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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Brother in Law uses our London home as a crash pad often

158 replies

Needspace2023 · 31/05/2023 14:36

Just wondering if I'm being unreasonable. My brother in law lives rurally with my father in law. Since we bought our new home he asks about once a month ( sometimes more) to crash at our house for 1-3 nights. He would sometimes do this for the odd work meeting but he's doing it now to socilize and meet up with London friends and women.

Me and my husband are exhausted with demanding jobs, 2 children one of whom is almost a teen and we just like our space some weekends and midweek.

My father in law does this as well frequently although he is inclined to book a hotel in Central London.

I like the idea of visitors but it is entirely o their terms and they don't end up seeing us and the children much at all.
Husband feels cornered and so do I.
We don't actually have a guest room but a sofa bed in a room which the children use for games and for their sleepovers and having out.

It just gets a bit much. I resent his life, he's my age, has an easy job, air bnbs his home ( which was pretty much bought for him) while he makes use of his family house ( my in laws hosue). We are always exhausted and always feel we are needing space to recuperate or time together as a family.

OP posts:
Needspace2023 · 31/05/2023 17:59

** juggling jobs and childcare

OP posts:
Farmageddon · 31/05/2023 17:59

Honestly, just say no. No is a complete sentence. Your husband should be well able to say no to his brother.

If he has a problem with it, and the relationship is affected a bit does it really matter? He doesn't sound very nice, would it be such a big loss really?

Needspace2023 · 31/05/2023 18:00

He is nice. He's very likeable and I got on with him immensely but I just don't like the crash pad visits that have been going on for a year, since we moved into this house.

OP posts:
Grumpyfroghats · 31/05/2023 18:00

If it were me, I would allow him to stay but only when it was convenient and I would ask for some babysitting in return - it sounds like your kids are older so even potentially asking him to have the kids so you can have a weekend away?

IWantToVote · 31/05/2023 18:14

I actually think you and your DH are being really unfair to him. You resent him so much for staying but you keep agreeing to let him stay. Can't you see how dumb that is!

You and your husband have wound yourself up over this which is crazy as it's so simple to solve.

He does sound thoughtless but maybe he thinks that when he asks to stay and you say YES that you mean YES.

WimpoleHat · 31/05/2023 18:20

My immediate idea - given the ages of your kids - is a “too difficult in term time” excuse. Homework/space/clubs whatever. And then if it’s not convenient in the holidays, you’re out/away/having sleepovers. And hopefully he won’t take it for granted any more and the requests will decrease substantially.

Needspace2023 · 31/05/2023 18:25

WimpoleHat · 31/05/2023 18:20

My immediate idea - given the ages of your kids - is a “too difficult in term time” excuse. Homework/space/clubs whatever. And then if it’s not convenient in the holidays, you’re out/away/having sleepovers. And hopefully he won’t take it for granted any more and the requests will decrease substantially.

Yes because this the reality.

OP posts:
Needspace2023 · 31/05/2023 18:28

IWantToVote · 31/05/2023 18:14

I actually think you and your DH are being really unfair to him. You resent him so much for staying but you keep agreeing to let him stay. Can't you see how dumb that is!

You and your husband have wound yourself up over this which is crazy as it's so simple to solve.

He does sound thoughtless but maybe he thinks that when he asks to stay and you say YES that you mean YES.

I think it started off with staying over for meetings that were work related, interviews for jobs...and before he would spend time with us.
Of course he was welcome whoever for that!

Now it has turned into crash in the week or weekend when he's bored of rural life ir wants to meet a woman ( tinder included)

So I think from his point pf view he isn't disrupting anything as he is getting his meals out etc.

I will point out once again this man LOVES his own space

OP posts:
Needspace2023 · 31/05/2023 18:31

Then again, I would love him to meet someone and possibly settle down so co.ing to London might help??

I'm definitely going to talk to him but it's not straightforward.
I'm not jealous and hateful towards him. He is nice ( even if a bit sexist / clueless) and a fun uncle.
I will let him know it should be with good notice and sometimes we just need out space and it would be nice of he actually spent time with us/ the kids.

