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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Aibu to ask for help on clearing the air with the SIL?

77 replies

Thatsveryniceofyou · 11/07/2021 18:20

Not much of a background, but we have generally got on OK, we are very different people, mums etc and naturally have different opinions on a lot of things so will never be friends but have generally always been civil. My DH never used to get on with her at all, but these days they seem OK with each other.

So this week we've had a big fallout cumilating today at my PILs home. During the week we had to cancel the gathering at my in laws this weekend as one bil tested covid positive and he and his family are now isolating and another BIL also self isolating due to being a close contact. As the arrangement was cancelled, they suggested other dates. We were on holiday this week but said we couldn't do the preferred date. We were asked if we could move it, and I said no as it was my planned birthday celebrations with my family and friends. She asked if I could re arrange with my family, said sorry but due to family holidays etc no. I said we would check other dates when we get home, never got a response but assumed that meant it was OK and they would wait to hear from us on other dates. Yesterday she messaged my DH asking again if we would move my birthday celebrations as it was so unfair my PILs would have to wait so long for all the family being able to get together. My DH messaged no and said we would cross check some other dates and let them know. This message really annoyed me and my DH and I had a big argument because I felt it was very rude etc.

Today we turned up at my PIL house to see them give presents etc. Expected it to be just us but found out SIL and her husband and children were all their (her husband is currently in self isolation, day 8 out of 10) so my husband and I said we would stay outside (as I'm CEV and know I haven't got antibodies from the vaccines, I didn't want to go inside near someone who is meant to be self isolating) anyway my SIL came to say hello, she asked how I was, I said fine thank you and you. She then asked what I was doing for my birthday and whether I had considered splitting the celebration and seeing some family another day for my birthday as it had really upset my MIL that I was preventing the whole family getting together. I overreacted and said you've asked too many times and no I will not change my birthday celebrations for her. I'm fed up of her asking. Yes I l was rude in my response. She stormed into my IL slammed the kitchen door and my MIL came out saying she didn't want me to be around if I was going to sit outside and upset SIL. I admit I overreacted but hubby drove me home and then returned with the kids. now I feel awful about upsetting my MIL and have messaged her and my FIL to apologise but they say I have to make it up to SIL as well but I will be honest I don't know how to as I still feel she was unreasonable to ask again about me changing my plans. Therefore how do I be the bigger person and try to clear the air with her? Just no idea how to approach it

OP posts:
Cloudninenine · 11/07/2021 18:25

Nice honest message.

‘Hi SIL. I just wanted to clear the air after today. I apologise for losing my cool with you. The reason I did so was because I had already given a clear explanation of why I wasn’t moving my birthday plans, and being asked so many times was making me feel harassed. I think you should have accepted my answer without putting pressure on me to change it. However, I’m sorry that I snapped rather than having a calm discussion about it. I hope we can put this behind us and move on. I will send you some suitable alternatives dates for a meet up shortly.’

Sportysporty · 11/07/2021 18:25

Tell them to fuck off to be honest and tell your husband to get a bloody backbone

Cookiedough123 · 11/07/2021 18:28

You don't need to apologise to your SIl. She was being unreasonable!!

MrsPerfect12 · 11/07/2021 18:29

What @Cloudninenine said is perfect!

BrilliantBetty · 11/07/2021 18:29

I don't see why you should be apologising to any of them, tbh.

Having someone over who is 8/10 days in self isolation when you are CEV is completely off. They are happy to put you at risk for the sake of a small family gathering? They couldn't give a shit about you. And are clearly talking and bitching about you. So fuck um.

thefourgp · 11/07/2021 18:29

Good message @Cloudninenine

Notaroadrunner · 11/07/2021 18:32

@Sportysporty

Tell them to fuck off to be honest and tell your husband to get a bloody backbone
This. I wouldn't apologise. She'd pushed you too far. How the fuck can she not understand that no means no.
LouHotel · 11/07/2021 18:37

Your husband dropped you home and then went back to them with the kids?!!!!!

After they basically asked you to leave.

scrambledcustard · 11/07/2021 18:38

Ooooh this is a tricky one.

You didn't actually do anything wrong. Its unfair of her to pressure and try and manipulate you.

On the other hand you could find your self isolated if you dont. Your mil coming out to tell you off shows which side she would be firmly on, I think it shows this has been discussed whilst you have not been there.

Its either your birthday or you mils happiness Grin

JoyOrbison · 11/07/2021 18:42

Group. WhatsApp them all and ecplai. Given your health and bil. Should be isolating you are disappointed they compromised your safety. You gad made it clear o. A number of occasions you had prearranged birthday plans so a group event would need to. Be on another date. You hope in future there won't be a repeat of such carelessness about your health and when asked a question you won't need to keep repeating your answer.

Then sort out the dh problem!

LemonLemonLemon · 11/07/2021 18:48

I like @Cloudninenine s message too. No you’re not in the wrong, but sometimes it’s easier to apologise, with an explanation in order to keep the peace. If I were SIL, I would appreciate the honesty.

PinkiOcelot · 11/07/2021 18:55

I wouldn’t be apologising to anyone tbh. Why should you?

