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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To step back from helping DM

150 replies

NeedaKitKat · 03/03/2021 11:38

I'm really frustrated and have no one to offload or seek advice from.....I'll try not to waffle.

My DM is selling her house and relocating to my city. I've dealt with her house sale and as it's a private sale, I've also done the role of the estate agents, dealing with the buyers etc, as well as handling all the legal side of things. During this time I suffered a second trimester loss of our first child after many years of struggling to conceive. The sale has dragged on and I've followed it through to what will be completion very soon. Also arranged removals, storage etc.
At the same time I've been on endless property viewings in the last 5months to find her a home here. Had found one, but structural survey came back with major issues and we had to pull out. Waste of time and money. Was back on the hunt come January and last month found a property that was well below budget but needs work doing. DM is notoriously fussy and uncompromising with her expectations- not willing to downsize, wants a downstairs WC/shower room, wants a garage, a big kitchen etc. It's been really difficult in her budget.

DH has been amazingly helpful despite a very full on work schedule and has really given his all. He offered to manage the project whilst DM lives with us (as her house will have sold). DM was reassured and seemingly happy with this. Also, she almost expected to stay with us as if that should be a given, even though I offered to find her a rental. Anyway, she was shown the house online and street view because of lockdown etc. She agreed that with the renovation project she'll at least get all the things she wants in a house. So for last 6 weeks I've been engaged with solicitors, estate agent, builders and painters sorting things out with this purchase.

In the midst of all of this Ive been dealing with my own grief and was at the point of contemplating adoption and by some miracle I happen to find out I'm pregnant. It's been really tough managing my anxiety with this pregnancy but thankfully things are moving in the right direction. I've just hit my second trimester.

In the last few days I find that she's driven by the house with my DSis and had a look from the outside. She has now decided she doesn't like the look of the house and said the street was narrow and the area is "dirty". She doesn't know the area at all. I don't agree with any of her comments.

AIBU in simply backing off and not being involved in anything further to do with her house buy?

I feel belittled, my judgement undermined, and our time and effort unvalued. Now she'll be moving out in a few weeks with nowhere to buy and living at ours for ? amount of time. I'm feel let down and just simply used. We don't have the best of relationships as it is, it's taken a lot of maturity from me to let things go as she's my "mother" but it's getting harder and harder to convince myself of this.
Sorry about the long post.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 03/03/2021 20:26

I think although you will be sad you will be far far happier putting both of them at arms length and asserting your boundaries.

You and DH and baby need a calm peaceful environment which means keeping them at arms length.

Thanks
Mrsbclinton · 03/03/2021 20:32

Congratulations on your pregnancy.

I would suggest she rents somewhere until she gets to know the new city a bit better & she can take her time looking at potential properties. It will be easier when restrictions lift & she is actually living in the area.

Dont let her move in with you or she may never leave. You need to relax & enjoy your pregnancy. Let your sister do some running around after her.

Viviennemary · 03/03/2021 20:36

No sorry she can't live at yours. Put your foot down. If she's moving she needs to go into rented . Or stay where she is. You cant force her to buy a house but she can't force you to take her in. You'll never be rid of her if you do.

Star81 · 03/03/2021 20:50

I think when there was an end point of her staying it would have been fine but now having am to start all over again then no, staying indefinitely not an option.

You could end up having your first baby with her still living with you. Don’t allow yourself to get into tia position.

Look after yourself and baby. x

NeilBuchananisBanksy · 03/03/2021 21:03

Having the conversation will be hard now, but it will be far easier over the phone than doing it after she's moved in.

Be strong. I wouldn't leave it too long before saying something. Best of luck to you.

NeepNeepNeep · 03/03/2021 21:22

Sorry have I missed this - does she know your pregnant? I can't understand why she isn't being kinder to you and putting you under so much pressure. Put yourself and your health first, any parent worth their salt wants the best for their child. It's like you're the parent. You went above and beyond already. You don't owe her anything.

