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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to go or not to go? Toxic MIL

28 replies

firsttimemum1212 · 19/12/2023 20:16

DH is NC with his parents (3 years now), predominantly his mum. I’ve posted before and the advice from MN was to go low to no contact. It’s a long story but DH is a middle child, very stately homes, mother has disregarded him / treated him differently his whole life. I supported him in his decision and was, of course, blamed. I was the angel on DH’s shoulder always saying to give them a chance etc and so it hurt when it turns out that they said regarding our wedding day that 1) she wished he changed his mind and called it off 2) she wore black as it’s a “funeral” 3) I’m a psychopath and narcissist, 4) my dad fakes his disability (he’s very disabled, very unwell, under constant consultant care) 5) my brother is a druggie (no idea why) and in general some low level racism towards me.

Anyway, we received a Xmas card from his mum. She is one of three: MIL, Sandra and Sally. It seems MIL and Sally aren’t talking to Sandra and there’s been some falling out. We still remain in contact with Sandra and think she’s been sweetest to DH, but she also, when drunk, admitted why DH has been treated differently, that he wasn’t wanted and explained why. It was all confirmed true when sober with his parents. The card stated that they were throwing a big party for his very old Grandad (only GP left) for a milestone. We saw the Grandad recently at a different family event for Sandra that Sally and MIL didn’t come to due to the feud going on (we have no idea what). They invited us to the party, the way it’s worded is that Sally and MIL are throwing it for him alone, Sandra not invited.

Would you go? DH is unsure as it’s important to his grandad and he loves him, I also don’t think he has that long left. But additionally, the event is at his parents, his whole family will be there including the siblings he’s not in touch with.

To make it more complicated, I’m in the early stages of pregnancy (having a hard time) and don’t want his family knowing full stop. We will tell them when baby arrives (providing all goes well). At the last two family events where his mum was present, she spoke to me but actively ignored and stomped past DH, despite her texts and apparent desire to reconcile.

DH would go alone but I wouldn’t want him to, it’s always quite traumatic and his mental health isn’t great. So either we both go or neither.

OP posts:
Notimeforaname · 19/12/2023 20:20

DH would go alone but I wouldn’t want him to
Theres your answer. You're both going.

Spirallingdownwards · 19/12/2023 20:20

Go for a short while. Stick together. Say your hellos and give pressie to Grandad and make excuses to get out of there ASAP.

Notimeforaname · 19/12/2023 20:21

Its really up to your husband if he wants to see his grandad or not. Not a choice you can make for him.

Marwoodsbigbreak · 19/12/2023 20:23

No. I absolutely would not go. You need to put yourselves first.

DH has poor MH and you have a high risk pregnancy? Why would you add a visit to Toxic MIL to that mix?

See grandad separately.

mamacorn1 · 19/12/2023 20:23

It’s an all round bad idea. See grandad the day before and give gifts and hugs, then leave them to it. You can’t be half in and out with toxic people, you have to
cut them out.

Olika · 19/12/2023 20:54

I think you shouldn't go. You can meet GP on a separate occasion just you guys.

choccytime · 19/12/2023 21:12

Don't go

PillowRest · 19/12/2023 21:18

Go and see grandad a few days before or after. Then you can have quality time where he's not busy and surrounded by people, and you're both able to avoid the toxic family members

AcrossthePond55 · 19/12/2023 21:18

Absolutely don't go.

Tell granddad that you are unable to make the party, but would love to see him on <insert date> and take him to dinner/have him over.

NC is NC for a good reason. Keep to it

PhulNana · 19/12/2023 21:19

Don't go.

firsttimemum1212 · 19/12/2023 21:20

Notimeforaname · 19/12/2023 20:21

Its really up to your husband if he wants to see his grandad or not. Not a choice you can make for him.

He asked me to post on Mumsnet.

OP posts:
Tinkerbyebye · 19/12/2023 21:21

If your husband really wants to go I would go, but literally speak to granddad for an hour or so and go

WallaceinAnderland · 19/12/2023 21:40

No I would not go if I was you or your DH.

See the Grandad another time. Take him out for lunch and enjoy it.

Nanny0gg · 19/12/2023 21:42

Can't you go and see his grandad at home?

Avoid the party

Dynamoat · 19/12/2023 21:45

Dh does to the grandfather a few days before but neither of you go to the event/party.

Blanca87 · 19/12/2023 21:46

Don’t go and be drawn into their attempts to bully another family member. You are just pawns in some pathetic game and you will only feel bad and drained after. Life’s too short, fill it will love not toxicity.

OrigamiOwl · 19/12/2023 21:58

With this family set up I wouldn't go to the party, it doesn't sound like you'd be welcome by your MIL and her sister who are hosting. I'd arrange to see DH's Grandfather on the days around.

TotallyTeuch · 19/12/2023 22:14

Blanca87 · 19/12/2023 21:46

Don’t go and be drawn into their attempts to bully another family member. You are just pawns in some pathetic game and you will only feel bad and drained after. Life’s too short, fill it will love not toxicity.

This.

Allwelcone · 19/12/2023 22:33

What are the postives of going?

firsttimemum1212 · 20/12/2023 11:25

Nanny0gg · 19/12/2023 21:42

Can't you go and see his grandad at home?

Avoid the party

This is possible. The only issue is distance; they live 3 hours away. So either way we’d have to travel.

OP posts:
YetMoreNewBeginnings · 20/12/2023 11:28

I would speak to the nice Aunty and arrange to see grandad on another occasion with her

uclpp · 20/12/2023 11:31

Book a hotel nearby if the travelling is too much. Both just go to the party briefly to show your faces. Avoid mil.

Nanny0gg · 20/12/2023 11:35

firsttimemum1212 · 20/12/2023 11:25

This is possible. The only issue is distance; they live 3 hours away. So either way we’d have to travel.

Well that's pretty important. And the least stressful option

Ellie1015 · 20/12/2023 12:02

YetMoreNewBeginnings · 20/12/2023 11:28

I would speak to the nice Aunty and arrange to see grandad on another occasion with her

I would do this. Shows grandad you care, supports Aunt and moat importantly avoids any risk of seeing family.

mrssunshinexxx · 20/12/2023 12:05

I would absolutely not go, I would take grandad out for a special meal / lovely afternoon tea instead just the 3 of yoi or invite Sandra too