Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think my sister shouldn't support my bullying SIL?

61 replies

HurtingSister · 13/08/2024 10:24

Long story short.....

I had a very difficult upbringing, along with my 2 sisters. Alcoholic father always, alcoholic mother from our teenage years, narcissistic mother, enabling father - you get the picture. Am no contact with my parents for 5 years now. My youngest sister became a drug addict and has had a really difficult life. I'm the eldest and there's two years between me and my next sister...let's call her Terri.

Terri is the person I'm wondering about in the title of this thread. Terri and me don't have a close relationship. We used to. But over time, we have drifted away and are not in communication much, bar the odd letter here and there. I find Terri difficult, demanding, quite like my mother in many ways and also quite bullyish. Hence the reason for our diminished contact.

I'm married and my husband's sister is horrible to me. She belittles me, looks down on me, makes nasty comments to me. I tried to talk to her about it, text her, sent her a bunch of flowers. This took a lot out of me as I'm a lot quieter than her by nature. I'll still chat to people no problem, it is just that she is loud and very conversation dominating. She ignored my text and flower efforts. I then, with the help of my counsellor, wrote her a letter and apologised if I was doing anything that might be upsetting her unbeknownst to myself and asked her if we could draw a line in the sand and move on together as a united family. Again, ignored. I was shocked, upset, embarrassed etc. I've had to be in her company since at family events and she continues to make snide remarks at me, talk badly of me behind my back, slag me off etc. She told my husband that I have "stolen" him from her. I find this to be a very odd statement, given she is 5 years older than him, went to boarding school and then to uni in another part of the country. So he hadn't lived with her since he was 8 years old. I have never, ever prevented him from seeing her or her family and in fact I have always encouraged him to. I try to act like normal, friendly and polite towards her at all times. She has also told my husband that I am a "bad daughter" for being no contact with my parents. Despite all of this, I can't think of a single thing I have ever done to this woman and I am completely flabbergasted by her hostility.

I told my sister Terri about my sister in law's behaviour and how upset I was by it. Two weeks later it was my sister in law's birthday. My sister Terri posted a lengthy birthday message to my sister in law (they don't even know each other too well) saying, "happiest of birthdays Susan. May you have the most wonderful birthday ever and I hope you get spoiled rotten. Lots of love, Terri xxxxxxx" and loads of heart emojis etc plastered all over it.

I was hurt by this as I thought Terri, as my sister, wouldn't champion someone who is hostile towards me. AIBU?

OP posts:
TimoteiChaletpants · 13/08/2024 10:27

They both sound awful. You are not unreasonable to expect family loyalty but sounds like Terri is incapable of it. It does hurt though.
it’s not you, it’s them. Stop trying with your SIL

HurtingSister · 13/08/2024 10:32

TimoteiChaletpants · 13/08/2024 10:27

They both sound awful. You are not unreasonable to expect family loyalty but sounds like Terri is incapable of it. It does hurt though.
it’s not you, it’s them. Stop trying with your SIL

Yes, they both are awful unfortunately. I can't understand people who choose hostility over peace.

OP posts:
BakedBeansforabrain · 13/08/2024 10:38

What does your husband think about this and why is he not doing something to stop it?

HarrytheHobbit · 13/08/2024 10:43

As the old MN saying goes, you have a DH problem. he needs to tell his sister to wind her neck in. As for Terri, if you aren't close, why should you care what she thinks? Stop contacting her.

Greenhedge1 · 13/08/2024 10:43

Both horrors.
Where is your husband in all of this?
Why is he allowing his sister to treat you so rudely?
If he is silently allowing this or excusing her, pretending he didn't see her behaviour......then you have married a twat.
Good men wouldn't tolerate such behaviour towards their wives.

HurtingSister · 13/08/2024 10:53

BakedBeansforabrain · 13/08/2024 10:38

What does your husband think about this and why is he not doing something to stop it?

Agreed. He just says nothing to his sister when she starts. He's intimidated by her. It is a bone of contention in our marriage. He puts his own sister ahead of his wife. I've told him he needs to stand up for me when she starts with her rubbish.

OP posts:
HurtingSister · 13/08/2024 10:54

Greenhedge1 · 13/08/2024 10:43

Both horrors.
Where is your husband in all of this?
Why is he allowing his sister to treat you so rudely?
If he is silently allowing this or excusing her, pretending he didn't see her behaviour......then you have married a twat.
Good men wouldn't tolerate such behaviour towards their wives.

I know. He has no backbone when it comes to his sister. He seems afraid of her.

OP posts:
JumpingAtShadows1 · 13/08/2024 11:01

Terri is deffo loving the fact someone is horrible to you - she has visibly chosen a side there - make no mistake about it, this sister would chose a stranger over you and is giving her seal of approval and agreement in this behavior

Years ago, my partner cheated on me with a girl called Debbie. My sister had never even met Debbie but my sister sought Debbie out through mutual friends and they became drinking buddies. My sister and I had never really gotton on as she had been jealous of my existence as a toddler and never got over it

The SIL for gods sake stop trying to be nice to this dickhead.