OP posts:
tourdefrance · 31/05/2023 18:39

We NEVER have mid week visitors. Life is just too busy to be adding in extra people, making beds and having to make conversation.
DPILS invited themselves to arrive for the weekend on a Friday once last year, despite hints that Saturday would be better. It was terrible and they know not to do it again!

We also never have visitors two weekends in a row. Kids are teens now, it did take us a while to get these rules but we are totally inflexible about them now!

Delphigirl · 31/05/2023 18:42

“George, I love you, but I married your brother not you. Very happy to have you stay on the sofa once or twice a year, but that’s it. You have been taking the piss and it has to stop”.

there you go.

Malariahilaria · 31/05/2023 18:43

Aquamarine1029 · 31/05/2023 14:50

My greatest wish on MN is that so many posters would stop being such complete and utter doormats. It does my fucking head it.

SAY NO. Him being offended or not is not your problem. He's a cheeky arsehole and he needs to be told no for once.

This, this 100%. Aquamarine honestly I don't understand why so many people can't ever say 'well it worked for a while but now it doesn't so that's the end of that for now'

ItsBritneyBitchhhh · 31/05/2023 18:47

Needspace2023 · 31/05/2023 17:13

There's just too much going on, isn't there?.. I think they think raising kids is a breeze.. it really isn't!

I think when you put on a front that everything is okay and you’re trying to hard to not show how exhausted you are, people must think that life is constantly like that for us 24/7.

He probably doesn’t even know that he’s taking the mick so just say that it’s not going to work out anymore. It’s your husband’s brother, maybe get him to say something the next time he asks?

I doubt BIL is going to reply saying, ‘I completely get what you mean but I’ll still be coming round to stay next week Friday’ lol

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 31/05/2023 18:54

femfemlicious · 31/05/2023 17:53

Once a month really isn't bad. Get him to babysit

The BIL is staying at @Needspace2023‘s home so he can go out on dates in London, @femfemlicious - he’s not going to stay in and babysit.

Yellowdays · 31/05/2023 19:51

"I will point out once again this man LOVES his own space"

I wouldn't approach him this way. That invites debate, and about his own brother. Tell him you both like to see him, but are finding the frequency is interfering with other plans. Do not debate it if he's cheeky enough to contest it- repeat. Sometimes you have other plans, or sometimes you both or the kids need the space for other things. What things? Other things! End of.

Farmageddon · 31/05/2023 20:10

Needspace2023 · 31/05/2023 18:31

Then again, I would love him to meet someone and possibly settle down so co.ing to London might help??

I'm definitely going to talk to him but it's not straightforward.
I'm not jealous and hateful towards him. He is nice ( even if a bit sexist / clueless) and a fun uncle.
I will let him know it should be with good notice and sometimes we just need out space and it would be nice of he actually spent time with us/ the kids.

OP you seem to want him to conform to your lifestyle, as if his is wrong somehow. It isn't.

The point here shouldn't be about what he chooses to do with his life, it's that he's doing it under your roof which isn't acceptable. Just get your husband to tell him if he wants to come to London he needs to stay somewhere else.

Piglet89 · 31/05/2023 20:41

I feel he's become more selfish since their mother died. He took on a lot while she was ill and I guess he is making up for it and trying to get out.

I think this is a bit of a drip feed. What did your husband/his other siblings, if any, do in terms of helping while your late MIL was ill?

Needspace2023 · 31/05/2023 21:06

OK we've ( my husband) told him not this weekend but we will be intoich in the next few weeks and invite him.
It's been bothering my husband as much as me but we've been worried to offend him, plus he's a fun uncle.
My uusbamd wants to crack on with finding another job and generally wants some space and peace on the weekends.

We've been too nice and given BIL the wrong impression. But me and husband agreed we need Boundaries and to actually explain to him its not possible for him to stay over and crash here when he has a social plan in London.

