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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

My 16yo DS and his girlfriend (and her mum)

995 replies

workworkworkugh · 26/12/2020 06:57

I'm going to write this in point form, I just want to get some other unbiased opinions on my son and his gf of 5 months.
Our point of view is that the relationship is not a healthy one.
We understand that at this age teens start to move away from the family unit but we feel this is above the realms of 'normal'

*she gets mad at him if she doesn't have his full attention.
*she gets mad at him if he hangs out with his mates, so he hasn't hung out with them for 3+ months.
*last time he did she dumped him.
*she cries if he's not at school
*she gets mad at him for playing his Xbox (and not answering her call on the first ring)
*he got a new Xbox for Xmas and she's already making noises about him playing it too much, also about his sport that he loves playing is starting up again soon and she's getting sad about that.
*he spends every single day with her, anywhere from 6-14hours
*it's like he feels guilty if he spends time with us so has to make it up to her
*he can't spend a full day with us as a family, not even Xmas day
*we invite her to our house and to things we're going to but she refuses
*at one point he didn't eat dinner with us for over two weeks as he was with her
*they send literal pages of gushing to each other every single day about how much they love each other and the kids they're going to have 😳
*her mum seems to encourage it (the intensity) which doesn't help
*the Mum, who is 50yo, has texted him (in reply to his messages) "thank you my beautiful James Arthur, you're so adorable" along with a kissy face emoji (not his real name obviously)

We're happy for him to spend time with her and don't stop him much, but it's getting to be too much. We miss him and sometimes want to see him too.
He seems to know it's not right but 'loves her', and I remember young love, we're only in our 30's, so we're happy to be flexible but it still feels very unhealthy to us.
We also don't want to alienate him.

So AIBU and how to we put some boundaries in place, because he clearly doesn't know how to!

OP posts:
Lemmeout · 27/12/2020 20:42

Gf mum maybe pushing this to get security for her dd, or at least ensure she gets the type of relationship the Mums feels her daughteR ought to have.

Emeraldshamrock · 27/12/2020 20:46

Sounds like she gets her OTT attitude from her DM.
It isn't healthy he knows it my advice is to hold off criticism for now, he'll feel smothered he'll need a peaceful neutral confidant.
He'll miss you if he sees you happy, he'll miss his friends, his freedom he'll learn from this toxic intense relationship.

workworkworkugh · 27/12/2020 21:57

@Wheresmykimchi he had saved money he had earned from a paid hobby he has done since he was 12.
He didn't save us from losing the house at all, that's just his current interpretation even though this happened years ago and has never been an issue before.
We borrowed a couple hundred for something else and paid it back immediately.

OP posts:
workworkworkugh · 27/12/2020 22:04

Thanks for the advice so far everyone, it's massively helpful and I don't feel so alone in this.
I'm reading through all the replies and will try and answer soon, but to the few people who have suggested we try and take him away, that's nearly how all of this started.

We're going away for three days over New Years and he is refusing to come. He thinks he can stay home alone.
I'm not sure what we can do if he decides to take off to her house (with his key) and refuses to come, I'm assuming nothing 😔

I'm aware he's not coming off well and I fully know he's not an angel and it's not entirely his gf's fault.
We have always said we will pick him up from anywhere at anytime (parties etc) it was just a safety thing and we're happy to do it.

But for now the on call taxi service from us has stopped and the privileges are starting to be taken away, but that just means that now he calls the mother/father and they take him everywhere

OP posts:
Wheresmykimchi · 27/12/2020 22:04

[quote workworkworkugh]@Wheresmykimchi he had saved money he had earned from a paid hobby he has done since he was 12.
He didn't save us from losing the house at all, that's just his current interpretation even though this happened years ago and has never been an issue before.
We borrowed a couple hundred for something else and paid it back immediately.[/quote]
Quite, I wasn't doubting you, I just think he's being a bit ridiculous.

DoTheNextRightThing · 27/12/2020 22:32

When I was around your DS age, I had a similarly toxic relationship. My parents could see it, my friends could see it, everyone could see it except for me. And so I fear trying to tell your DS about how toxic this is will ultimately achieve nothing. I'm sure eventually he will see the light and it will teach him a good lesson about relationships for the future. For now, try your best to subtlety shift his mind set.

DeRigueurMortis · 27/12/2020 22:58

@workworkworkugh

Thanks for the advice so far everyone, it's massively helpful and I don't feel so alone in this. I'm reading through all the replies and will try and answer soon, but to the few people who have suggested we try and take him away, that's nearly how all of this started.

We're going away for three days over New Years and he is refusing to come. He thinks he can stay home alone.
I'm not sure what we can do if he decides to take off to her house (with his key) and refuses to come, I'm assuming nothing 😔

I'm aware he's not coming off well and I fully know he's not an angel and it's not entirely his gf's fault.
We have always said we will pick him up from anywhere at anytime (parties etc) it was just a safety thing and we're happy to do it.