STOP being a doormat, what is with the flowers and stuff, you need boundaries

Just Grey Rock Terri, shes NOT your friend

And the SIL i wouldnt even talk to her at all tbh

JumpingAtShadows1 · 13/08/2024 11:03

HurtingSister · 13/08/2024 10:53

Agreed. He just says nothing to his sister when she starts. He's intimidated by her. It is a bone of contention in our marriage. He puts his own sister ahead of his wife. I've told him he needs to stand up for me when she starts with her rubbish.

Why is this on him? Learn to stand up for yourself

His place , relationships and expectations in his family were consolidated long before you came along, and he is the family wet blanket

But you can choose to speak up for yourself its not the 1700s

Aheadfullofwords · 13/08/2024 11:15

I used to be a people pleaser and let folk walk all over me, due to an abusive childhood. I've had therapy and I'm now as far from a people pleaser as you can get. So if I know someone has a issue with me or I've heard they've been saying things about me, I'll ask them about it to their face.
So my advice to you, the next time you see your SIL is say to her 'so what's your problem with me then? You've a lot to say behind my back, and you like using your snide comments. So now is your time to get what your issue is with me off your chest!'
She'll either tell you or she'll be shocked that you have stood up to her. But either way, you'll feel better for asking her. Then I would say, start to go no contact with her.
As for your husband, ask him why he's such a wet fart when it comes to having your back.

Greenhedge1 · 13/08/2024 11:23

So you have married a loser after a tough childhood.
God love you.
You can refuse to go near her or anywhere she will be.
Refuse to have her in your home.
When you marry a waster life is inevitably hard.
But you can stand up for you by refusing to have ANYTHING to do with her further.
Let you useless husband see her alone.
Life is far too short to stay married to losers.
Have a think OP.

Lolapusht · 13/08/2024 11:29

Super quick arm-chair analysis…

You and your DH are both the scapegoats in your families.

DSIS and SIL may be golden children, or they’re just bullies (maybe in DSIS’ case, she got validation from your parents for being horrible to you so she learned it was better to join them as otherwise she may get the same treatment). SIL may have been damaged by going to boarding school…did she resent her brother getting all that attention when she was sent away from the family?

They have discovered that they can join forces to bully you/your DH. They will validate each other so they both feel they’re right in how awful you are. They have found their bullying soulmates and they will love it.

There is nothing you can do about it. You are not the problem, they are broken and don’t function as normal people so will not respond in an expected way. They might have narcissistic personality traits and if they do, the only practical thing you can do is read up on things so you know why you have been feeling the things you have (anxious, uncertain, not trusting what you know has happened, continually wrong-footed etc). Once you’ve done that, you sort out your boundaries. Remember, your boundaries don’t require other people to do anything, they manage how you react. You won’t get your SIL to stop being a dick, but you don’t have to put up with it. You walk away. You leave. You don’t react.

Don’t waste any more energy on trying to work out why they do what they do. Take back control and don’t give them any more emotional time. Drop the rope and carry on without their points on in your life.

Lolapusht · 13/08/2024 11:33

Oh…and sounds like your DH has also had a traumatic childhood so probably has a whole heap of stuff he’s trying to carry which is why he can’t say anything to SIL. People are quick to yell “You have a DH problem” without knowing anything about the DH. If he’s a well-balanced individual with no M issues who came from a loving family with no problems then he could well just be an arse. If he’s come from a family with with problems (and it sounds like he does) then he maybe needs help breaking free from his family too.

Honestlynotsure · 13/08/2024 11:33

Block them both and delete your social media, it is doing you no favours!

HurtingSister · 13/08/2024 12:04

JumpingAtShadows1 · 13/08/2024 11:03

Why is this on him? Learn to stand up for yourself

His place , relationships and expectations in his family were consolidated long before you came along, and he is the family wet blanket

But you can choose to speak up for yourself its not the 1700s

I have tried to talk to his sister, as I explained in my OP, but she ignores my attempts.

OP posts:
HurtingSister · 13/08/2024 12:06

JumpingAtShadows1 · 13/08/2024 11:01

Terri is deffo loving the fact someone is horrible to you - she has visibly chosen a side there - make no mistake about it, this sister would chose a stranger over you and is giving her seal of approval and agreement in this behavior

Years ago, my partner cheated on me with a girl called Debbie. My sister had never even met Debbie but my sister sought Debbie out through mutual friends and they became drinking buddies. My sister and I had never really gotton on as she had been jealous of my existence as a toddler and never got over it

The SIL for gods sake stop trying to be nice to this dickhead.

STOP being a doormat, what is with the flowers and stuff, you need boundaries

Just Grey Rock Terri, shes NOT your friend

And the SIL i wouldnt even talk to her at all tbh

I feel like my sister would do something similar. Sorry to hear you've a sister who did this to you.

