Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To say this to all the people having a shit Christmas

3 replies

ohgetoveryourself · 27/12/2020 07:41

I am seeing so many threads with toxic families, people in tears, hiding in their bedrooms etc.

When you were a child you were reliant on your parents and siblings and if they were awful to you it meant years of sadness, hiding in your room crying.

As an adult- families may try to force us back into those roles which is why so many are feeling hopeless, sad, furious etc. You do not have to passively accept this, in fact it can be very cathartic to reestablish boundaries.

Decide how you want to deal with the expected rudeness/attacks/guilt tripping etc then stick to the plan eg

Leave the room/zoom call/phone call every time they behave badly without explanation

Have a set of pre learned phrases (sweet but sarcastic)-Goodness you really are extraordinary!
Hahaha of course you don’t like the dinner I spent six hours making- I would expect nothing else
What an incredible turn of phrase you have!

If you want to be more direct- tell them in a sentence how you feel- you are always so critical, snobby and condescending-if seeing me is so displeasing to you why continue? Manners cost nothing.

Alternatively download a Fake call app and every time they are rude- get a phone call - “Oh hello! How are you? Yes, I’m good. Yes they are being awful as usual but I’m used to it now” etc

Don’t let them get away with it, assert yourself in whatever way you see fit, maintain positive relations with everyone else and take it all with a pinch of salt. Say the things that the scared child within you couldn’t say. If you don’t feel that that is appropriate, leave. Have a very blessed, cheerful and healthy 2021 ❤️❤️❤️

OP posts:
WetSausageRoll · 27/12/2020 09:06

I’m all for setting boundaries and I do agree with the gist of your post, but a lot of what you suggested sounds really passive aggressive, fake phone calls, sarcasm, it sounds exhausting. And I say this as someone who does have difficult family members to deal with!

FestiveStuffing · 27/12/2020 09:09

@WetSausageRoll

I’m all for setting boundaries and I do agree with the gist of your post, but a lot of what you suggested sounds really passive aggressive, fake phone calls, sarcasm, it sounds exhausting. And I say this as someone who does have difficult family members to deal with!
I agree. Pretending to be slagging people off on the phone when said people are in earshot just seems like it would escalate things.
ohgetoveryourself · 27/12/2020 09:14

I hear you! I don’t do any of those things but some people are so entrenched in fixed relationships that they find it hard to cope even if they are normally confident and sociable. The fear of “the family” being offended and turning is all too real. However often “the family” might include racist bigots, abusers, and lots of emotional abuse that is overlooked and condoned even. It’s not OK for certain family members to be picked on whilst others are openly or subtly abusive. That power dynamic needs to be changed. Because some are scared of open confrontation often a little PA can work. Also, I’ve just watched Bridgerton and I have to say Daphne handled confrontation brilliantly the whole way through without ever losing composure. So maybe try flattery too!

But yes, I take your point completely

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page