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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Sil complaining about her birthday card. AIBU to be at the end of my tether with her?

99 replies

SilIssuesAgain · 20/04/2023 14:19

Bit of background – Me and dh have had a stressful 3 years. I would say the worse 3 years of my life. Starting with my son from age 2 to 3 who had behavioural issues and a big language delay. He would run off outside and would not listen to instructions and had no sense of danger. He would hit me on purpose and by accident – I have had black eyes, blooded noses, bust lips and countless bruises from him. When he turned 3 we started on the year long process of getting him an autism diagnosis and getting the right help. The whole process was slow and it kept me up at night with worry. Worry about the future and if I am doing enough, getting the right help for him. Both me and my dh ended up on anti depressants because of this. He started to improve with his behaviour and language since turing 4 but he still has a language / communication delay. The whole thing has been a very long emotionally difficult time for me. So we decided to have another baby but at 24 weeks I ended up hospitalised with phenomena for 5 days because I had breathing difficulties and felt reduced movement from the baby. Then my baby was not growing any more and I had to have an induction and then an emergency c section. Then my 1 week old daughter was hospitalised with seizures for 6 days. This was the scariest few days of my life and it just felt like one thing after another. They think it was meningitis. She is also quite a difficult baby and still does not sleep well so we are both quite busy and exhausted from the last few years.

Bit of background with Sil – since I have known her Sil has always made demands on our time and it is not a two way street. Like she expected us to break lockdown rules at Christmas and travel 60 miles to clean Mil's rental property (it would have taken 3 hours by public transport since we both could not drive at the time). She of course was not going to help clean. One time she arrived in a neighbouring city next to us early and she than expected us to drop what we doing to come see her (it would have been an expensive taxi ride to get there on time). She would ask for expensive makeup that costs £40-60 from us for every birthday and Christmas and she would get us a £5-10 gift in return. On Christmas day when we would stay at Mil’s house (pre dc) she would bang on our bedroom door at 7am because she wanted us to open presents together (mostly watch her open presents and be stroppy if she got something she did not like). One Christmas she asked for a 20 pounds and a 40 pounds make-up item and we only got her the 20 pounds items since money was a bit tighter that year, and she actually said is that i! Mil would want help with Christmas prepping (perfectly reasonable) but every year Sil would point at me an dh when Mil asked who would help, she never once helped out. When at our house she does not lift a finger while here – she would not even take her own plate away after I made lunch. Tantrums or stroppy behaviour if you dont want to do what she wants. There is also her behaviour which both annoys me and I find odd – examples are - at my sons christening he started to cry when the water was poured on his head and she started laughing out loud. When my autistic ds pronounced something wrong and she said what was that and started laughing. Frankly at this point I do not want her around my son if she is going to laugh at things he struggles with due to his autism.
There is also massive boundary issues that is also a one way street. - like asking private information about us and our family but she would get annoyed with dh if he did the same, her personal life is private. She asked to attend dc's first video appointment with the paediatrician for his autism diagnoses. It really feels like she expects special treatment from dh.

Sil has just complained to dh that her birthday card is not signed with our children names on it. She did not enquire as to my well-being when I was in hospital with pneumonia while pregnant and she did not come to see my daughter while in the hospital with seizures yet she is complaining about her birthday card – wtf?
AIBU to be annoyed at this point by her behaviour and to ask what is actually wrong with her?

OP posts:
Cantstandbullshitanymore · 20/04/2023 16:40

No you are not BU for being upset and should start pushing back and ignoring her when she throws a tantrum.

having said that you’re BU for only just getting to the point of considering being upset, she should not have been enabled to this extent. Cutting such behavior quickly is the key if not you just set yourself up for hurt and stress.

Christinatherabbit · 20/04/2023 16:55

I also think she sounds like she possibly has undiagnosed autism

slowquickstep · 20/04/2023 17:10

YABVVU, why ? because both you and your DH need to act like adults and tell her to sod off. Stop being a doormat.

WickedWitchOfTheEast87 · 20/04/2023 17:11

@SilIssuesAgain I wouldn't say one word to her about her behaviour because it'll be twisted and turned onto you and you'll be labelled as the mean trouble making sil. Just do what I call icy politeness. Say hello and nothing more completely disengage and act like she isn't there. If she says something rude or unpleasant ask her to repeat it raise an eyebrow and say "really?" And then ignore that will put her on the backfoot if she sees how little you give a damn.

As for the Christening again a polite "hello thanks for coming" then completely ignore her act like she isn't there.

When she asks you private stuff just don't answer her or simply answer "I don't want to talk about it" and keep repeating it again and again no matter how many times she asks. She does this so you'll eventually tell her but when she gets the same answer every time she'll stop.

