested now when OP stops going and her son comes in alone. I have sons and if they choose to have children there is no way I would treat the mother of their children the way OP’s MIL treats her.

randomer · 10/12/2020 10:02

How bloody dare MIL "pull her up" on manners? Are you mad?

She has had ( and I repeat) major abdominal surgery, trauma, God knows how many drugs , and a new born.

'pull her up".....the woman should be offering unconditional support.

ninka68 · 10/12/2020 13:19

Everyone needs to clear the air now before this escalates! You might “win” the argument but Festering resentments lead to unhappiness and the divorce court.... not a pleasant prospect! You don’t have to be weak. Speak to your partner first and explain that it’s not a question of sides but of trying to reset these complex relationships so that you all feel valued and can meet happily. His parents will need you one day, you may need their support one day and your child will certainly need happy parents and grandparents, not a divided family. Don’t be bitter, manage this escalating situation before it’s too late!

Pemba · 10/12/2020 14:09

Ninka, there will be no divorce courts as they're not married. As you'd know if you had RTFT. And then you would also know that the OP has been very conciliatory and shown a lot of good will, only to be met with unjustified criticism from what sounds like a bullying, possibly narcissistic woman who's not interested in 'clearing the air' but in enforcing a dominant position over the younger woman who is recovering from the traumatic birth of her grandchild. She's shown no care or goodwill towards her at all. Hard to believe this person is a nurse. The OP would be sensible to keep her distance.

whitenoise123 · 10/12/2020 14:21

@pemba exactly. I reached out to her and DP has agreed that her response has just made the situation awkward. DP and DS can still see them if he wants but for the sake of my mental health I need a breather from them.

OP posts:
billy1966 · 10/12/2020 14:50

Instead of accepting the OP's gracious apology the MIL decided to dig in and get her petty annoyances off her chest.

I think she sounds extremely rude to have sent the text, and it could only have been her intention to throw petrol on the situation.....and then to just make sure the situation was truly poisonous, there was the rude phone call.

I think pulling back is extremely wise.

The OP is in for one long miserable life if her in laws believe this is how you behave towards a new mother after a tough birth, who was prepared to spend a full day with them every weekend watching football!

🙄

Prioritise your MH OP.
His family DON'T have your back.
Flowers

rbmilliner · 10/12/2020 16:31

So ok you might not have the same set of manners as your MIL has but that doesn't warrant a response like that, it's a character assassination.
You were apologizing and she's spoiling for a fight, she's the rude one!
Say that your busy and only go occasionally. If she wants to she the baby she can come to you (again of your not busy)

HannaYeah · 11/12/2020 03:19

“Clear the air”
Has anything good ever come of that? It sounds a bit like “the airing of the grievances” to me.

Jux · 11/12/2020 14:25

She is very resentful of you, and when she got an opportunity for it to come out, it did.

A break from each other is best for the moment. Then your dh can try to build bridges if that's what you all want, but as soon as you are uncomfortable with it, stop.

I hope you do get Xmas just the 3 of you, but I'm willing to bet that you won't. Don't take ds over there, no matter the pressure, or let dh take him; if it looks like dh is going to spend Xmas day with them then just say that that's fine and you and ds will be spending the day with your parents.....

Good luck. I do hope it's just that mil has been taken by surprise by her feelings, and is now being stern with herself and trying to overcome then genuinely.

MissEliza · 11/12/2020 21:14

Jux your first paragraph is very perceptive. I must say, I wish MN had been around when the much younger and less confident me was having problems with MIL.

TheRubyRedshoes · 11/12/2020 21:37

Op I've not waded through 29 pages, I'm sure this thread has now morphed out of all recognition but has she thanked you for giving her this wonderful grandchild?

In my family no one had babies and my siblings didn't either. People do tend to take these things for granted.
Children bring such utter joy and life and wonder to a family so I'm wondering if you have been thanked for your rather big part in this?

Temporary1234 · 11/12/2020 22:02

I'm wondering if you have been thanked for your rather big part in this?

Honestly OP, this.
You are going there and dragging your injuries across so you can help them enjoy their bundle of joy.

You are doing them a bloody favor. They should be the ones thanking you.. you gave them a grandchild for good sake. They should be the ones pandering and appreciating you.

Their actions seem otherwise. Their actions suggest that they feel entitled for more.

Take your child and stop doing those people undeserving favors.