Did mention to husband father ought to use his flat for himself and his son.

NO it's not my business whether BIL finds someone to settle down with, Nor am I imposing my " lifestyle". neither me nor husband are conformists in Outlook, quite the opposite in fact! Baby 1 was an accident and we went for it and married ,much to everyone's surprise. To the poster who said so. No I just started tonrhibk perhaps coming to London will help him meet a potential partner AND I do think he feels he lost some years due to travelling and MILs sudden illness.

And once again MY HUSBAND DiD A LOT FOR HIS MOTHER AS MUCH AS WAS HUMANLY POSSIBLE LIVING 3 HOURS AWAY WITH A FULL ON JOB AND YOUNG CHILDREN. He was there every weekend and during the pandemic had an absolutely traumatic experience trying to see his mother. PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU POST PRESUMTUOUS REMARKS THAT CAN ACTUALLY BE VERY HURTFUL AND SO FAR FROM WHAT YOUVE PERCEIVED. We ALL loved her and cared for her and did NOT neglect her and thankful we did all we could.

MIL had a full time live in carer, BIL was not doing all and everything. He was living there though ( a very large house with lots of space)..

OP posts:
Needspace2023 · 31/05/2023 21:20

Sorry about the shouting I've had a few wines 😂 I have a week off work as I work in a school and enjoying some time of. Me and husband have been feeling the same. We just need to put in boundaries. We both love BIL a lot but we just want some space when we can get it!
Thanks to all those who've envoyuraged me and husband to be more assertive.

OP posts:
lap90 · 31/05/2023 21:40

YANBU to not want your BIL to use your place to crash often, no. It’s good your husband finally found one minute to tell him this.
But it’s obviously just not about that as your numerous posts show.

2bazookas · 31/05/2023 22:12

Just tell him " Sorry, we're having a tricky spell with the kids and work at the moment, and just not up for guests in the home. So we have to say, please make other arrangements for accommodation when you're in the area. "

Needspace2023 · 31/05/2023 22:22

lap90 · 31/05/2023 21:40

YANBU to not want your BIL to use your place to crash often, no. It’s good your husband finally found one minute to tell him this.
But it’s obviously just not about that as your numerous posts show.

Not sure I understand what you mean 🤔

About husband finding a minute, I don't think I can truly describe how demanding his job has been. He wants to leave and hes only just opened up to me and I'm encouraging to leave and find another job with a lower salary. I think people like my BIL ( and understandably) ppl on mumsnet do not fully grasp how exhausting some full time finance jobs in London are. They are 70+ hours a week jobs and still not good enough for the boss.
Anyway we are addressing this whole visiting when they feel like it thing and thanks again to all who've encouraged me and made me realize BIL just doesn't get it nor can we rely on hints for him to get

Ah well thanks all 😊

OP posts:
AnnieSnap · 01/06/2023 22:05

Needspace2023 · 31/05/2023 14:52

Yes that happens often. Daughter is nearly 13. I don't mind that at all. Yes him staying over sometimes means she can't do that sometimes.
I've spoken to a few friends and they've said tell him. I don't know why I'm finding it so hard! As is my husband.
We really like him and he's a fun uncle but lately it's been getting out of hand.

Just tell him what you’ve said here. You love him and don’t want to offend him, but it’s difficult for you and your family due to the other demands etc, etc. You say, he’s s nice guy, so he should respond well.

Blogswife · 01/06/2023 22:09

Be firm.Tell them both that now the DC are getting older their playroom is almost always in use (with homework , hangouts, sleepovers etc) They need their space back and you no longer have the time , energy or space to host.

BaconChops · 01/06/2023 22:30

You need to learn how to say no ♥️ I mean that nicely but your family needs family time too. Families just need downtime together and honestly once every few months (3) is cool for guests. Anything more, tell them to book a hotel and organise a meal if they want to catch up. Your house isn’t a hotel X my family primarily live abroad but I’m of the same mind, come for food, organise things to do and let’s spend time together; but not by me running around after your every need and disrupting our routine X