Your sil pushes boundaries because she knows you and others will cave eventually to keep the peace. All she has to do is imply she will or actually kick off and everyone panics and starts pandering to her to keep the peace. Stop pandering to her tantrums you wouldn't pander to a toddler tantrum and reward them and a toddler has no self awareness or control an adult should know much better.

As for the gifts and cards tell DH that after her nasty comments and generally being ungrateful you are no longer taking responsibility for buying cards and gifts she's HIS nightmare sister so HE can buy gifts and cards going forward and stick to it. If he does nothing and she kicks off at you simply say "speak to dh he's your brother its his responsibility not mine" and refuse to engage further and I'd be telling dh bluntly like fuck are you gonna bend over backwards to reward a spoilt ungrateful child in a woman's body especially as she makes zero effort with you and stand your ground no matter how much pressure is applied from dh just say "she's your sister so its your responsibility just like buying cards and gifts for my family is my responsibility" and if it continues say "I am not discussing it" and refuse to say another word on the subject.

If she demands you drop everything to help in laws or pander to her say "no we can't we're busy" and when she asks/demands to know more repeat "because we're busy" again and again. If DH wants to pander to her thats on him you don't have to get involved the saying "its not my circus therefore not my monkey's" applies here.

Hell could freeze over before I pander to people like your sil I don't care if they kick off and scream like a toddler I refuse to be manipulated and what makes it easy for me is I don't give a damn if people like that think I'm a bitch, horrible person etc their opinions mean nothing its very liberating when you don't care what others think.

PutinSmellsPassItOn · 20/04/2023 17:22

She's sounds like a complete pain in the arse.......but I'd also put money on her being on the Autism spectrum too.

Createausername1970 · 20/04/2023 17:24

Christinatherabbit · 20/04/2023 16:55

I also think she sounds like she possibly has undiagnosed autism

This is what I was thinking. My autistic DS can say very inappropriate things and cannot "read the room" if his life depended on it.

Doesn't excuse anything, but we do discuss this type of thing with DS and we do have a code sentence that we use when he needs to shut up NOW. If your SIL has never been told her behaviour is not appropriate, she may not realise.

Going forward - just don't be bothered by it. Its not your problem, develop a thicker skin. You could say to DH - "having now seen DS's behaviours I am wondering if some of SIL's behaviours might be traits of autism as well? What do you think?"

But she isn't your problem, try to limit any contact with her as much as possible and take stupid comments with a pinch of salt.

ChickenDhansak82 · 20/04/2023 17:26

Autism often runs in families. Sounds like her odd behaviour could be due to her being autistic?

Regardless, you need just need to do your own thing and not pander to her. If you want to get her a christmas gift, then buy what YOU want to buy her, not what she has demanded. If she kicks up a fuss and complains, just ignore her.

Hbh17 · 20/04/2023 17:26

Say nothing. Ignore her. Don't engage. There is no reason why an adult sibling should be any part of your life. However difficult her behaviour is, it's up to you and your husband to be assertive and make a choice that is right for you.

Jantlet · 20/04/2023 17:36

EllenLRipley · 20/04/2023 15:39

Say nothing. Ignore her completely. If she tackles you head on snap and say something like "For fucks sake I have had enough of your tantrums to last a lifetime. Fuck off and leave me alone"
Yes you'll be unpopular, yes MIL and DH may think it is unkind. But she'll leave you alone and stop fucking up your life so: result!
I did this and BIL is now obviously scared of me and avoids me. I smile and continue to ignore him - 30 years and counting.

Are you me @EllenLRipley ?

I too have enjoyed over 30 years of peace having set clear boundaries in the early days. One of the best things I ever did. As with OP, this was also following Armageddon over a birthday card. It was ridiculous.

purser25 · 20/04/2023 17:38

I really think she could be autistic a lot of the strange behaviour is explained bty it. However she needs to be gently told what is appropriate behaviour. Does she work?

Starhead69 · 20/04/2023 17:39

Does she live with your MIL? Hold down a job? She sounds very mentally and emotionally immature.

diddl · 20/04/2023 17:39

Are the kids names usually in bday cards?

If so then I might think it odd & mention it.

Everything else though-let your husband deal with!

Tigofigo · 20/04/2023 17:40

NurseCranesRolodex · 20/04/2023 15:57

Gut reaction based on much experience, she sounds like she has autism. If she has never had support for that then it is nigh on impossible she will ever change her ways. The inappropriate laughing & emotional response, lack of boundaries, not being able to empathise, being offensive, being self centric. Not everyone with autism is like this obviously but unfortunately lots are. She probably needs help to understand herself and gain insight into how others feel when she engages in certain behaviour.

