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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Distancing myself from family - AIBU?

52 replies

WhatinTheJeremyKyle · 04/01/2023 13:38

Hello all

I wont go into full details as my post could get quite long.

I have been with my husband for 14 years, married for 5. In January 2022, I shared concerns with my mum and sister that we werent right for each other and that we dont seem to get on anymore. My mum offered support and my sister basically told me that I was not putting in enough effort. I didnt like her response, I thought it was very ill-informed. So I decided I wouldn't tell her anything, ever again.

Come April / May, I met a lovely man, I am ashamed to say this but I started an emotional affair. In September, I then told my husband that I wasnt happy. I said that we needed space. He got really defensive and was not very pleasant.

During all of this time, I told my mum everything, start / middle / end and kept her informed of all details as I needed support. My husband and I decided we would split mid-Nov and I then spent some time with this other guy, as me and my husband hadn't slept together in over a year, we would barely talk to each other.. we were basically like housemates that didn't get on.

During this time, me and other man went away for the weekend and the following day, I met up with my mum and sister for dinner. Too much drink was had, and my sister kept asking me questions and not believing my answers - silly things like, what are you upto this week.. when I told her christmas shopping, she refused to believe me and accused me of being secretive and not telling her what was going on. I then blurted that I have started seeing the other man, we spent the weekend together and that I like him very much.

She then demanded why me and husband hadnt legally seperated, I said it was too close to christmas and I had to think about my finances. She then turned nasty. Called me; disgusting, a slut, money grabbing, etc. etc. My mum, who told everything too - including the weekend away, sat in silence, I asked her if she was going to say anything and she said "well, what do you expect, i dont even know what is going on" - this shocked me, as I told her alot and she acted that I didnt. I then decided to leave as I was crying and I had enough of my sister shouting at me. I went to the loo first and bumped into my mum who asked what was wrong, I asked if she was being serious after what had just happened and she said "this has nothing to do with your sister, you just feel sad because of what youve done". They both then told my dad all of my business - he didnt know anything about my marriage breaking down or this new guy, and then they both gave me an ultimatum to tell my husband the full truth or they would.

The next day, mum and sister couldnt remember a word.. they were too drunk. Since that night, there have been many apologies and tears. I did meet with them before Christmas and my sister asked what was going on with hubby and new guy. I told her husband had been back staying in the house, as we wanted to talk and spend time together, but I know that its really over, that we both cant accept that and I want to know for certain if it is the right thing to do after all these years togther. My mum then got annoyed and asked why I was entertaining this and declared that she wouldnt be spending Christmas with my husband - I never even mentioned Christmas. I then told her to keep out of my business.

The next day, my dad called up and asked if my husband would be there at Christmas as he didnt know if he should buy a gift, I said he wouldnt be as we are over - my dad then said "why not?! shoudnt you try and work at your marriage". Then on Christmas day, he sat and pointed out things he can fix / change in my house while asking when I wanted him to decorate again - this really pissed me off, as there is a very, very high chance the house will be sold - they all know this!

I decided at that point that I wanted to take a step back from my family - that I wasnt actually getting upset at my marriage ending, I was getting upset with them. Constantly judging, opinionated etc. So I have, after Christmas day, I simply replied back to message when I was contacted, thats all.

Last night my sister asked if she could call for a chat - this literally never happens - she assured me, after I asked, that it had nothing to do with my husband. We spoke. She started saying that she is worried for me as I have been very quiet and "strange" with money. I said I was thinking about my finances as I was moving from 2 person income to 1 income, so I had to think about this and that is why I have been careful with money. She then said that she knew nothing about this new guy and that I have isolated myself by not talking to anyone. I then told her I was distancing myself from my family because they have hurt me and since doing so, I have been soo happy. She then started shouting at me and telling me I am selfish and distancing myself is a really horrible thing to do. SHe told me our mum and dad dont know what to say to me as I get so defensive.She said I am going through a huge life event and that I need people around me. I told her I had colleageus and friends that have not once judged or been nasty. SHe then started crying, as did I.

She then texted saying she was always here for me and she is sorry for upsetting me. There have been a few texts since but I have been really wound up since. I have been annoyed, irrtated and angry since our phone call.

She keeps telling me I am not reflecting on my actions and I am hurting other people. Yes, I regret starting something with this other man but my marriage has now ended. I dont know what they all want me to do. Why does my family need to know every detail of my life, and when I dont give them this, or am quiet, I am being secretive.. what business is it of theirs!