NeedaKitKat · 03/03/2021 21:52

Yes, she knows of pregnancy.
Hence why she didn't debate it when I said I won't be house hunting anymore and she can do with with DSis. She's accepted that I think.
However seems to think living with us isn't an issue as we have space. Anyway, it's what's convenient for everyone else, not me.

Will have to sort this shit out.

OP posts:
oil0W0lio · 03/03/2021 22:12

However seems to think living with us isn't an issue as we have space. Anyway, it's what's convenient for everyone else, not me
I would suggest not even engaging with her on the issue of whether you have space, just keep on with the:
'that doesnt work for me'
if she asks why:
'it's not what we want'
you dont have to give a reason, you do not have to account for yourself because she has no authority over you, you are not accountable to her.
Dont let her speak in a way which implies that you have to obey her, do not 'Justify Argue Defend Explain (JADE)' with her

oil0W0lio · 03/03/2021 22:15

I've tried to place boundaries and as a result been labelled "sensitive" or "angry"
dont respond, or spin it, eg if someone accuses me of being selfish I agree and say that we all have a duty to look after our own interests, or I just go yeah, and?
It's very hard not to be triggered by these tyrannical mothers-gah!

Howshouldibehave · 03/03/2021 22:22

I would worry that if you aren’t doing any of the house hunting, she’ll just live with you forever!

I wouldn’t have anyone moving in with me when I was pregnant-it would be just too stressful. I had too many miscarriages to make me want to endure a moment of unnecessary stress.

thenewduchessofhastings · 03/03/2021 22:25

Sod that;tell her to find herself somewhere to rent where she looks for her own home.

You need to look after you;you don't need the stress of all the rubbish with your DM.You and your baby are the only focus here.

I'm so sorry for your sad loss;tbh your DM is being insensitive by placing the responsibility of finding her a suitable property onto you.

Wishing you the very best of luck with your pregnancy.

EL8888 · 03/03/2021 22:32

Nah l would step away now. Your mum needs to take over. You have lots going on and would be benefit from taking things easier

RandomMess · 03/03/2021 22:33

She needs to bubble with your sister and you need peace and quiet and calm - a complete break from it all.

Get DH to be the bad guy and put his foot down with her over moving in.

Redshoeblueshoe · 03/03/2021 22:39

I agree with everyone - get your DH to tell her she's not moving in.
Get some rest and congratulations Flowers

candycane222 · 03/03/2021 22:43

I've tried to place boundaries and as a result been labelled "sensitive" or "angry

That doesn't mean you are though. Finding your perfectly reasonable behaviour 'sensitive' etc is their mistake, and their problem. Why should you be UNreasonable and subordinate yourself to their wishes, just to avoid their nasty names? That's bullying.

You need to defuse the power they have over you. I can't advise you how you do that, as it's not really something I've had to deal with myself - you might need expert help. I hope you find a way to go on taking back your power. Very best wishes to you for a peaceful pregnancy Flowers

billy1966 · 03/03/2021 22:44

Your DH has offered to do the deed, allow him to.

You are so vulnerable and have gone through so much.

Do whatever you need to, to mind yourself but do not have this woman move in.

Pull back too.

Do you want her living near you?
Really?

She is not your responsibility.

Your baby is.

Prioritise yourself, your husband, your marriage, your mental health and this baby when it arrives.

Anything else is noise.

Flowers
MessagesKeepGettingClearer · 03/03/2021 22:45

@NeedaKitKat

Sorry to drip feed. But at the start (when we thought we'd be doing renovations) my first offer to DM was to find her a nice rented house (even said I'd pay for it) so she could have her space, she thought about it and came back with no, don't feel comfortable doing that. So I've already tried that option with her.
Why do you put your mum in the baby role?

You've offered her to stay at yours even though you don't want her to.

And you've offered to pay for her rented accommodation when it's her responsibility.

There's being kind and there's asking to be taken advantage of. If you don't stand up for yourself and communicate your actual needs and wishes, then you can't expect anyone else to know or respect them.