If she has been assessed and definitely isn't on the spectrum then I would immediately stop indulging her. I would go low contact and give literal, black and white explanations to why you can't do various things, that leaves no negotiation room, 'It won't be possible for us to come, have fun/No we can't move your sofa, do you know a number for man with a van/Our children are our priority now, child presents only from now on!'.

Came here to say the same. There is a genetic element so given your son has it the chances go up. Autistic people are often accused of being tactless and sometimes don't "get" social norms.

RedToothBrush · 20/04/2023 17:43

She asked to attend dc's first video appointment with the paediatrician for his autism diagnoses. It really feels like she expects special treatment from dh.

And how exactly is your husband responding to this? Or does it all get directed to you.

Your response should be 'dont be ridiculous. I'm not engaging on this subject further. If you have a problem with that you need to speak with your brother.' And your husband needs to be telling her to fuck off to the far side of beyond.

I get the impression instead that she pesters you and he doesn't deal with it.

Eggseggseverywhere · 20/04/2023 17:45

I remember your previous threads. Especially the one demanding you go clean mil's house!! Tell her mn advice is she needs to stfu. Dh can deal with her.
And keep your dc away.

SilIssuesAgain · 20/04/2023 17:47

Does she work? Yeah a primary school teacher or teaching assistant I think.
Does she live with your MIL? No she lives in her own house she has a morgage on. But on christmas day she either stays at Mils house or her aunts house because for some reason she must open presents with people at 7am.

OP posts:
SilIssuesAgain · 20/04/2023 17:50

She asked to attend dc's first video appointment with the paediatrician for his autism diagnoses. It really feels like she expects special treatment from dh.

And how exactly is your husband responding to this? Or does it all get directed to you.

He asked me if she should join the call - I had to tell him no it is our private family matter and it is unreasonable for her to ask. He cant seem to see her behaviour is unreasonable.

OP posts:
ButtonMoonLoon · 20/04/2023 17:55

Oh my goodness I’ve just seen that she’s 33!
From everything you’ve posted about her I thought you were talking about a teenage SIL.

purpliee · 20/04/2023 17:56

I mean who complains about a Christmas present not being good enough in front of the person

My (now ex) SIL! Actually what she asked was if some of it had got lost in the post. Rude cow.

Maxiedog123 · 20/04/2023 17:56

I'd wonder about her being on the spectrum too. Girls even now are thought difficult to assess, and if she is 33 then girls would likely not have been considered for assessment unless very obvious eg non verbal.
On a practical note firm boundaries are needed.

RedToothBrush · 20/04/2023 17:58

SilIssuesAgain · 20/04/2023 17:50

She asked to attend dc's first video appointment with the paediatrician for his autism diagnoses. It really feels like she expects special treatment from dh.

And how exactly is your husband responding to this? Or does it all get directed to you.

He asked me if she should join the call - I had to tell him no it is our private family matter and it is unreasonable for her to ask. He cant seem to see her behaviour is unreasonable.

See, that's what I thought. Your husband is part of the problem.

The fact he thought that this was even vaguely reasonable to consider and he went as far as asking you, is part of the dynamic.

Why isn't he realising this is normal or is he asking you the question so he can avoid being the bad guy and telling her that she's got no parental responsibility and it's none of her fucking business?

You very definitely have a husband problem as much as a sil one.

He needs to grow a pair.

SilIssuesAgain · 20/04/2023 17:58

My (now ex) SIL! Actually what she asked was if some of it had got lost in the post. Rude cow. My Sil would say something like that

OP posts:
diddl · 20/04/2023 18:02

He cant seem to see her behaviour is unreasonable.

Maybe he is just so entrenched/used to it?

He asked me if she should join the call

I wonder if he genuinely thought she should or was just trying to make his life as easy as possible?

Does he tell his family about his own medical stuff?

RedToothBrush · 20/04/2023 18:06

diddl · 20/04/2023 18:02

He cant seem to see her behaviour is unreasonable.

Maybe he is just so entrenched/used to it?

He asked me if she should join the call

I wonder if he genuinely thought she should or was just trying to make his life as easy as possible?

Does he tell his family about his own medical stuff?

Why did she even know about the appointment?

Someone is oversharing information which gives her the opportunity to overstep boundaries.

That's either the OP or husband.

Again I would suggest a DH problem is present.

How many of you are in the marriage?

DegreeInMusic · 20/04/2023 18:11

Don't tell her anything. Don't invite her to anything. Don't call her up, message her, or send her pictures of your DC. She is your DH's sister, not yours and she is making your life a misery.

Tell your DH you are no longer dealing with her, or want to hear about her and he has to do it.

You can only change your reaction to her. Get her out of your head and use that energy elsewhere.

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