Sorry for the long post.

Please can you give opinions or am I being unreasonable?

OP posts:
WhatinTheJeremyKyle · 04/01/2023 13:44

Anyone?

OP posts:
Catterpillarwithconverse · 04/01/2023 13:48

It seems like your mum said that to cover up the fact that you had told her more about it than your sister. What did you expect your Mum to do? Fight your corner? Even though you were secretive about it with your sister?

Keyansier · 04/01/2023 13:49

You are being massively unreasonable. You want everything on your own terms. You complain and shout at them to stay out of your business when it is you that offloaded everything on to them. And because they didn't react in the way that you wanted (supportive of your affair) you got hurt.

No, you don't have to stay married to someone you don't love anymore. Yes, you are free to engage in another relationship if you so wish. But you can't complain that your family want to know everything about your life when you are the one that's sharing everything about it.

MRex · 04/01/2023 13:50

You have to appreciate that people will have opinions on you starting an affair while you are still claiming to be working on your relationship with your husband. They took your husband into their family, and they want to know what's happening, that isn't unusual. Sounds like all 3 of you got a bit drunk and you're holding a grudge that they were concerned about you starting an affair. If you're separated then you can let them know that, there's no benefit in you cutting them off just because you're unhappy with your life at the moment.

WhatinTheJeremyKyle · 04/01/2023 13:51

The thing is, I am not unhappy. Since seperating, I have been happy. I seem to only get frustrated or upset when I engage with my family now.

OP posts:
WhatinTheJeremyKyle · 04/01/2023 13:52

I appreciate that they will not agree with my choices, but that doesnt give my sister a right to call me disgusting or a slut.

OP posts:
FleasNavidad · 04/01/2023 13:53

Well at least there's no children involved in this circus you've created.

daisychain01 · 04/01/2023 13:54

@WhatinTheJeremyKyle said gently, you shouldn't have told your DM anything. The chances of her keeping all that information secret from your DF and DSis were non-existent.

You've made your decision to end your marriage. That's an adult decision that only you can make. It doesn't sound like taking your family into you confidence will ever lead them to supporting you I'm afraid.

Keyansier · 04/01/2023 13:56

WhatinTheJeremyKyle · 04/01/2023 13:51

The thing is, I am not unhappy. Since seperating, I have been happy. I seem to only get frustrated or upset when I engage with my family now.

Yes, because they're not telling you what you want to hear.

If they were supportive and encouraging of what you were doing, I daresay you wouldn't have made a thread like this or ever accused them of interfering in your life, because they'd be saying things that are in support of you.

Your sister has cried, apologised for upsetting you, and told you that she'll always be there for you. Your response has been to be angry, wound up and threatening to cut her and your family out of your life.

There is someone in the wrong here. It's not your sister.

MeMyBooksAndMyCats · 04/01/2023 13:56

Sounds like the problem here is you, not them. You need to seriously work on yourself and stop blaming others.

WhatinTheJeremyKyle · 04/01/2023 13:58

I see what everyone means. I dont want them to agree with my actions - but if I dont instantly reply to a text or simply because I didnt wish them a new year, I was "secretive" being "selfish", I jsut want to be left alone

OP posts:
Stag82 · 04/01/2023 14:00

I would look at it like this, your sister cares enough to contact you and have both an honest and difficult conversation with you. It’s up to you how you respond. Maybe right now you are not in a place where you can be honest with yourself, but your post did read a little defensive and I get it, you feel attacked / judged etc by your family and that is making you defensive, but there is then probably truth to what your sister is saying.

also please consider this. Take the new man and all the excitement that goes with it out the equation. Splitting from the father of your children and all the things that go with this is hard. You are going to feel so many emotions in the coming month and it is likely they have currently been softened by new man.

BJ22 · 04/01/2023 14:00

I don't think YABU OP.

They want to supposedly support you in your life but at the same time tell you how to live it. Stick to your friends/colleagues - friends are the family you choose. I'd still speak to them, but make it clear you won't be discussing your romantic life with them for the time being. We don't always make choices everyone is pleased with but do what's best for you. You don't need your family calling you a slut. Too far that. I'd go low contact after that personally.