And when she shoves her favors in your face abs asks you to say please and thank you,,

Just respond with

“I’ve been telling DH that I feel really sore still and sleep deprived and haven’t really recovered from injuries. So I’ve not been too keen on coming every weekend , but I wanted you guys to enjoy the baby and kind of went out of my way.

But I think my intentions were misguided and I should’ve looked after myself first because my tiredness is coming across as me being cold. Maybe I should just try relax at home with my baby more and come when I’m able to keep up with the formalities”.

TheRubyRedshoes · 11/12/2020 22:14

Arf temporary perfect and tell the partner that to.

Op, men want an easy time, it's usually to begin with easier to upset their wife or partner than mum. Soon they realise they live with someone who can nag them more.

I've read your posts now op, your Mil is Vile, I agree with the posters who have pointed out that instead of kindly accepting your text... Telling you it's '' nonsense.. You've just had a baby... Of course your tired... Don't worry about us '' she has chosen to dig a knife into the mother of her gc and expect things to carry on as normal.

This is sadly boundary making time.

Temporary1234 · 11/12/2020 22:41

It is the job of your DH to help you figure out he family dynamics and adjust to it.

And it’s also his job to help his family figure you out and help you adjust in his family life comfortably and feel respected.

His job is either made harder by his mother’s attitude to life or by the fact he is irresponsible and lazy and doesn’t see the need to ensure you are comfortable or because he is confused and clueless and you have been giving him mixed signals that you are completely feeling fine around his family..

You don’t have a job to mend his relationships with his family nor do you have a job to do the mental work of maintaining a strong tie between him and his family nor do you have a job to pander to his parents and second guess yourself whenever they seem disappointed with their son or your family..

Your job is simple. Just don’t proactively try to obstruct the relationship they have with their son unfairly and unjustifiably abs stick within the boundaries of fairness abs respect.

Anymore efforts instigated by you will confuse your husband into assuming that you are already feeling totally comfortable around his family and he won’t do his job if actually trying to do the mental work of it all..

Just be yourself. Look after yourself. And be kind at heart whixh Im sure you are.

When someone blames you for the outcome of that, redirect the responsibility at your DH

“Oh, DH never told me in your family you consider not saying bye loud enough is taken so personally. In my family we arent that formal. I’ll ask him to communicate with me those things better next time.. at the end of the day, I’m still trying to work out how your family is from an outsider perspective”.

Look after you.
Let DH worry about his parents and their relationship with grandchild abs their tantrums.

And if he isn’t good at doing that.. remind him every now and then by using your family as an example.

“My mum likes me to call her every few days, do you think your mum might like you to do the same?”

But don’t do it for him. And don’t even feel obliged. It’s between her and her son how secure of a bond they have together. You don’t need to worry about her or even give that impression..

She will start assuming that you see her as a mother figure and she will resume her desciplinaru parental side at you whixh isn’t pleasant when it’s not coming from a place of love.

If a relationship is to develop into further intimacy between you and his family, it wouldn’t be impeded by the fact you were looking after your well-being as a new mother with injuries and that you didn’t act as a secretary to take on their sons duties and that you didn’t guess what’s on their minds.. it would be impeded if there is acts of unfairness abs hostility like your mother in laws text..

It takes efforts from both sides and the willingness to put that in.

Right now there is no willingness because they get the impression that you are totally invested in them as a family and that they’re so cool and their ego is really huge with all this pandering

Not all relationships inspire empathy in us and sometimes people do struggle with empathy when their emotions are clouded with things like being protective of their pack against stranger/outsiders abs so you would find many mothers in law are acting on impulse to protect their family dynamic against you unless they feel like they know you.. which takes time..

So until the relationship naturally develops.. I wouldn’t invest much emotional energy in what she thinks of you.. how to impress her..

I would be more concerned with sticking to boundaries and supporting DH maintain healthy relationships and communication with them if that’s what he wants and aside from that ... stay true to myself and honor my own feelings in that relationship until in laws finally mellow..

And if they’re unwilling to put the effort then.. their loss.. and your DH if he is desperate to form a relationship then he can direct them on how to behave in a way that’s fair to you.

Sounds like he is taking the passive backseat because you are instigating all the kindness towards his family and taking that mental load off him and he was reaping all the Benefit of that - on his own- so what would make him sense that he needs to step up for that responsibility??

I’m not saying to be mean.. but just simoly be yourself and STOP putting effort and stop hoping to fit in.