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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I feel really awkward and uncomfortable.

299 replies

MissingTheMountain · 31/08/2021 12:27

DH's parents have decided in the last few months that if they disagree with something, they'll do it anyway and then say they didn't have a choice as we might have said no.

So far, the most annoying one has been turning up while we're working and sitting a foot away from us looking fed up. They aren't the type to entertain themselves. I have no idea why they're doing it unless it's to prove a point that they won't listen to us.

MIL is desperate to have a sort of baby shower for her friends. I'm not invited and don't mind her having one... but she wants to post about it on Facebook. We haven't announced on Facebook, for a multitude of reasons that she knows about. Family & friends know, but Facebook doesn't. They call weekly to complain about it. This morning they've called to say we are ruining their fun, and they'll announce it on Facebook for us if we haven't done it by Wednesday.

My big worry right now is that they disagree with everything we want to do. They don't want me to breastfeed, us to use slings, us to go to parenting groups. They did all of those things, but they feel that "with reflection" it would stop them from being able to have a good relationship with the baby. They keep talking about visiting daily and taking the baby out to lunch.

Usually, DH gets annoyed eventually, spells it out to them, they back off and it heals. But they're ignoring him this time, and just making veiled comments about how they don't know if he's going to be "mean" so they just don't ask him.

FIL also said on the phone this morning that he's got high blood pressure again, and it's worried DH that they are getting old, and he doesn't want to upset them. He's also concerned that his Dad has two other children that he cut off for some reason decades ago, and has never met their children. He talks often about how they shouldn't be told when he dies, and they're not in his will, etc.

I don't want to put DH in the middle, but the more they push, the less I feel comfortable around them. They did the same batshit stuff around our wedding. In the end, FIL told us not to tell them any details until a few days before to stop MIL from getting so upset and phoning up to change things...

I don't have family, I've very pleased our baby will have, and we used to get along really well. I feel like I go out of my way to make them feel involved, update them after every appointment, usually two phone calls and at least one meeting a week. I see them more than I see my friends. I've tried really hard to include them... But honestly, I feel like an incubator right now, I've started to dread the baby coming and them going mad. I quite like the idea of not telling them right now, but that'd be a horrendous position for DH to be in...

He says we're a team and he'll talk to them, but they seem to "forget" the next day now, and I'm worried about my mental health and my marriage if they keep this up.

OP posts:
Phobiaphobic · 31/08/2021 17:49

@DeRigueurMortis

OP I am very sorry to inform you that your PIL are suffering with Narcissistic Unyielding Twit Syndrome commonly referred to as NUTS).

Sadly there is no cure for NUTS, but in all but the most severe cases, symptoms can be managed through a comprehensive treatment plan.

This includes a regular dose of reality that may have to be supplemented with a top up of fuck off during a bad flare up.

Your PIL should also be reminded to help themselves manage their condition by taking their medication promptly and without complaint.

If this treatment plan fails (ref: extreme cases) then stronger medication will be required.

This typically starts with an injection of final warning, that if not effective should be followed by (potentially repeated) enemas of restricted contact.

The last and final option once all other options have been unsuccessful is permanent separation surgery which sadly has a high risk of life long side effects including, but not confined to, sadness, loneliness and distress.

I would strongly advise you to make your PIL aware of their full treatment options/path as we have found that those in knowledge of the more impactful latter stage medications (and potential complications thereof) tend to have a higher success rate in effectively controlling their NUTS with only minimal doses of less painful and more easily administered medication.

Yours Kindly,

Dr. D. R. Mortis

Brilliant! Nailed it.

OP, your in-laws are insane. Your DH needs to sit down and have a strong word with them.

Rainbowsew · 31/08/2021 17:50

This is your chance to really make a point.

If anyone posted my business on Facebook after expressly being told not to, that would be the end of the relationship for me.

So yes she can post on Facebook on Wednesday about a forthcoming grandchild but it would be a pointless exercise for her as she wouldn't be having a relationship with that child in the future!

They are the ones turning this into a power play and you need to say you will not accept it otherwise they will think they can get their way over you everytime, I regret always leaving DH to deal with his family rather than saying my piece about something which affected both of us, years ago.

Gensola · 31/08/2021 17:53

😨 I am in shock. Time to block them on FB and change the locks!

Datsandcogs · 31/08/2021 17:53

It’s time to establish boundaries.