But for now the on call taxi service from us has stopped and the privileges are starting to be taken away, but that just means that now he calls the mother/father and they take him everywhere

Ok in response to the above.

Firstly it's obvious for whatever reason his GF's parents are enabling this situation and frankly massively over stepping boundaries.

To be fair, there is a possibility they actually may be doing this because they believe it's the right thing to do on the basis things your DS has told them (just think of the things your DS has said to you that you know not to be true or an exaggeration and how that would be perceived by someone else).

It's also possible that they are "cool" parents who fuel their own sense of self worth by living vicariously through their child.

Either way they are not going to be your allies and there is nothing you can gain by contacting them to try and get them "onside". Anything you say (however gently) will only be perceived as attacking them/their DD or "proof" that you are an over controlling parent.

New Years. No you can't force him to go away with you. He's well past the age where you can strong arm him into a car.

Your choice is go or not. If you don't go the rest of the family misses out and he'll still spend his time with his GF.

Realistically if he stays "home alone" he's going to go to his GF's house or she will come to yours. I'll bet good money he'll go to hers where he'll be fed, watered and fawned upon.

My response would be to let him stay at home and frame it as it's kind of him to "mind" the home whilst you're away. Give him responsibility for looking after the family house.

With that in mind I'd incentivise him/her to stay at yours. Stack the fridge with food. Leave money for a pizza takeaway. Let them download a movie of their choice etc.

He's going to be with her either way, so you might as well come across as accepting/kind about it and knock the wind out of his GF/GF parents sails.

Even if he still goes to hers you've been "supportive".

This is why you need to back off and be "neutral" about his GF (even uninterested). Anything you say that might vaguely be perceived as negative just fuels the flame.

Have faith. He's still your son and the love/values you've instilled in him aren't lost.

They're just covered in a sticky residue of hormones and the inevitable pushing of boundaries that are a prerequisite to becoming an adult, that will wash off as he matures.

It's like a game of chess. You need to think many, many moves ahead and tactically sacrifice some pawns to protect your most important piece on the board.

Timeforredwine · 28/12/2020 08:01

I was talking from experience in respect of my post that was pretty general as were other posters, it isnt sexist there are now more and more young men coming forward with mental health issues because their roles have changed so much, when I see and hear it all around. I think that in ops situation this is a case of just high intensity love and if she perseveres her son will come back to her it will just take time. Just stay calm go with the flow but if course dont bend over backwards to accommodate every whim. Try and encourage your home as the place to be. It happens a lot where others parents appear to have a home where anything goes, your son will realise when older that you were protecting him and that the other parent wasnt so cool after all. Hope it all works out for you both. Just dont push him away.

Timeforredwine · 28/12/2020 08:19

@flaxensunshine- same here and it is becoming very common for mums with daughters to tell them what they are worth, nothing wrong with that, BUT sadly it is leaning towards girls expecting the world materialistically and 100 percent attention and their own way at all times but still expecting a man to keep them. All to often we are now hearing of abused men, why? Because it isnt all that boys are bad, boys dont treat women right it is the same the other way round too, MUMS & DADS should chat to their sons the same way they chat to their daughters when they warn them and protecting them from certain types of boys! Saying that I'm quite sure that there are lots of girls that are lovely, sweet and unselfish and been brought up with good values, but I read and hear about too many that are spoilt and manipulative.

Bluntness100 · 28/12/2020 08:29

Op. As long as she doesn’t get pregnant the odds are this will burn itself out

I saw it with my friends son. Honestly the dramatics. They were even writing each other letters about the moment they fell in love. I heard one being read out and I swear to god, we all sat there trying not to roll our eyes. The female in that scenario was also very very full on. The parents all for it. It was like something I’d never seen before. Full on Romeo and Juliet shit.

Of course it’s over now and they basically fell out. Becayse with high emotion comes high drama. And they now even don’t say hello if in the same club, they ignore each other.

My advice would be to let him crack on. The more you tell him anything negative the more you try to stop him, the more he will hate you for it. And the more it will push them together. He will naturally get sick of it when then novelty wears off, when he misses his mates. It will self combust. It always does when it’s like this. The only time it doesn’t is when the parents inadvertently push them together.

So In future say things like do you have plans with your girlfriend or would you like to join us at the beach. Are you coming nome for dinner or seeing your girlfriend. Be all light about it. The only thing you need to worry about is pregnancy, because of their ages and the fact both are incredibly immature.

CupoTeap · 28/12/2020 08:36

At first I was going to say yes this is a very unhealthy relationship but after the last updates, I'm not so sure. You only know how he puts it to you. You've already said you think he says things to them that aren't true.

year5teacher · 28/12/2020 08:41

I think this is an emotionally abusive relationship.

