Sister's boyfriend and his karaoke obsession.

[HappyDays40]

Sister has a boyfriend who I don't like but put up with to keep her happy. They are coming for Christmas staying with our parents. For the first time we are at ours for Christmas which I am pleased about. He has apparently paid to hire a karaoke machine for Christmas day. I hate karaoke I would have to leave the house for the day. He is planning on setting up in my hallway which is the main access to the rest of the house. The thought of not being able to talk for listening to him singing droney songs makes me mad. Ive told him no he is pissed off now he and my sister who I do want to see aren't coming. She is pissed off at me because I said no politely. I just said it'll be too much. Apparently it was a special treat and he has paid hundreds that he can't get back.
Unreasonable behaviour on my part or not?

@Motnight

What do your parents think Op, after all it is their house?

Read the OP

I hate karaoke too but I think you are being a bit joyless. And it's not good hosting to react as you did OP.

Surely there could be a compromise

I'd also love this (sorry!) but only because most people lose interest in Karaoke after a few songs but sounds like the bf would just go all day, which might be a bit much.

I dunno - I think I'd still be up for it

Maybe it could have been made to work, say agree a karaoke session time for instance. But the fact that they didn't clear it and discuss how it was going to add to the fun of the day is all on them. They aren't hosting and not everyone loves karaoke so it's a weird thing to assume you can just do.
If he paid a non returnable fee without checking it was wanted then he's even more of an idiot.
Sadly whether this creates a massive divide depends on whether they're reasonable. Which judging by the dick behaviour so far seems unlikely.

@Summerfun54321

I would LOVE that, I love karaoke!! Send him round to my house instead 😂

Me too! Can I come? I’ll bring cocktail making stuff

What an absolute weirdo he is.

It's so awful it's brilliant, though. The mental image of the rest of you grimly watching Wallace and Gromit with the sound right up while the strains of Gary bellowing a show-tune era Robbie Williams medley drifts through from the hall, on and on and on...

He specialises in Frank Sinatra cringe. This indicates he takes his singing seriously and he believes it's only a matter of time before he has his own recording contract. The worst kind of karaoke lover, belting out "New York, New York and expecting rapturous applause.

Surely he won't be self inflated enough to croon all day on the Mic though?

Maybe you can leave him serenading your sister in the hall and close the door.
I would accept the machine is coming and insist it's limited to the evening. It won't be that bad.
.

I can't believe people are suggesting you should compromise. Maybe he can compromise by taking his karaoke machine to his own family instead.

Good god YA sooo NBU, op.

How dare he try to impose it upon you without asking first

No no and no again! How could anyone sit and chat with someone was wailing away in the background?(apologies if hes a good singer🤣)Maybe in the evening after dinner and everyone is enjoying a few drinks but all day is just too much

I used to think dogs and smoking were the two legal things other people enjoy that I would never allow in my house. Now I know to add karaoke to that list.

@Motnight ita my house. They are staying with my parents but coming to mine Christmas day.Aorey if that wasn't clear

Who in their right mind plans an event at somebody else's house without asking permission, and then gets the hump when they're politely told no?

For those who are saying OP should compromise, and that he is just doing a nice thing. Would you really arrange an event at a house you have been invited to, without asking permission?

Yanbu.

@Livpool how is me saying its a bit much reacting badly. I didn't shout or swear!

'Oh, sorry, Gary, there won't be any room left in the hall for the karaoke machine after we've set up Mike's proscenium arch and lighting rig for charades.'

@Bancha I didn't say that to him though. Sorry if it reads wrong just to clarify. I politely declined and said it was to much and no. I didn't say id leave the house. I just know that is what I would have to do sorry if I misguided anyone.

God almighty 😱. This would be my worst nightmare! There's no way he would stick to using the machine at certain times either. He'll want to get his money's worth and show you all how fab-u-lous he is once he gets the machine into your house .

Is it his first Christmas with another family? Maybe his family do karaoke every year so he assumed that everyone does and just thought he’d contribute to the day by hiring the karaoke machine and saving you a job, as I might assume everyone drinks champagne at Christmas and turn up somewhere with a case of it only to find they’re strict Mormons.

Anyway, I think you just have to be very clear with him, maybe say you appreciate the gesture but you don’t enjoy karaoke, you don’t want him to have wasted his money so can he switch the booking?

How bloody strange.
An odd request anyway imo but he sounds v. Immature to get so offended.
No way would I want my food coma and chill in front of the TV ruined by karaoke 🥴

I wouldn't want someone hiring an equipment to bring in my house without asking for my permission first, so he was BU to do that.

You absolutely don't have to give in, your house and all. I do see your point, you hate it and you are not miserable or a fun sponge for having your opinion. your feelings are valid.

But so are theirs and I can see it from their point of view and I think you are a bit BU for not willing to accommodate it at al. It's something they clearly view as fun and could create make nice memories for others, you don't all have to do the same thing at the same time.
Is there really no room for integration of their idea?

(side note: I love karaoke and I'd rather enjoy singing with him for a few hours!
We are a musical family and I've been wanting a karaoke machine for years but I never remember just before Christmas!
so thanks, it's going on my list!)

I loathe karaoke and the BF sounds like an arse so you're almost on to a win win if your sister would just come along without him

It's rude to do something like without asking your host! It's also a bit out there, so not something you can assume everyone's going to want to do.

Although I do think YABU to hate karaoke, as drunk karaoke is the best

Oh barf! Who does that without asking if it’s okay first? Why don’t you go and stay at her place and bring a herd of miniature goats that must stay inside with you at all times because you’re teaching them to bond with you? See how they like it?

There must be some room for compromise.