Your MIL is ridiculous in forcing your hand, in the end she will be the one missing out. I’d be very tempted to announce it on FB, “Would you believe there’s Baby Shower for my little one this afternoon but I’m not invited!”

You are also going to need to address photos on social media, sets the expectations now, blame pregnancy hormones and lose your shit!

Good luck.

billy1966 · 31/08/2021 17:58

Your husband sounds wet.

Your FIL sounds so awful, not to mind his wife.

I wouldn't want either of them near my child.

HermioneKipper · 31/08/2021 18:01

What? She wants to have a baby shower for herself as grandma without you there? I’ve NEVER heard of anyone doing this. Complete insanity.

They sound absolutely batshit generally. I’d back off a bit or else tell them if they don’t, you’re going to have to severely limit their relationship with the baby.

And telling you not to breastfeed/use a sling etc?! What! Do you whatever you want and your DH should be telling them they have no say about how you raise the baby

MissingTheMountain · 31/08/2021 18:05

Thanks all - I've had a read through but I'm going to do it again when I'm back from work.

I can't remember all the questions - A few people asked how old they are, FIL is in his mid 70s, MIL is 68.

DH doesn't really remember what happened with his half-siblings. He remembers playing with them and going to visit his Dad's mum with them, but not much else. I suspect MIL didn't get on with them, but that might not be relevant. DH has tried to talk to his Dad about it a few times, but he won't entertain the conversation.

The baby shower thing is odd but fine, she can celebrate with her friends, it just doesn't need to be plastered all over Facebook. Most of her friends don't have Facebook anyway.

And you both did nothing?

I was on a call. DH was expecting it to be someone for next door - we get a lot of calls for them. He says they pushed past and came in, then he quietly told them I was on a call and needed to leave, but they ignored him. I don't think he knew what to do. He went back to working, they sat around and it was awkward. I strongly wish he'd never let them in! I suspect that didn't occur to him.

I'm going to try and talk to him this evening...

I feel like having a cry. Ironically we are looking at moving house, but MIL keeps mentioning that they'll move closer to us and I think they'd probably follow us wherever we went. The only reason they don't live on our street is that FIL put his foot down about moving because he likes where they live.

The stress is unreal and I feel like I've been a complete twat to let it get to this stage, but it's also such a relief that it's not me that's being an awful DIL. Maybe my dysfunctional childhood affects me more than I thought.

OP posts:
Bobmonkfish · 31/08/2021 18:11

I would still look at moving. It's incredibly manipulative of your MIL to say they'd move closer. I would insist your DH has words with her along the lines that that you need space as a couple so are thinking of moving and that if they move you will be moving again too. I would guess they wouldn't move, especially if your FIL likes where he is.

MsWalterMitty · 31/08/2021 18:12

You need to be very blunt! I would also threaten leaving your husband over this... I would actually leave my husband over this

ReginaaPhalange · 31/08/2021 18:14

Can you get one of those safety chains on your front door (if you don't already have one?) and keep it on so they can't force entry into the house?

I know I'm going to have boundary issues with my mum when my DC comes along, but reading this thread has made me certain to instil them in now!

I really feel for you OP. Can you write them a letter and let them know how it's making you feel? Say you want them to have the relationship with their grandchild, but right now, carrying on the way they are acting, they are going to have no relationship with them?

Ourlady · 31/08/2021 18:14

Honestly, your posts are so crazy I'm wondering if this is real. It's just unbelievable that you would put up with all that shit.

It's unfortunate that both in laws are bullies and batshit! They obviously make a good team in bullying you to do whatever they say.

Now you and your husband need to be a better team. You need to tell him to find his balls and tell them to back off or he will cut all ties.

Sounds like this will be a big struggle for him due to some emotional stuff going on but I would genuinely be telling him he gets with the programme or you're done.

Your life sounds like hell at the minute and thus won't stop until you put a stop to it or when they both die.

teaandcrumpets35 · 31/08/2021 18:15

This is absolutely insane. You really need to take control of this situation before your baby arrives and they totally take over. You will be tired and vulnerable and they will pounce. Before you know it they will have infiltrated your home and you'll probably have to ask permission to hold your own baby.