OP posts:
HavfrueDenizKisi · 13/08/2024 12:07

I'm afraid I'd go no or extremely low contact with both Terri and your SIL.

Explain to your husband (who should understand seeing as he can see how his sister is towards you) that you will no longer spend any time with SIL. If he manages to have a frank conversation with his sister and stand up for you then possibly, going forward, you could attend family meetings. Alternatively tell your SIL to fuck off and leave you alone. Either way attempting to maintain civil relationships with either of these people will only be detrimental to you and your well being.

HurtingSister · 13/08/2024 12:07

Aheadfullofwords · 13/08/2024 11:15

I used to be a people pleaser and let folk walk all over me, due to an abusive childhood. I've had therapy and I'm now as far from a people pleaser as you can get. So if I know someone has a issue with me or I've heard they've been saying things about me, I'll ask them about it to their face.
So my advice to you, the next time you see your SIL is say to her 'so what's your problem with me then? You've a lot to say behind my back, and you like using your snide comments. So now is your time to get what your issue is with me off your chest!'
She'll either tell you or she'll be shocked that you have stood up to her. But either way, you'll feel better for asking her. Then I would say, start to go no contact with her.
As for your husband, ask him why he's such a wet fart when it comes to having your back.

Such good advice. I have tried that though but she blanks me.

OP posts:
HurtingSister · 13/08/2024 12:08

Greenhedge1 · 13/08/2024 11:23

So you have married a loser after a tough childhood.
God love you.
You can refuse to go near her or anywhere she will be.
Refuse to have her in your home.
When you marry a waster life is inevitably hard.
But you can stand up for you by refusing to have ANYTHING to do with her further.
Let you useless husband see her alone.
Life is far too short to stay married to losers.
Have a think OP.

Thanks, yes am thinking hard about everything. Facing some real life choices at the moment. Trying not to be selfish. I've kids so prioritising them currently.

OP posts:
HurtingSister · 13/08/2024 12:09

Lolapusht · 13/08/2024 11:29

Super quick arm-chair analysis…

You and your DH are both the scapegoats in your families.

DSIS and SIL may be golden children, or they’re just bullies (maybe in DSIS’ case, she got validation from your parents for being horrible to you so she learned it was better to join them as otherwise she may get the same treatment). SIL may have been damaged by going to boarding school…did she resent her brother getting all that attention when she was sent away from the family?

They have discovered that they can join forces to bully you/your DH. They will validate each other so they both feel they’re right in how awful you are. They have found their bullying soulmates and they will love it.

There is nothing you can do about it. You are not the problem, they are broken and don’t function as normal people so will not respond in an expected way. They might have narcissistic personality traits and if they do, the only practical thing you can do is read up on things so you know why you have been feeling the things you have (anxious, uncertain, not trusting what you know has happened, continually wrong-footed etc). Once you’ve done that, you sort out your boundaries. Remember, your boundaries don’t require other people to do anything, they manage how you react. You won’t get your SIL to stop being a dick, but you don’t have to put up with it. You walk away. You leave. You don’t react.

Don’t waste any more energy on trying to work out why they do what they do. Take back control and don’t give them any more emotional time. Drop the rope and carry on without their points on in your life.

Such good advice. Thank you.

OP posts:
Aheadfullofwords · 13/08/2024 12:10

Then that shows how emotionally immature she is. So on that note I would say complete no contact. Your mental health is worth more than your relationship with her, and especially as if you and DH were to divorce, you would have nothing to do with her again, she wouldn't be family.
Likewise with your own sis, cut her out too because she sounds just as toxic.
Their behaviour towards you is a projection about how they feel about themselves and their own insecurities.

Lovethat · 13/08/2024 12:13

Go no contact with your SIL and your ds. If your dh isn't prepared to have your back with regard to your SIL just stop seeing her. If she's at a family event don't go, don't invite her to things you are organising. Just stop completely. If people are happy to stand by and let her treat you like this then who cares what she, or they say about you.

As for your sister, what a bitch, but at least you can cut her off with your head held high, you tried to maintain contact but the first time you entrusted her with your feelings she trampled all over them.

Fuck the pair of them!

Nanny0gg · 13/08/2024 12:39

HurtingSister · 13/08/2024 10:54

I know. He has no backbone when it comes to his sister. He seems afraid of her.

And you need to stop apologising

Your counsellor sounds useless

Nanny0gg · 13/08/2024 12:40

HurtingSister · 13/08/2024 12:07

Such good advice. I have tried that though but she blanks me.

And?

Stop communicating then she can't

PinkyFlamingo · 13/08/2024 12:40

HurtingSister · 13/08/2024 12:04

I have tried to talk to his sister, as I explained in my OP, but she ignores my attempts.

But all you are doing is trying to be nice to her, that's not the same as standing up for yourself