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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Going abroad against DH wishes.

427 replies

Expatfamily · 20/07/2024 14:27

DH is firmly in the camp that we travel together as a family, and if I’m desperate to go abroad to visit family we’ll use every penny of our savings to go. He understands how much I love my family, he does love them too, but it’s slightly unreasonable to be expected to spend every holiday, every year, visiting my family. He feels it’s fair that we go every other year, with alternate years holidaying elsewhere.

Don’t want to be too outing but my family are British but immigrated to the other side of the world. The place where they live does feel like home to me, I’ve spent considerable time over there and have my own friends etc there too. I do love it over there. My family used to visit over here often but not going into too much detail it’s difficult for them to visit due to their kids in school/costs for all them to fly/not many family members over here to visit/we don’t have a big enough house to host for a prolonged time etc.

It’s expensive for us all to visit them, it’s a long-haul flight away and it’s an expensive country. Before living with DH when I’d visit, as I’ve been many times, we wouldn’t bother doing much touristy things, just hanging out really. The same as what you’d do staying with family here: BBQs/cooking in/watching tele/visiting friends/enjoying the local area/running errands/taking the kids to their activities etc. Stuff that doesn’t really cost that much money apart from the odd day out, getting a coffee in town, getting the odd burger at the street food fest etc.

Obviously when I’ve gone with DH we’ve done the expensive tourist attractions/days out/treating it as a holiday. The last time we went we spent ££££s as spending money. On of the days we spent a ‘home’ DH got a taxi into a different local town as he was a bit bored, and that cost him just over a hundred quid.

I’ve gone on bit of a ramble but essentially I do want to go home. I want to watch tele with my family, share DD with them, and just do normal family things. I know they miss me/DD terribly and everyone in my life keeps mentioning it. I’d love DH to be there, but we’re a bit strapped for cash, and really cannot justify ££££s at the moment.

My family have offered to pay for me (which I/we could afford to just pay for my flight) but when I said about DH joining they said (rightly in my opinion) if we can afford for his flight, why can’t we just pay for me to come over (they’re not loaded by any stretch of the imagination).

The very simple solution is that I just go with DD1 (she’s free until she’s 2). But DH really isn’t a fan, and if anything it’s the first time he’s ever dug his heels in. I think it’s wound him up that everyone in my circle keeps expecting me/us to go over. He somewhat snapped the other day (for the first time ever) that if they were so desperate for us to visit this year they could pay for both of our flights, if not, we’ll hopefully visit next year.

The subject is becoming painfully awkward on all sides (and other family members/friends/acquaintances often mention it as chitchat too).

It would be the first time me and DH would have ever had a real disagreement/either of us has plainly vetoed the others feelings/opinions.

OP posts:
NalafromtheLionKing · 20/07/2024 17:53

I’m 100% with DH on this one, especially as it was their decision to move away (you didn’t move away from them).

Kinda shit to force separation of your own immediate family just for your own wants, and to give going together at the expense of having any proper family holidays as an alternative.

RoachFish · 20/07/2024 17:56

OhmygodDont · 20/07/2024 17:44

They can come here then can’t they. If it’s so important to them since again the infant won’t remember so it’s for them not the little one.

This whole thing is one sided with op always travelling to family the other side of the globe when they left Britain. Her using what will her her annual leave, their cash and savings, taking the child away from one of its parents to please her family.

maybe it’s time they pulled fingers out bum and came here.

But there are many more of them in the other country so it makes more sense that they pay for OPs ticket rather than they all buying a ticket each. OP has also said that she doesn't have space for them to stay at hers so they would also need to pay for accomodation which is something the OP wouldn't have to do if she went there. She is on maternity leave, her child flies for free, they will pay for her ticket, she can stay for free with them and most importantly, she actually really wants to go, they are not forcing her to do it to please them. OP has also said that she is happy to just go for 1-2 weeks so her husband doesn't have to miss them for too long.

None of the people involved are rich so it just seems to be the ideal solution for them all to get together. It's not about them not pulling fingers out of arses

user1984778379202 · 20/07/2024 17:56

Tandora · 20/07/2024 17:53

I think the weirdest thing is the husband would go to as they could afford one flight as the dd is free, but her family have said 'no, if he comes then we won't pay your flight'....?

This!!! I think this is what people on this thread seem to be missing? DH isn’t saying she should miss out of a free flight to see her family, he’s was up for going too, but he’s been actively disallowed to accompany his wife and child, using money as a lever?! I’d be seriously pissed off of my MIL pulled something like this !!

Exactly! Her family have turned round and said "if you can afford a ticket for DH, then why should we pay for yours? Just use that money to buy a ticket for yourself." I'd be pissed off if I was her DH too. Not only is he now being excluded from the holiday but he's going to have to pay for the privilege!

Hummingbird75 · 20/07/2024 17:57

It is like they are trying to persuade you to leave your dh behind, which is really strange op. They won't make any contribution if he comes?! What is that all about....

