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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not have a relationship with sisters children

8 replies

eatmorefruits · 02/06/2023 14:34

My sister has many narcissistic tendencies and enjoys putting me and DH down. In recent years I don’t know what’s got into her, she’s become a bully and someone who i don’t recognise, clearly she’s not very well. She is excellent at DARVO and has everyone convinced that she is the victim of her disinterested sister not wanting anything to do with her, that I am jealous of her life, that I take everything she does and says so personally when there is no offence meant. It’s a constant stream of gaslighting and push pull from her.

She had a baby six months ago who I have met three times, DH only once. I enjoy a close relationship with my aunties and uncles growing up on both sides of the family and feel sad at the idea that I am not going to be that same auntie, for the babys sake. I will do excellent birthday and Christmas presents, but for us to play a role in their lives means frequently putting ourselves in the arena to be treated not very nicely by my sister. Of course to be a recognisable figure by them youve got to see them often throughout early childhood otherwise they will forgot who you are, its a sad idea that this would happen but selfishly I would rather not subject me and my family to feeling intimidated and uncomfortable just for the sake of being auntie/uncle

AIBU to not go out my way to get to know them?

OP posts:
aSofaNearYou · 02/06/2023 14:39

YANBU, you don't have to be close.

OscarsAmmonite · 02/06/2023 14:41

I feel for you OP but my sister's like this and I don't see my niece and nephew. It's very sad but there's no way of negotiating a reasonable relationship with my sister so I've had to fade into the background.

LittleSnowyOwl · 02/06/2023 15:13

My DHs sister is like this, she wants lots of expensive presents for her DCs but doesn't want us to interact with them or come to parties. And we're the bad guys for not spending enough money and she spreads rumours and sabotages relationships. We walked away in the end!

Bunbuns3 · 02/06/2023 22:38

Close relationships are a rare thing in today's world, with nieces and nephews.

You only have to look at the vote on this thread to see why. It is just not important to people anymore. However that does not make it right. It just reflects how society has evolved to change for the worse.

Restinggoddess · 02/06/2023 22:54

When your nephews and nieces are older they can make their own mind up
Mine did

eatmorefruits · 02/06/2023 23:28

Bunbuns3 · 02/06/2023 22:38

Close relationships are a rare thing in today's world, with nieces and nephews.

You only have to look at the vote on this thread to see why. It is just not important to people anymore. However that does not make it right. It just reflects how society has evolved to change for the worse.

That’s fair enough

OP posts:
Canthave2manycats · 03/06/2023 00:17

I have teen nephews whom I don't see. I would just about recognise them I think if I met them out and about.

I did try, but sister has serious chips on both shoulders and her siblings carry the blame. It is what it is. I think it's a shame.

notlucreziaborgia · 24/08/2023 19:10

Bunbuns3 · 02/06/2023 22:38

Close relationships are a rare thing in today's world, with nieces and nephews.

You only have to look at the vote on this thread to see why. It is just not important to people anymore. However that does not make it right. It just reflects how society has evolved to change for the worse.

Doesn’t make it wrong either.

I think having the freedom to not be bound to people solely because of familial connection is preferable to the alternative.

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