Ukholidaysaregreat · 11/07/2021 18:55

I think Cloudnines message is good. Puts across your point whilst also clearing up the bad feeling. To all the people saying Fuck them- that is fine if you would be interested in a protracted family feud, I think most people would prefer their family to get along.

Haffdonga · 11/07/2021 18:55

You didn't actually do anything wrong

Yes she did. OP has said she was rude and she admits she overreacted so she herself feels she did something wrong .

We don't know exactly what the rudeness involved but I imagine a raised voice or a swear word?

OP, I'd just apologise honestly for the bits you feel you did wrong and don't try to justify or explain because that immediately invalidates an apology and turns it into an excuse and continuation of the argument.

Dear SIL
I hope you're doing OK. I just wanted to say that I'm really sorry that I (shouted/ swore at you/ did XYZ) the other day outside MIL's house. I know I should 've listened to you and answered you calmly and I feel awful that I upset you and MIL. I am really sorry and hope that we can see each other again soon without you feeling uncomfortable or upset. Love @Thatsveryniceofyou

DingDongDenny · 11/07/2021 18:59

Why did your DH go back with the kids? if anyone is infectious, they could pass it on to you through them.

I think your SIL is totally out of order and your PILs are too. But I would be most upset about my DH not sticking up for me

HotSauceCommittee · 11/07/2021 19:00

You husband is quite the little toad scuttling back after dropping you off.
Where is his support? And sil CAN fuck off. Don't pander to any of them. THEY WERE (fucking) TOLD. Several times. Your birthday does not matter to them. You and your family are just an inconvenience. Put the brakes on OP. Respect yourself even if DH and ILs don't. Thanks

scrambledcustard · 11/07/2021 19:02

@Haffdonga

You didn't actually do anything wrong

Yes she did. OP has said she was rude and she admits she overreacted so she herself feels she did something wrong .

We don't know exactly what the rudeness involved but I imagine a raised voice or a swear word?

OP, I'd just apologise honestly for the bits you feel you did wrong and don't try to justify or explain because that immediately invalidates an apology and turns it into an excuse and continuation of the argument.

Dear SIL
I hope you're doing OK. I just wanted to say that I'm really sorry that I (shouted/ swore at you/ did XYZ) the other day outside MIL's house. I know I should 've listened to you and answered you calmly and I feel awful that I upset you and MIL. I am really sorry and hope that we can see each other again soon without you feeling uncomfortable or upset. Love @Thatsveryniceofyou

I dont see why women should be meek and mild all the time. if some one is badgering you it should be ok to say 'look, just fuck off will you'
Washimal · 11/07/2021 19:03

You have a DH problem, not an IL problem. If someone demanded my DH leave their house there is no way I would be dropping home and then going straight back to continue the visit without him. We are a team. He needs to have your back, why didn't he tell his sister to stop harassing you about your birthday plans? Why wasn't he annoyed with them for putting your PIL (and you) at risk by showing up when BIL should have been isolating? I don't think you're the one who should be apologising here.

greendiva · 11/07/2021 19:09

Agree your husband needs to be supporting you, and also not mingling with someone who is meant to be isolating. Your SIL has been out of order asking you three times to rearrange your plans, not sure that there is much of a relationship her to salvage is there? Seems your husband had good reason for not getting on with his sister.

Sportysporty · 11/07/2021 19:10

Who wants to be basically treated as if they are not important and should just shut up and make life convenient for DHs family when they clearly give no fucks.
You appologise and grovel now you will spend the rest of your life with Mil and Sil thinking they can do/say what ever they want - with your husband cheering them in.
You ant your kids to think you are less than your DHs family? That wives should just shut up and be kind? You tjink this senario will play out well in the future and your kids will respect you in thier teens or do you think they will have got the message off both DH and his family that your words, wants and needs are just fucking irrelevant?

Most of you need to think on about how you let people, especially your husband's treat you and what this says to your kids and how women and wives deserve to be treated

GoWalkabout · 11/07/2021 19:14

Just talk to each other, you and mil, you and sil. You are just not seeing each others point of view in messages. After the second message it would have been good to ring and clear it up. Also, sounds like mil is behind this moaning about you so don't just blame sil.

Thatsveryniceofyou · 11/07/2021 19:15

Thanks all. @cloudninenine I like your message and will try and arrange something around it. Just waiting until they've left the in-laws lol. @haffdonga. I did raise my voice and when DH told me to apologise I refused.

DH told me on way home that he wasn't happy with me and said his life was crap right now and the only shining light so maybe we've got bigger issues than this. But ultimately I don't want to cause problems with in laws or DH if I can

OP posts:
Vetyveriohohoh · 11/07/2021 19:19

Not a chance in hell my DH would’ve been scuttling back there after that. Fuck that. How is your DH going to fix it?

Lalliella · 11/07/2021 19:28

I would only apologise for raising your voice and nothing else, and say that in your defence you were upset that they would compromise your health by breaking covid rules and that you weren’t happy about being harassed about changing your plans which by the way you won’t do. I’d out this in the family WhatsApp group for all to see.

What do you mean about the shining light OP, does he mean his family?

JoyOrbison · 11/07/2021 19:28

Good grief after that update Re your dh I wouldn't bother making any attempt to repair things with your in laws.

You need to focus on dh not sil or mil at mo. Sorry op, that sounds really shit for you. Sad