I would not let anyone come between me and my dh, and certainly not family that decided to move to the other side of the world, and now can't be bothered to fly back and visit!

You need to get your loyalties and priorities straight.

honestanswers · 20/07/2024 17:58

I don’t think it is reasonable for one parent to take their child on their first holiday/plane/trip without the other if this is against their wishes. Not only will your partner be missing out on these firsts with his child but he will also be unwillingly spending an extended period of time away from her which just isn’t fair at all. I think you need to wait until next year/when you can all afford to go.

MrsSunshine2b · 20/07/2024 17:58

It's not really fair if you are always the ones to have to go to them. They should either take it in turns or at least contribute to your flights if they want to see you. I don't really blame DH, I'd find it really frustrating if my DH spent all of our savings on visiting his family every year.

Lintu · 20/07/2024 17:58

I took my child to visit family abroad on my own during mat leave. Husband was happy with this (although it was his side of family I was visiting). It's a completely normal thing to do and makes sense to go when you don't need to buy a ticket for DD. I'm not sure of the timeline of when you met DH and your family emigrated, but he should recognise that seeing your family is something that you need to have as a priority as a family.

Separately if your DH is worried about missing her first flight then you could go on a weekend trip to Dublin or somewhere first.

Hausss · 20/07/2024 17:59

OhmygodDont · 20/07/2024 16:35

From ops posts it sounds like the dh does always put her first. She said he would sell everything he has to make her happy. He would be sad but do it.

that’s not a selfish man. That’s a man who would do anything for his family.

he hasn’t said she can’t go either. He would just rather go all together.

Posts here are making me embarrassed to be a woman, so many vile insulting posts just because he's a man who doesn't want to be away from his child. Not controlling, loves his child. Like op has said herself. It's nuts the intrinsic man hating of a lot of these posts

If you'd be happy if he took your tiny child away for weeks on end, op, then I can see why you want to go. If you wouldn't be OK with it, there's your answer....its not fair on your husband

Tandora · 20/07/2024 18:01

Lintu · 20/07/2024 17:58

I took my child to visit family abroad on my own during mat leave. Husband was happy with this (although it was his side of family I was visiting). It's a completely normal thing to do and makes sense to go when you don't need to buy a ticket for DD. I'm not sure of the timeline of when you met DH and your family emigrated, but he should recognise that seeing your family is something that you need to have as a priority as a family.

Separately if your DH is worried about missing her first flight then you could go on a weekend trip to Dublin or somewhere first.

Yeh but did your family say we’ll pay for your flight unless your Dah comes in which case we won’t?

Bushmillsbabe · 20/07/2024 18:05

How long are you going for? If it's for a week -10 days I think that's ok, but my girls would miss their Dad desperately after a week or so, so I don't think would be fair on him or them. Also, would this mean you using most of your leave from work so you wouldn't then be able to go away as a family.
Lots to consider, can you look at compromises, such as not going for as long?

MrsSunshine2b · 20/07/2024 18:05

Hausss · 20/07/2024 17:59

Posts here are making me embarrassed to be a woman, so many vile insulting posts just because he's a man who doesn't want to be away from his child. Not controlling, loves his child. Like op has said herself. It's nuts the intrinsic man hating of a lot of these posts

If you'd be happy if he took your tiny child away for weeks on end, op, then I can see why you want to go. If you wouldn't be OK with it, there's your answer....its not fair on your husband

Can you imagine the reverse:
"DH visits his family every year in a country on the other side of the world, I usually go with them and in the past we have spent thousands of £s on this trip. This year, his family have said they will pay for him to visit them but only if I don't go. He wants to take my 1 yo baby with him. I'm not really comfortable with it, I'd be happy to go as a family EOY but I don't want my baby taken to the other side of the world for several weeks without me."
The comments would be almost 100% in support.

OhmygodDont · 20/07/2024 18:06

Hausss · 20/07/2024 17:59

Posts here are making me embarrassed to be a woman, so many vile insulting posts just because he's a man who doesn't want to be away from his child. Not controlling, loves his child. Like op has said herself. It's nuts the intrinsic man hating of a lot of these posts

If you'd be happy if he took your tiny child away for weeks on end, op, then I can see why you want to go. If you wouldn't be OK with it, there's your answer....its not fair on your husband

We expect men to not care if we take their children away for weeks yet then act shocked when men walk away from their kids no fucks given.

They can’t win as parents. Care too much don’t matter your not mum. Don’t care at all your a deadbeat waste of space.

Likewhatever · 20/07/2024 18:10

Tandora · 20/07/2024 17:53

I think the weirdest thing is the husband would go to as they could afford one flight as the dd is free, but her family have said 'no, if he comes then we won't pay your flight'....?

This!!! I think this is what people on this thread seem to be missing? DH isn’t saying she should miss out of a free flight to see her family, he’s was up for going too, but he’s been actively disallowed to accompany his wife and child, using money as a lever?! I’d be seriously pissed off of my MIL pulled something like this !!

