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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Dh problem yes but what about IL's?

26 replies

helicopterwonderwoman · 26/11/2021 12:20

I've nc for this as I don't want the thread to be linked to my previous posts.

A bit of a background so here goes...

I've been married to Dh for 5 years and we met whilst we were doing our masters degree. I come from a working class family but my parents are immigrants but they ensured all my siblings and I went to uni etc because it really mattered to them and in their home country if you don't have a degree, it basically means you are nothing although it's not the same case in this country.

My in laws come from a very middle class family in my home country and they still live there. Me and Dh and my family live in the UK. 3 years ago when I gave birth the relationship went batshit crazy as my in laws wanted to be so involved in dc's life. I spent most of my holidays there with my in laws so they could spend time with dc. On paper they seem like very nice people but the more time I spent with them meant that I actually had the chance to see through them even more! They aren't the kind and thoughtful people they make themselves out to be.

Dh and I had a lot of issues in our marriage because he wants dc to spend all his holidays with my in laws which means I have to as well. I realise I have a Dh problem but the problem is also that my in laws are constantly trying to meddle with my life. Despite living abroad, we spend every holiday with them so to put into context, this is literally at least 4 months of the year we spend together day and night!

After spending the summer holidays with the in laws, I've noticed and started putting the pieces together as I had a baby brain fog as I had no energy to fight back and put my boundaries in and also remember I am on my own. They also act like the perfect in laws so you can never pin them down. I've heard horrible comments from my in laws in the background this summer where they've stuck their nose in thinking it's ok to make remarks on how I look after dc and also the arguments I had with DH, it's now so obvious that they have been whispering in Dh's ears and mainly it's to do with my family living in the UK and how they get to see dc anytime they want and my in laws don't.

So AIBU to feel that I don't have to spend every opportunity I get with them just because my family live in the UK and have more access to dc? Mind you, my family are never taken to lavish holidays like my in laws just to see dc. Dh hardly sees my parents or ever spends time with them. My family visit during the day, take care of dc if I have a appointment somewhere and are always there whenever I need support whereas my in laws are always taken on holiday to see new places and not once have they ever offered support to me. They expect my dc to be flown around like a suitcase, checked into hotels, carried to restaurants and behave like I'm a nanny sweating my ass off entertaining a baby/terrible twos toddler whilst they enjoy their meals and do their sightseeing while I try to keep dc happy in a 30sq m hotel room to suit them and fulfill their need to see dc at their disposal.

I've noticed they've been trying to treat me like I've never seen this lifestyle before because my parents are working class and I would like to add that I'm a very well
Travelled person even before meeting DH. Their behaviour and expectations make me feel like I'm on a short leash and they could manage my life however and whenever they want to suit their lifestyle which is mainly to show off in their home country how they are the best grandparents, how many counties they've travelled to etc. my in laws not once has ever asked me what I've studied, what I've worked in and mind you in my previous job, I was a corporate senior manager! All my in laws ever talk about is how the other family members DIL's are a doctors, lawyers, MP's daughter etc but those DIL's hardly see their in laws let alone forced to spend time with them. I've said that and then they went to tell DH that I was jealous of them Hmm

This winter they want to go on another holiday and I said no and no more holidays. I will see them when I go back to my home country when it suits me and I'll see them if it's convenient for me. Maybe I worded this wrong but other than divorcing DH and removing the root cause, what's the best plan of action to underline my boundaries from now on? Please help you wise mumsnetters.

OP posts:
billy1966 · 26/11/2021 22:25

Good for you.

Remember, you don't have to visit these people.

Treat them as you would an irritation that has to be barely tolerated.

Cut them off rudely mid chat if they are rude.

Get up mid conversation and leave the room to do something urgent.

Just display a general lack of interest and bother about them, politely though.

Keep your interactions with them brief.

If your husband says anything, ask him what HIS problem is.

You are polite, but disinterested and unavailable.

Up the money you are taking from the family accounts.

If he has gifted his parents so much from the FAMILY business that you have supported, this would be a good time to gift YOUR family.

If he has a problem you can ask again what HIS problem is.

You need to harden your heart and display some of the selfishness that came so easy to your husband.

Flowers
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