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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

My DP planning to buy his DB a car, I don't want him to, Who is BU?

502 replies

NetflixandChillOut · 12/02/2021 08:59

Need advice on whether this seems like strange behaviour to anyone else as I've been unabl to sleep much last night over it: My partner does a LOT for his younger brother but its never reciprocated when it comes to us. For instance - when it comes to my partners birthday, or christmas, we always get his brother lovely presents but don't get the same back in return, sometimes nothing at all. My partner is seemingly not bothered by the unfairness of this even though I have mentioned the imbalance in the past. Think of something like my partner would spend about 500 pounds on his present but then his brother would spend about 5 pounds on him and think that was acceptable and nobody mentions it, not my partner, not his brother, not his wife, I am the only one who voices that this is an impartial balance.

His brother has fairly recently got married which is another factor to this AIBU, as I can't help but feel that my partner paid more towards the wedding than was necessary - that doesn't even seem like a normal thing to do to me, not the contributing to the wedding part, but I personally felt like my partner contributed more to the wedding than was needed and he shouldn't have done so much. But that is over with and can't be changed now. We already got him and his wife a wedding present which was essentially a honeymoon but because they haven't used been able to go yet because of lockdown, my DP is talking of buying them a car because they have been talking of such for a while now (they do already have one so i dont think its even necessary personally)

He started a huge argument over it last night because I said that I don't think he should do it and he basically said I don't have any say in the matter and he can buy his own brother what he wants with his own money, but I feel like he may regret this and I'm feeling somewhat angry by his decision. But we don't share finances so it is "his" money but does that mean I automatically have no authority in the matter? Does anyone else think this sounds like his brother is taking the piss out of us financially? Keeping in mind that his brother is quite selfish and when it comes to my birthday he never really gets me anything and for christmas we only get a joint (and quite frankly, often crap) christmas present from him between us so I don't think, if my partner goes ahead with this, that it would be even appreciated or enough gratitude shown to us if we did this. And also, we already gave him money for the honeymoon and he has spent some of it already as he moved house so we have already given him a present financially and a car would then be an extra present on top of that. His brother is also the scrounging type and every time we see him he always says to my DP "Hi DP mate, could you borrow me X amount of money" and my DP never says no, but he never asks him for money back so this is always him borrowing money from us, not a two way street. His wife is also quite a grabby type too.

YABU and he should be allowed to buy his brother without my input

or YANBU and I should have some involvement on whether he should be able to do this or not?

OP posts:
PeskyRooks · 12/02/2021 14:52

It sounds to me like you think if your DP spent less on his brother he would have more to spend on you!
In which case you are just as guilty of seeing your DP as a walking wallet as you think his brother does.

LetMeBubble · 12/02/2021 14:55

Do you feel you are investing more into your relationship than he is? Financially and with efforts etc??

And so you feel like he is having his generosity exploited in a way where he won’t have the resources to reciprocate your investment in the relationship ??

Is there a backstory for why you don’t trust him to not make financial decisions that might impact his commitment to you ?

biddybird · 12/02/2021 14:56

It does sound very one-sided. But presumably your partner is ok with this, or he owes some debt to the brother that you are unaware of?

Families are strange. In my uncle's family all of the parents' (limited) resources were put into the oldest son with the expectation that he would progress and help his siblings out. He was funded through university and became a doctor. However... by the time his siblings came of a similar age he was married and NO WAY was his wife going to have him spending their money on his siblings. It caused all sorts of family rifts that never healed.

I would leave him to it, and stop contributing to the brother's gifts.

Pebbledashery · 12/02/2021 14:56

If you carry on like this you're going to destroy your relationship. You need to stop posting about the same issue in different form because the answer is always going to be the same.
YABU

SakuraEdenSwan1 · 12/02/2021 14:57

Gosh you sound very controlling @NetflixandChillOut

It's none of your business what your DP spends his money on, none at all.

BlueJag · 12/02/2021 14:58

We don't agree with you and you don't like it. If your partner wants to spoil his brother for whatever reason it's his money. Once you are married or living together you'll have a reason to focus or channel his money to your joined endeavours.

Nanny0gg · 12/02/2021 14:59

@Bluntness100

You are boyfriend and girlfriend

Not that it matters I think thr op is male, and this is boyfriend boyfriend.

Missed that.

Thanks

biddybird · 12/02/2021 14:59

It's none of your business what your DP spends his money on, none at all.

I think this (oft-repeated) viewpoint is a bit harsh. No-one likes to see someone close to them being taken for a mug.

Cocomarine · 12/02/2021 14:59

I’d love to know if the boyfriend here has ever paid an unequal share into the OP’s relationship - from paying for more things, to unequal present cost. Cos I absolutely guarantee that he has 🤣
OP ain’t never going to admit that though 🤣

foodtoorder · 12/02/2021 14:59

I think I must be a bad person as deluded OP's threads cheer me up.
Having to be told a hundred times it's none of your business but insisting that it is! 😅

VeganCow · 12/02/2021 15:00

@NetflixandChillOut

People saying I am jealous of his brother are wrong, as are those who say I dislike him. Because I am not jealous of him and we get on great and I really like him. Also, people being sniffy about my partner and saying "partner" as though it's something of less importance, we have been in a relationship together for years, it's not like he is a boyfriend for 6 months or so and I'm asking him to include me on financial decisions after just months of being together.

