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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be getting pissed off with DH's guests?

101 replies

MatronicO6 · 01/08/2022 08:00

I give birth 3 months ago to a beautiful DD. First grandchild/niece in my DH's family, most older than DH so very unlikely any of them will have children of own, although all in happy relationships.

Shortly after she was born, SIL asked to come meet her, DH from another country, so had to be planned in advance. I told him at time no more than 4 nights as I am someone who needs personal space and struggles after a while, especially adding breastfeeding/pumping and sleep into mix. He told me that they would be out most days/evenings anyway, we would only see then in the mornings and do something with them at weekend, which I figured would be okay as I wouldn't have to entertain every evening. So they came for 8 days.

Needless to say they have not been out every evening, or a single evening for that matter. They have been here 6 days already and have only done their own thing twice. Every morning I happily let them play with her whilst I get ready, but then feel bad when I have to take her for naps etc. Then as they are only visiting, there seems to be an expectation that I hand her over as soon as she is fed/slept. Have had to prepare/arrange evening meals each night. Have had to slip in and pump in my room, where baby is asleep as I don't feel like doing it in front of them.

Also getting increasingly annoyed that everytime I am trying to change her nappy or clothes, his sister joins to play with her whilst I do this. We had to give an emergency bath the other day, and both her and partner just followed me into my bedroom, which is a mess, to be part of the bath time and of course play with her.

Did raise with DH and he has apologized and said he thought they would be out more and he has been doing things to get them out of the house, including buying tickets for a show and taking them for walks to see things. But he has said that I need to understand that the culture in his country is more relaxed, at which point I snapped at him and told him it doesn't matter what their culture is, this is my home and I am allowed my personal space to be respected and not to be treated like some kind of wet nurse, here to feed then hand my child over.

He then said I should understand they wanted a baby but couldn't have one, so it is nice for them to spend time with DD. And they haven't been out much as they can't afford to as her partner doesn't work. So I have also essentially been funding their trip as well, nearly every meal, drink, ticket has been paid for from our joint account.

They have now asked that we come visit them for a week, to spend more time with our DD. As well as planning another visit of their own sometime in November. I have told DH to shut both down immediately, yet still get the same spiel about being sensitive to their situation and wanting to spend time with DD.

Am I being unreasonable in thinking this visit is too much and getting fed up with their constant presence? And also thinking that despite empathizing with their situation, it doesn't mean I have to share my parenthood with them?

OP posts:
Twillow · 01/08/2022 09:21

Definitely a cultural thing. I think they would be horrified (and not understand you at all) to think that they have been in the way. You have so much time ahead to spend alone with your child - try to be gracious and share these few days with them. They feel that they are a part of this as family so try not to feel 'invaded'. I have been in your shoes and it does get easier - you may well grow to love them!

Whatever00 · 01/08/2022 09:24

You have 2 days left. Don't ruin it. They will be gone soon. Don't make any other plans. If you're already going for a month SIL will have to spend her time with DC then. If you allow them to come in Nov stick to your guns and insist on 4 days max.

MatronicO6 · 01/08/2022 09:26

They are family, this is true and I do want them to bond with her, my stress is not that it is taking bonding time from me. Rather I am a bit of an introvert,and I need time to recharge after a few days. If they were doing more things in evening, DD is I'm bed at 7, I would be fine!

Also DH has been quite apologetic, has been encouraging them to get out, taking them himself so I have time to pump comfortably. He has also taken the lead on cooking, but the hostess in me wants to help. I think it also has something to do with them having a very difficult relationship in the past and his desire to establish a good relationship.

For those saying what if it was my family, I didn't visit them for a week when they had kids. When I did, I cooked and cleaned for them. I was very respectful of their space and certainly did not invite myself into their bedroom.

OP posts:
2almost3 · 01/08/2022 09:30

Quartz2208 · 01/08/2022 08:55

This sounds like quite a sensitive subject but I would point out to your DH that your DD is not a substitute daughter for his sister and therefore boundaries need to put in place now

This!

KatherineSiena · 01/08/2022 09:33

Whilst I understand there are different cultural norms at play here, coupled with the obvious sensitivity around your SiL’s lack of children, but in what culture is it appropriate for your SiL’s partner to follow you into your bedroom/bathroom?