I hope this pregnancy goes smoothly and that you find the courage to look after yourself. "If I am not for myself, who is for me".

violetbunny · 03/03/2021 22:50

Good for you OP. Stick u for yourself. And keep thinking to yourself, why do you need to care so much about her needs when she clearly doesn't give a shiny shit about yours? Just because she wants something doesn't mean she can have it. She will most likely strop, but you must let her.

SugarfreeBlitz · 03/03/2021 23:02

@oil0W0lio

(frankly because I was pretty terrified of her) Ah, yes 'mothers reign of Terror', I remember it well, it seems not to occur to them that a plan B might be required when terror can no longer be enforced When you stand up to them they have nowhere to go.....
You've lived through it to tell the tale I think and its so good you can help others Flowers

Its interesting that you say they have nowhere to go when you stand up to them, can you explain why?

SugarfreeBlitz · 03/03/2021 23:08

@oil0W0lio

I've tried to place boundaries and as a result been labelled "sensitive" or "angry" dont respond, or spin it, eg if someone accuses me of being selfish I agree and say that we all have a duty to look after our own interests, or I just go yeah, and? It's very hard not to be triggered by these tyrannical mothers-gah!
Im finding your comments very helpful as Ive been labelled selfish for choosing a job thay fulfils me. Im sorry your Mother is tyrannical too. Both my parents are, but they are less powerful singly than they were together when they enabled each other.

It is hard not to be scared of the verbal abuse, yes.

oil0W0lio · 03/03/2021 23:12

Its interesting that you say they have nowhere to go when you stand up to them, can you explain why?
Sugarfree, I mean that they are one trick ponies, people who use bullying & intimidation to get their own way generally don't have any other moves, if you refuse to be cowed the wind is taken out of their sails.

oil0W0lio · 03/03/2021 23:19

It is hard not to be scared of the verbal abuse, yes
that particular contemptuous tone of voice, how it instantly triggers you back to your 4 y/o self, cowering in your bedroom waiting for the slap, takes you back to
'I'll make you wish you'd never been born'
and various other venomous utterings, I remember other adults cringing at the way she spoke to me, but of course no-one would tackle The Gorgon

ktp100 · 04/03/2021 00:08

Your priority needs to be your pregnancy. It sounds like your DM & DS enjoy drama, not great for you when you need to be avoiding stress.

You really do need to spell it out for your DM that she won't be able to stay with you sooner rather than later. If I were you I'd say your Dr has advised you to rest and destress as much as possible and obviously having guests for prolonged periods isn't a good idea at the moment, not is spending lots of time chasing issues with her house purchase.

Time to step back, let your Dsis deal with all of that shit and focus on you, OP.

SugarfreeBlitz · 04/03/2021 08:48

@oil0W0lio I'm sorry you've been there too. Flowers I also appreciate you've been there because your comments are helpful. I nearly committed suicide during health problems a few years ago because "The Gorgon" got terrifying and also drafted in other family members to bully me. It's happening again at the moment, but Im having counselling AND I refuse to be cowed so it will be interesting to see what happens next. The scapegoat resigns!

@NeedaKitKat Congratulations Flowers about your pregnancy. Please take all the rest and peace you need and put your baby first. The baby will pick up on any anxiety so you need your husband to put this woman in her place. I don't think any of us would tolerate a stranger abusing us in our own homes, yet we seem to take a lot from those who are supposed to love us. Bullying is not love. Manipulation is not love. You can't give anything from an empty cup, so take time out for yourself to fill the cup for you and your baby.

oil0W0lio · 04/03/2021 12:12

So sorry to hear that Sugarfree🙏 I think I can relate, I have had health issues which I believe to be related to childhood trauma. I hope things are better for you now 🙏
in many ways the worst thing about the Gorgon ....my Gorgon is that she's really as dumb as a rock and it infuriates me too have been cowed by this woman😡
I am quite lucky in that she exhausted all flying monkey candidates long ago, my family is quite small and there are not many people who could fulfill the role.
in many ways I find angry people can be easy to deal with because they are inclined to shoot themselves in the foot quickly. I hope you can get in control of the situation soon.

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