Honestly op I know it's hard but nobody in their right mind would consider this normal behaviour. If your dp isn't going to stand up for you then you'll have to do it yourself. Please don't allow yourself to be controlled and belittled like this any longer.

burritofan · 31/08/2021 18:19

Ironically we are looking at moving house, but MIL keeps mentioning that they'll move closer to us and I think they'd probably follow us wherever we went.
In your circumstances I would quite honestly move far away, not tell them where – not even tell them that you are. No sign outside the house; no Rightmove, get the agent to market it through their mailing list – not tell them at all. Just disappear. No social media, no internet presence, not even on work pages – you can make sure HR doesn’t put you anywhere on a website. New jobs, new home, nothing to allow them to hunt you down.

SpindleWhorl · 31/08/2021 18:20

I have no idea how they found I was there

Your ridiculous husband, that's how.

Time to toughen up, OP - glad you are seeing the light.

MAMATOBI · 31/08/2021 18:25

@Bobmonkfish

Blimey OP. I read a lot of these posts and don't feel I have anything helpful to add as I am a bit shit at saying No to parents myself.

But honestly, you really need to put a stop to this ridiculous takeover of your own pregnancy and marriage (by stropping).

I will also just point out that you not breastfeeding, babywearing or going to parenting groups (and making friends to hang around with and complain about your in-laws to) fits in perfectly with their desire to take the baby out for lunch every day (i.e. take over) and isn't in your interests in the slightest.

THIS! with bells on. How utterly selfish of them. It beggars belief that they would scupper any plans of yours to bond and get into a routine with your child, just so they could accessorise with baby at lunch everyday. They're cray cray!
diddl · 31/08/2021 18:28

@burritofan

Ironically we are looking at moving house, but MIL keeps mentioning that they'll move closer to us and I think they'd probably follow us wherever we went. In your circumstances I would quite honestly move far away, not tell them where – not even tell them that you are. No sign outside the house; no Rightmove, get the agent to market it through their mailing list – not tell them at all. Just disappear. No social media, no internet presence, not even on work pages – you can make sure HR doesn’t put you anywhere on a website. New jobs, new home, nothing to allow them to hunt you down.
Yup.

You as an adult aren't coping-imagine how awful it would be for your child!

How willing is your husband to have nothing to do with them though?

Because that honestly sounds like the only solution!

Phobiaphobic · 31/08/2021 18:28

The stress is unreal and I feel like I've been a complete twat to let it get to this stage, but it's also such a relief that it's not me that's being an awful DIL. Maybe my dysfunctional childhood affects me more than I thought.

Were your parents narcissistic as well, OP? In which case you've likely been groomed to be compliant and always put the narcissists needs first. There's some great literature out there about how to deal with narcissistic people like your inlaws and how to help yourself recover and establish stronger boundaries.

RampantIvy · 31/08/2021 18:31

Basically, it is time for you both to grow a backbone and become more assertive. If that doesn't work you might have to resort to being rude blunt.

LookItsMeAgain · 31/08/2021 18:42

Brilliant! Time to move. Now, adjust the suggestion I made earlier about looking for documentation for overseas and gather property details in an area that you're not planning on moving to. Be very enthusiastic about this area if PiL drop in.
Keep the other property details completely secret of the area that you do want to move to.

Then if visits are to be had, you drive to them or meet them in a suitable location that is not near your home. Keep your new address completely private from them.

That way, if they plan to move close to you, they will actually be moving even further away!

See? I told you it was a genius plan Grin Grin

Thighdentitycrisis · 31/08/2021 18:45

They are bullying you
Please see it and make DH see it

And name it to them before you walk away with this

Thighdentitycrisis · 31/08/2021 18:48

From this

lazylinguist · 31/08/2021 18:50

Ffs they sound completely crackers! And don't fall for the emotional blackmail. FIL may have high blood-pressure, but so do gazillions of people who aren't at all old. It's not an excuse for being controlling and manipulative.

Hula190 · 31/08/2021 18:51

You need to nip this in the bud now.

My MIL announced my sons birth on her Facebook before I’d even been stitched up and I was FUMING - it actually ruined our ‘golden hour’ with baby after he was born as I was so angry. I hadn’t even told my sister.

Make it clear as day that they are to share nothing about you or your family on social media. Our parents in law also deem it acceptable to put naked photos of our DS on FB. I wish i had set firmer boundaries before he was born.

SpindleWhorl · 31/08/2021 18:52

Or you could tell them to fuck off and keep the door closed.

TempName01 · 31/08/2021 18:53

And what did you say when they turned up at your work?