WhatinTheJeremyKyle · 04/01/2023 14:02

Stag82 · 04/01/2023 14:00

I would look at it like this, your sister cares enough to contact you and have both an honest and difficult conversation with you. It’s up to you how you respond. Maybe right now you are not in a place where you can be honest with yourself, but your post did read a little defensive and I get it, you feel attacked / judged etc by your family and that is making you defensive, but there is then probably truth to what your sister is saying.

also please consider this. Take the new man and all the excitement that goes with it out the equation. Splitting from the father of your children and all the things that go with this is hard. You are going to feel so many emotions in the coming month and it is likely they have currently been softened by new man.

We dont have children x

OP posts:
LunaRegis · 04/01/2023 14:07

Your family seem like right nosy cunts, & only want to know your business so they can criticize you. I’d keep my distance, just send the occasional text & see how it goes. Don’t tell them anything, it’s almost like they enjoyed seeing you unhappy & now you’re happy they don’t like it. Whatever you’ve done is not their business.

BJ22 · 04/01/2023 14:10

LunaRegis · 04/01/2023 14:07

Your family seem like right nosy cunts, & only want to know your business so they can criticize you. I’d keep my distance, just send the occasional text & see how it goes. Don’t tell them anything, it’s almost like they enjoyed seeing you unhappy & now you’re happy they don’t like it. Whatever you’ve done is not their business.

Exactly this. Specifically your sister. Yeah it's s shitty situation what's happened but that's not what we're here for. Your sisters a dick OP. And they shouldn't have told your dad either. Gossiping and ultimatums isn't what supportive families do.

Emmamoo89 · 04/01/2023 14:20

I don't think yabu. It's your life. They need to stay out your business.

TinaYouFatLard · 04/01/2023 14:26

If I were a member of your family I would be relieved if you would keep your distance TBH.

EmmaDilemma5 · 04/01/2023 14:29

You haven't acted with grace OP. You've shared your poor behaviour and expected your family, who have known your husband for 14 years, to support you. It doesn't work like that. Yes, you're their child/sister but it doesn't mean they can support you whilst you hurt others.

You pulled your family in with all the details then, when they had an opinion, you pushed them away.

I think they're worried you are rebounding. I would worry about this too. But time will tell.

All I would say, is you can't always undo your actions/words. Tread carefully if you want a good relationship in the future.

WhatinTheJeremyKyle · 04/01/2023 14:37

I intially told my mum as I wanted to support and she gave me great support.

My sister then demanded to know my whereabouts and why I hadnt been texting back and that she didnt believe I was Christmas shopping. I was christmas shopping and doing nothing with the other man, I only told my sister all of that as she kept saying how secretative I am and that I dont tell her anything, so I did.

I didnt tell my dad - my mum and sister did!

So no, I havent been telling my family every detail and getting annyed with them.

Just like how I am not telling them things now but they demand to know every detail

OP posts:
MintJulia · 04/01/2023 14:39

Why don't you keep your own council for a while. Stop sharing any details, just say you are working on getting calm and settled in your single life during 2023 and then stop sharing the drama.

Work on yourself, calm down and stop expecting everyone to agree with you.

SeenAndNot · 04/01/2023 14:41

“She then said that she knew nothing about this new guy and that I have isolated myself by not talking to anyone.”

She has a point. You have, and it’s a potential red flag.

You need to sort yourself out. Stop stringing your husband along. You can’t have it both ways. If you’re unhappy finish it and make it clear it’s over, you are moving on. Stop letting him think he has a chance whilst you’ve already starting seeing someone else.

You have the right to finish your marriage, but stop this drama and deceit. Tell your husband it’s over and you’ve met someone else. Tell your family it’s over and you’d appreciate some space whilst you figure things out.

Its natural your family will feel this - they accepted your husband as family (and have probably grown fond of him) and they need to come to terms with the fact that he no longer will be. Give them time, but stop this halfhearted affair thing.

WhatinTheJeremyKyle · 04/01/2023 14:42

Me and my husband have finished things, we will be getting the house valued in the next week or so and then we will legally separate.

I'm not stringing anyone along, we have been no contact for weeks now and he moved out!

OP posts:
WhatinTheJeremyKyle · 04/01/2023 14:45

Plus, she doesnt know anything about this guy because on Christmas Day, she and my mum asked me if I had seen him on Christmas Eve and did he get me any pressies. I said I didnt want to talk about other man, or my marriage/seperation.

So I am not updating everyone all of the time, in fact, I havent updated them at all, I dont have to!

OP posts:
Hoppinggreen · 04/01/2023 14:46

Your family disapprove of your behaviour, they are entitled to.
Sounds like you just wanted unequivocal support without them having an opinion

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