I’m sure the girl will go on to have many healthy relationships when she grows up, I’m not saying she is a bad person but I’ve seen some responses saying that the intensity is sort of explained by their age - I was only a little older at 17 when I was in a relationship that was controlling and emotionally abusive. Relationships in the young teens don’t have to be like this.
This seems to be permeating lots of aspects of your DS’ life and she seems to be making him feel guilty for doing literally anything that isn’t spending time with her. I think you need to have a fairly gentle conversation with him saying that you know he loves her but that some of her behaviour isn’t ok. Ask him if it makes him happy when she does these things.

workworkworkugh · 29/12/2020 06:23

Another update, someone upthread asked me if I knew my DS was telling me the truth and I admit sometimes I do wonder, although I have seen the way he has acted when she's been mad at him.
But today she sent me a direct message asking about our NYE plans, I responded and she sent me this...

My 16yo DS and his girlfriend (and her mum)
OP posts:
Mummyoflittledragon · 29/12/2020 06:44

What did you say to her in your text to provoke that reaction? She seems very sure of herself, which I would imagine means she has her mother totally backing her.

I think you should consider showing this message to your ds. He’s going to go mad at you for contacting her. Or perhaps he already knows. Maybe he will open up or shut down. Can you try to get across it’s not normal she’s threatening to cheat on you for going away for a couple of days?

My dd is only 12. But I’m shocked a 16 yo is prepared to say that to an adult. Is this normal these days??

As for him calling you abusive. You know this is projection and he means the gf and her mother. And perhaps something they’ve planted in his head.

workworkworkugh · 29/12/2020 06:53

She contacted me first to ask our plans and I answered her. It's not unusual for her to message me sometimes but I am shocked at her gall to message me what she did.

My son was at work when it was sent and he went straight to her house so I have not seen him yet

My 16yo DS and his girlfriend (and her mum)
OP posts:
Bikingbear · 29/12/2020 06:57

Other boys what's she planning, a threesome?

Mummyoflittledragon · 29/12/2020 07:06

Even better that she contacted you first. Your text was indeed tentative and hers galling.

Do you have a DP / dh / or your ds’s father / even better a cool uncle etc around? Just wondering if a person beside you can explain to him how disgustingly she is treating you and controlling of him. He needs someone to say mum is to be respected. I’m thinking “mate if a woman said that to my mum / about me, I’d tell her where to go”.

I also don’t think you can force your ds to come with you. I am just wondering if there is any support you could garner. Or any highly respected teacher from school, who could help once school restarts.

PencilFace · 29/12/2020 07:06

I really really feel for you and I think you are being incredibly patient given the circumstances. I had a very intense relationship at 16 and think I may have behaved a little like your son's GF. I was jealous, possessive, controlling...it all linked back to my own insecurities and need for validation. I think the difference in my situation is that my Mum is very sensible and never would have encouraged it.

Years later, and now I have sons of my own, I feel truly awful about the trouble I caused. I actually saw the boy (well, man now) years ago and I apologised profusely for my behaviour. I do agree with the other posters who say this will burn out. The level of intensity is just not sustainable over a long period of time and I think all you can do is be there for him when it all goes wrong. Wish I had some more helpful advice, it sounds really tough. Good luck.

Mummyoflittledragon · 29/12/2020 07:09

Posted too soon. Keep all texts etc from her and any you can get off your ds’s phone without him suspecting. Someone upthread suggested getting support from school. These texts are great proof of the control and of your innocence - seeing as your ds has accused you of being abusive.

Purplethrow · 29/12/2020 07:17

Like I said before, the girl needs help, this is not normal behaviour and if she’s brazen enough to send this to you, my guess is she’s sending even worse ‘threats’ to your son .

MsTSwift · 29/12/2020 07:46

The power balance here makes me uncomfortable. The teen calling the shots (that text!) and adults tiptoeing around and apologising for daring to go away for a few days.

That said it’s very hard as if you go in too harshly you risk driving him to their house. A friend is in a similar situation we have agonised over what to do. Very difficult

SavoyCabbage · 29/12/2020 07:56

Her not getting pregnant would be my top priority. The relationship will probably come to a natural end but he will be forever connected with her if there is a baby.

I'd just keep living my own life over the summer holidays. You opposing their love may be providing them the drama that the relationship needs to keep going. Then reassess in February if it's not over and get back in a routine when school starts.

Purplethrow · 29/12/2020 08:30

I would reply to her text with something not too antagonist but just to let her know that she’s being nasty. Maybe ‘well that’s not very nice is it ?’ Don’t let her think she can get away with this.

GinandGingerBeer · 29/12/2020 09:58

Bloody hell! She's got some gall!
Ive been there with my DS and he did see the light in the end thank god. Is there anyone who he will listen to?

CoraPirbright · 29/12/2020 10:56

What a little cow! Threatening you like that with “other boys”!! Call her bluff - if/when your poor ds is dumped, hopefully you can help him through the trauma.

Also, may I just say DeRigeurMortis - you are my new guru, not only is your advice full of wisdom but so beautifully expressed. Love the chess analogy!