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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Aunt accusing me of abandoning family

5 replies

poleni · 21/09/2023 16:23

I was recently in my Aunt's hometown for work and took the opportunity to meet up with her for dinner. I had not seen her since my grandma's funeral last year. We have an almost non-existent relationship, same thing stands for that entire side of my family.

She basically had a go at me the entire dinner, saying your grandad misses you, you should spend what little time he has left with him, he's depressed, I should go down and visit more etc. Making it very awkward. I feel bad for barely communicating but there is a very complicated dynamic. EVERY time we visited this family as a child it would end in a slanging match, my mum was constantly name called and treated poorly I.e. not offering food. I hate my grandpa's home as it just reminds me of dysfunction. My mum was once called a whore in front of me. My mum and that side are NC. So is dad really.

On top of not having the headspace to visit/care, my own father requires a lot of care having had serious health issues since I was a teen. After taking care of him and his needs (I meal prep for him, order medicine, drive him around to appointment etc - other sibling pitches in and does fair share) I have to live a life as I'm still relatively young.

It's funny cause I saw this aunt interact with her elderly uncle and she was rolling her eyes and pulling faces, don't exactly see her visiting any extended family. Plus her only son, who believe is close to our grandad, emigrated years ago.

AIBU to just forget they exist and focus on my immediate family who are supportive and whose company I actually enjoy. She did make an effort a few years ago but I just can't unsee past events.

OP posts:
NotObligedToArgueWithStrangers · 21/09/2023 16:26

Nobody is entitled to your time. It sounds like you have solid reasons for not wanting to maintain relationships with that side of the family. If you don't want to see them, don't.

Newestname002 · 21/09/2023 16:38

@poleni

What a nasty, interfering person your Aunt sounds. Why would she think attacking you would be conducive to further meetings with people who have treated your side of the family, your mother particularly, this way?

I hope you called for the bill and left as soon as you could, and that you'll not be having this experience again. 🌹

Nagado · 21/09/2023 16:42

It's funny cause I saw this aunt interact with her elderly uncle and she was rolling her eyes and pulling faces, don't exactly see her visiting any extended family

So, complicated dynamic aside, you know that she’s a hypocrite and is telling you to do things she isn’t doing herself. Why are you worrying about anything she says? I wonder whether it would make her life easier by shifting responsibility for your grandfather onto you and that’s her motivation for guilt tripping you. Don’t give her any more head space.

BMW6 · 21/09/2023 16:48

One less card to send at Xmas OP!

Starchipenterprise · 21/09/2023 19:05

I had a similar situation where a relative berated me for what she perceived to be the treatment of my own close relative. She hadn't witnessed the treatment, and had only heard about it. I told her not to contact mr again. She has tried but is now blocked. A win as another less Christmas card to send!

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