I'm just disapointed nobodycan see my side, I don't think I've explained it very well in the OP, it's a very one sided thing with my DP's brother always constantly on us asking us for money but we never do the same back to him.

Also, to the people saying we're not married, have no kids together, do not live together, etc, does that mean you would stand back and not get involved or say anything if your partner was being financially taken advantage of by their sibling or other family member just because those things don't apply to your relationship?

does that mean you would stand back and not get involved or say anything if your partner was being financially taken advantage of by their sibling or other family member just because those things don't apply to your relationship?

I am a gobby cow, so no, I wouldn't stand back and say nothing. I would point out what a user his brother is, and would illustrate why I feel this way- it is not simply the constant asking/expecting money. It is when it's contrasted with his lack of thought in present giving for example. You would think he would make more effort to show his big bro how much he appreciates him and what he does for him, and Xmas and birthdays are a good time to do that, but he doesn't make even a small effort, so its all one way, hence he is a user.
Personally I would say something at the next shit present giving to show him up Grin

slashlover · 12/02/2021 15:01

@biddybird

It's none of your business what your DP spends his money on, none at all.

I think this (oft-repeated) viewpoint is a bit harsh. No-one likes to see someone close to them being taken for a mug.

Any proof the boyfriend is being taken for a mag and isn't just generous with his family?
DumplingsAndStew · 12/02/2021 15:04

@NetflixandChillOut

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

That is what everyone is saying. You don't have a joint life and joint finances. So he can spend his money on whatever he wants

So if your partner was being financially taken advantage of you would just stand back and not say anything or do anything at all?

Tbh, if I genuinely thought he was being taken advantage of, then I probably would say something.

But you have said something. And he's happy to continue the way things are, so back off!

It's HIS money that HE is giving to his brother. There is no US or OUR there.

Cameleongirl · 12/02/2021 15:04

I think your issue here is lack of communication which is making you take this all personally.

^^I agree with Bubble’s take. As this situation clearly bothers you, you need to sit down with your partner and ask him whether he’s willing to calmly discuss it. Be clear that you know it’s not really your business nor your decision, but you’d like to understand why he spends so much on his brother- is he concerned about his brother in some way, for example?

If he refuses to discuss it, you’re out of luck. Or, he may be willing to explain his rationale, e.g. he earns a lot more and wants to share it with his sibling.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 12/02/2021 15:05

To the people saying we're not married, have no kids together, do not live together, etc, does that mean you would stand back and not get involved or say anything if your partner was being financially taken advantage of by their sibling or other family member just because those things don't apply to your relationship?

I might ask if they're happy to do this, but if the answer's yes then I would indeed stand back ... and while doing it I'd think hard about whether this is someone I wanted to be involved with

Coffeeandcocopops · 12/02/2021 15:06

You have posted before about your Partner and his family. You received a lot of responses.

JustLyra · 12/02/2021 15:06

@NetflixandChillOut You have two choices. You either accept your DP, his habits and how he is or you walk away.

Continually attempting to control him, his finances and his relationship with his brother is not acceptable. How he didn’t dump you for chucking the Christmas present in the bin or taking his phone from him is a mystery to me.

The irony of you saying that his brother is taking advantage of him is hilarious given your repeated attempts to control him.

SmallPrawnEnergy · 12/02/2021 15:08

@NetflixandChillOut

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

That is what everyone is saying. You don't have a joint life and joint finances. So he can spend his money on whatever he wants

So if your partner was being financially taken advantage of you would just stand back and not say anything or do anything at all?

If you were so worried about that you wouldn’t have mentioned his awful presents or how you spend loads on him but he gets you a joint present. That is being grabby and selfish. Your DP seemingly offered to buy him a honeymoon and a car, it’s not the brother blackmailing or forcing him into doing this. If he’s constantly asking for money then it’s up to your boyfriend to say no. The fact that you’re repetitively pointing out how unfair it is that YOU don’t get to make any decisions on how he spends his money speaks volumes. There’s some potential for financial abuse here but it’s not from his brother.
CharlieParley · 12/02/2021 15:13

People saying I am jealous of his brother are wrong, as are those who say I dislike him. Because I am not jealous of him and we get on great and I really like him.

As you spared no words to this effect previously, how ought we to know that? If I only say negative things about another person and begrudge them gifts from their own family, it would be reasonable and logical for people to assume I dislike that person.

Also, people being sniffy about my partner and saying "partner" as though it's something of less importance, we have been in a relationship together for years, it's not like he is a boyfriend for 6 months or so and I'm asking him to include me on financial decisions after just months of being together.