I think you are being very generous with your hosting, time and your baby and now your DH and his family need to respect your boundaries and need for some time alone.

mycatisannoying · 01/08/2022 09:35

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Northbritt · 01/08/2022 09:53

8 days is a long time to host guests. I feel your pain particularly as you must be really tired and just want to slob out with your baby. Half my family members live abroad so need to stay for more than the trad 2 days and it is quite draining. Having said that, your relatives sound like they could be a lot worse. They don't sound like they are making unreasonable demands or intentionally abusing your home or hospitality and they seem to be being only positive towards your baby which is the main thing. They presumably want to build up a relationship with your child and are just trying too hard in the little time they have with her. The end is in sight and just try and make sure you leave on good terms. My children adore their doting aunts (my sister in laws) one of who is childless and although they drive me mad it can only be a good thing for a child to have lots of relatives who adore them back.

KettrickenSmiled · 01/08/2022 09:53

We had to give an emergency bath the other day, and both her and partner just followed me into my bedroom, which is a mess, to be part of the bath time and of course play with her.

Did raise with DH

Why did you not raise it in the moment? The moment this invasive pair stepped over the threshold of your bedroom? Or even before, as they started following you upstairs?
There's no point asking DH to tackle it after the fact. This is your home - it YOUR job to maintain boundaries to ensure your own comfort & privacy in it.
All you need is something like -
"I'm taking her upstairs & will see you in half an hour when we are back down again"
or
"my bedroom is my private space, I'll see you when we are done" & close the damn door on them!

DameHelena · 01/08/2022 09:55

Try not to let your inner hostess out! Let DH shop, cook and clear up for them.
Tell them your bedroom is private and please not to go in there.

Do not let him invite them again.

AgentJohnson · 01/08/2022 09:58

Take a deep breath. They are overstepping boundaries which you haven’t articulated to them. Throw cultural differences and the dynamic between your DH and his sister and I suspect your DH hasn’t been as efective as you want him to be in communicating your wishes.

Both you and your SIL have expectations but only one of you are articulating them. I understand that being an introvert you may not want to do that but no one can better advocate for you, than you can.

If you feel like this in familiar surroundings, with just the two of them and for eight days. Than I really think a month, in unfamiliar surroundings with a whole lot more of his family, will be a nightmare.

Babies attract peoples attention and if you have difficulties with the sometimes intense and unsolicited interactions, then you will have to learn to assert yourself. It’s a skill that will stand you in good stead.

Whatever00 · 01/08/2022 10:02

MatronicO6 · 01/08/2022 09:26

They are family, this is true and I do want them to bond with her, my stress is not that it is taking bonding time from me. Rather I am a bit of an introvert,and I need time to recharge after a few days. If they were doing more things in evening, DD is I'm bed at 7, I would be fine!

Also DH has been quite apologetic, has been encouraging them to get out, taking them himself so I have time to pump comfortably. He has also taken the lead on cooking, but the hostess in me wants to help. I think it also has something to do with them having a very difficult relationship in the past and his desire to establish a good relationship.

For those saying what if it was my family, I didn't visit them for a week when they had kids. When I did, I cooked and cleaned for them. I was very respectful of their space and certainly did not invite myself into their bedroom.

"He then said I should understand they wanted a baby but couldn't have one, so it is nice for them to spend time with DD."

I thought they couldn't have kids.

FlatWhiteExtraHot · 01/08/2022 10:09

Why do so many women marry men from a “different culture” and then complain or are shocked that things are done differently?

10HailMarys · 01/08/2022 10:09

Whatever00 · 01/08/2022 10:02

"He then said I should understand they wanted a baby but couldn't have one, so it is nice for them to spend time with DD."

I thought they couldn't have kids.

OP has relatives of her own who have kids. Her husband's sister doesn't. Seems pretty clear?

10HailMarys · 01/08/2022 10:11

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It's not 'incredibly uptight and controlling' to want some privacy.

TillyTheTeddy · 01/08/2022 10:11

This is the problem with marriages from two cultures - you and your H have to reach a compromise on this. This visit has not gone well so both learn from it. Agree limited visits only.Tell your DH that is he has any family visiting in future he has to take time off work as well to entertain them. I do think though you sound a bit precious about SIL looking at baby when you are changing her etc. I also think this is one of the things that a pregnant woman finds - she was the centre of activity while pregnant but once that baby is out it's not all about you. You are in a new situation too and I agree totally with you about privacy needed at certain times.