I really don’t think it’s that. It’s that the OP is saying she can’t come due to cost, the family relative (who is not awash with cash) has offered to pay for her. OP now says there’s enough money for one ticket so DH can come, family relative has effectively said “Hang on, you’re taking the piss there!” And they’d be right.

ThatsAFineLookingHighHorse · 20/07/2024 18:10

BarbedButterfly · 20/07/2024 14:34

I'm on his side tbh. If you are strapped for cash you shouldn't be going full stop. Every other year seems reasonable to me also. How often do they come to you?

OP's family has offered to pay for her ticket, the child will fly free, and they'll literally just spend time with OP's family. As you do.

Her husband is being very unreasonable.

CatherineofAmazon · 20/07/2024 18:10

Can you compromise and say you will all go but he has to agree/understand that it will just be spending time with family with no extra spending on trips out or expensive taxi rides.

Hausss · 20/07/2024 18:11

OhmygodDont · 20/07/2024 18:06

We expect men to not care if we take their children away for weeks yet then act shocked when men walk away from their kids no fucks given.

They can’t win as parents. Care too much don’t matter your not mum. Don’t care at all your a deadbeat waste of space.

Exactly, it's astonishing. I can only imagine it's maybe the fathers of their children don't care about them or they have to do everything for the children themselves so assume all men are like that rather than admit they've got a rubbish one themselves.

I love that my dh loves our child so much, it's hugely attractive and he'd do anything for us. In return, I don't do things that would break his heart or deprive him of firsts and care about things that matter to him....because that automatically means they matter to me too

Hausss · 20/07/2024 18:12

MrsSunshine2b · 20/07/2024 18:05

Can you imagine the reverse:
"DH visits his family every year in a country on the other side of the world, I usually go with them and in the past we have spent thousands of £s on this trip. This year, his family have said they will pay for him to visit them but only if I don't go. He wants to take my 1 yo baby with him. I'm not really comfortable with it, I'd be happy to go as a family EOY but I don't want my baby taken to the other side of the world for several weeks without me."
The comments would be almost 100% in support.

We've probably all read exactly that thread!

Createausername1970 · 20/07/2024 18:12

You mention 3 weeks in one of your updates. Could you and DD go out first, and just do the low key, family stuff for the first couple of weeks to keep costs down, then DH come out for the last week and you can go out and about a bit more.

MollyMoonshine · 20/07/2024 18:14

Hausss · 20/07/2024 17:59

Posts here are making me embarrassed to be a woman, so many vile insulting posts just because he's a man who doesn't want to be away from his child. Not controlling, loves his child. Like op has said herself. It's nuts the intrinsic man hating of a lot of these posts

If you'd be happy if he took your tiny child away for weeks on end, op, then I can see why you want to go. If you wouldn't be OK with it, there's your answer....its not fair on your husband

Brilliant post. 👏

Dweetfidilove · 20/07/2024 18:17

I understand both of you, but I'd be going to see my family. Maybe cut three weeks to two, but go.
My ex and I have family all over the place, so there was/is a lot of time spent apart in different places with and without each other. My daughter has enjoyed it and has close links with her family members all over, so it wouldn't be any other way.

DoreenonTill8 · 20/07/2024 18:22

Hausss · 20/07/2024 17:59

Posts here are making me embarrassed to be a woman, so many vile insulting posts just because he's a man who doesn't want to be away from his child. Not controlling, loves his child. Like op has said herself. It's nuts the intrinsic man hating of a lot of these posts

If you'd be happy if he took your tiny child away for weeks on end, op, then I can see why you want to go. If you wouldn't be OK with it, there's your answer....its not fair on your husband

Once more with feeling!

Nanny0gg · 20/07/2024 18:25

AGodawfulsmallaffair · 20/07/2024 16:15

Well he can look after her at home and his wife can go visit her much loved and missed family.
Except op has given no indication he will miss either of them - he just doesn’t want her to go because he’s a selfish fuck.

Read her posts again

ThisOldThang · 20/07/2024 18:27

Either the OP's family are willing to pay for her ticket or they're not. If they are willing to pay for her ticket, in order to see their grandchild, then it shouldn't matter if the husband pays for a separate ticket and comes along.

The OP should tell her family that she'll only come if her husband comes.

Nanny0gg · 20/07/2024 18:28

ThatsAFineLookingHighHorse · 20/07/2024 18:10

OP's family has offered to pay for her ticket, the child will fly free, and they'll literally just spend time with OP's family. As you do.

Her husband is being very unreasonable.

The baby isn't even one yet.

He will miss her (as my DH would have)

I can understand why he doesn't want them to go without him

ThatsAFineLookingHighHorse · 20/07/2024 18:31

Nanny0gg · 20/07/2024 18:28

The baby isn't even one yet.

He will miss her (as my DH would have)

I can understand why he doesn't want them to go without him

Of course he'll miss them. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't take the opportunity to go see OP's family while the little one can go free.

HE is the reason it's too expensive when he goes to visit them, not OP, also an important thing to note.