The boundary between partner and boyfriend runs along different lines for many people. For some, partners are those we are committed to, no matter how much of our lives we share, for others only joint endeavours count, such as finances, children or cohabitation. Others live together and raise children with their boyfriend and never use the word partner.

Rather than get hung up on semantics, the crux is this: you do not cohabit or co-parent, both of which would mean joint expenses. You do not pool your money in any other way. You therefore cannot have a claim on your partner's money and no say in how he decides to spend his money. If he decided to buy his brother a mansion in return for a homemade thank you card that would not be your business. It would only ever have anything to do with you, if he bankrupted himself in the process and asked you for money. In which case you get to say No and I told you so! to your heart's consent.

I'm just disapointed nobodycan see my side, I don't think I've explained it very well in the OP, it's a very one sided thing with my DP's brother always constantly on us asking us for money but we never do the same back to him.

Oh, you've explained it very well indeed. And judging from the other posters who remember your previous posts, none of the important issues have changed and we have understood you perfectly.

The behaviour you are exhibiting can only be described as controlling. Your repeated posts here seeking condemnation for your partner's choice to spend his money as he and he alone pleases should be a red flag for your partner that you have problems accepting his boundaries. An even bigger red flag is that you are not only seeking to control your partner's money, but also his relationship with others.

Seeking to control your partner's money and to disrupt your partner's relationship with his brother are two serious indicators of coercive control. That you haven't yet succeeded is no defence. This is unacceptable behaviour. From you.

This is very concerning. For your partner. I can only hope you reassess your own behaviour, and learn to respect your partner's right to make his own decisions.

Btw, you say you don't share finances, but you claim DP's partner is asking "us". Do you contribute to the money your DP spends on his brother? Or is this "us" a representation of your mindset, which seems to be that your partner belongs to you, therefore everything your partner owns belongs to you?

Also, to the people saying we're not married, have no kids together, do not live together, etc, does that mean you would stand back and not get involved or say anything if your partner was being financially taken advantage of by their sibling or other family member just because those things don't apply to your relationship?

Almost entirely yes. What you describe does not meet the criteria for financial exploitation, so what I say next does not apply to you right now, but it would If your partner was being exploited (,which he clearly isn't).

So, if someone you know is being exploited and this someone is not legally bound to you, what can you do?

  1. Report criminal behaviour to the police.
  2. If it isn't criminal behaviour, the only thing you can do is talk to them and offer to help.
  3. If they reject your help, you can signpost them to various organisations that can help.

That's the extent of what you can do. If the person being exploited is an adult and has the capacity to make their own decisions, then they have the right to make the wrong decisions, too. If that does not lead to a direct financial impact on you, or a vulnerable person, then you have to accept their decisions. (And no, thinking of someone else's money as joint possessions because you have a relationship does not mean there is an impact on you.)

HTH

Incrediblytired · 12/02/2021 15:18

“So if your partner was being financially taken advantage of you would just stand back and not say anything or do anything at all?”

But he’s not a vulnerable adult who is being exploited and doesn’t know it is he? He knows what’s happening, you’ve told him and he’s fine with it - he wants to financially support his brother. He’s not being taken advantage of, he’s being extremely generous.

viques · 12/02/2021 15:18

@TheCatThatGotTheCream

To other people replying: Even though we don't share finances do you think that means he should be able to spend that much and I have no say so in the matter whatsoever?

Yes.

And again.

Yes.

JustLyra · 12/02/2021 15:19

I'm just disapointed nobodycan see my side, I don't think I've explained it very well in the OP, it's a very one sided thing with my DP's brother always constantly on us asking us for money but we never do the same back to him

You always are, yet you never bother to reflect on why you get the same answers.

And he doesn’t ask ”us” for money. He asks his brother.

Also, to the people saying we're not married, have no kids together, do not live together, etc, does that mean you would stand back and not get involved or say anything if your partner was being financially taken advantage of by their sibling or other family member just because those things don't apply to your relationship?

If you have concerns you bring it up once and then when your partner makes their stance clear, as yours has, you make a decision to accept it or walk away.

That is the choice you have - be in a relationship with him or not. Controlling his money is not a choice you have.

Teandsympathy · 12/02/2021 15:20

I going to add my ‘YES’ to your last question OP not that I think it will make a difference to what you think.

LizzyELane · 12/02/2021 15:20

My long term DP and I have separate houses so as his finances have no real impact on me or my living arrangements I don't get involved in his financial issues and also enjoy the independence that I can spend MY money on myself on what I want - it works both ways. However, if I thought he was being taken for a mug I would comment, a car does seem extreme, but if that comment was brushed off as in this case, then I would have to zip it as it's not my business. The only times I have become quietly concerned is if I've ever thought DPs spending would be to the detriment of our spending decent time together like a holiday, which hasn't really happened, but this would still be an awkward conversation to have.

jellybeans44 · 12/02/2021 15:21

"I'm disappointed noone can see my side" noone can ever see your side!!!! So why do you keep posting about it????? Seriously. Stop being selfish, do him a serious favour and leave him!!