Wetblanket78 · 01/08/2022 10:11

I would have just asked them if they wanted to do it and left them to it. They are there to spend time with your children and get to know them. They will want to do things for them. You've got free babysitter's on tap. If they want to be so involved make the most of it and let them babysit for a day or evening. They would jump at the chance. It's only another two days. Let them enjoy it while they are there. Then you can get back to normal.

MeridianB · 01/08/2022 10:25

You have a DH problem. He ignored your request for 4 nights and doubled their stay. You have been lumbered with all the work - where is he when this is happening? Why can't they pitch in?

You're now being emotionally blackmailed by them and him into handing over your baby after naps, feeds and changes, as if you are their nanny!

Totally agree with PPs that it's time to have some nice mornings or afternoons out - just you and DD. Go to a park, a museum, a nice cafe, baby cinema, mum and baby group - sing time at library etc. Just get some headspace and sanity back. And stop cooking!

HellonHeels · 01/08/2022 10:27

They can't "babysit for a day"OP is breastfeeding.

MatronicO6 · 01/08/2022 10:28

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Nope, I am very relaxed about baby and have been very happy with all our other friends and family visiting. I am allowed to have my own boundaries and asking them to be respected is not controlling.

Quite ironically, SIL is known to be very uptight and controlling and has poor relationship with DH and other siblings and mum as a result. We have already spent 3 evening meals discussing her fractured family relationships that all seemed to stem from her telling family members what they should do re work, housing, where to live, study etc and blowing up when they didn't take her advice. As she puts it she "needs to say what is in her heart." Doesn't seem to our much merit in the fact that no one had to listen.

Also when I was trying to soothe daughter yesterday, she came up and grabbed her hand holding it.away from her. When I asked what she was doing, she said DD shouldn't be sucking her thumb it's a bad habit, so the would battle her. I told her to stop, DD is allowed to suck her thumb and it is hardly something we can prevent seeing as it's attached to her!

OP posts:
Brigante9 · 01/08/2022 10:29

When do they leave? Let your Dh crack on with the cooking, stop making a martyr of yourself. If they follow you to the bedroom, stop in the doorway and tell them you’ve got this, you’ll see them in 30 minutes. They should not be dictating to you how things go in your house. Don’t allow them to trample over you, this kind of behaviour could lead to pnd or extreme resentment. Ensure your Dh knows you won’t be spending extra time with them when you go abroad.

Gatehouse77 · 01/08/2022 10:31

I think I’d be reminding DH that he should be feeling more sensitive towards your needs first and family second.
Ask him to come up with a plan, you come up with a plan and fix a time to discuss with the aim being a compromise that both of you are happy with.

nordicwannabe · 01/08/2022 10:31

I found this hard when DD was born too. DH helped me realise that I needed to change my mindset from 'I'm host, and always have to be there and do everything for guests' to 'family are here, let them take some of the load and relax'

  • don't feel you need to be there hosting.
Take yourself off to read in your room or sleep whenever you want a break, even if that means they are by themselves in your living room. It goes against our upbringing, but I promise that they will be perfectly happy!
  • do tell them when you want privacy (eg not to come into your bedroom)
  • don't worry about the bathroom being messy, any more than your DH seeing the mess!
  • let them do stuff for you, including doing stuff for DD if you feel comfortable
  • don't try to make elaborate meals. Get takeaways, or ask your DH to cook
  • try to be generous with your DD. These relationships are very much in her interest

If you can relax and let them build strong relationships with your DD, you will find that this is a wonderful thing for your DD in a few years time. And also for them, and also for you. It really is a win all round.

Maray1967 · 01/08/2022 10:33

Yes, get up and go out without them. I’d have her bag ready, get up early and leave. I’d be going mad by now. There is no way they should be coming in your bedroom uninvited. Close the door in future. If they open it make it clear that you want your privacy.
Speaking as someone who has experienced infertility and miscarriages, she does not have some sort of right to your baby. Making that clear to your DH now is essential.

SpindleInTheWind · 01/08/2022 10:44

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That's one of the most uptight things I've ever read on here.

rookiemere · 01/08/2022 10:47

I think it's odd to describe your SIL as DHs guests.