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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Groped by family member AIBU to cut ties?

26 replies

auroraborearlarse · 17/08/2024 10:51

I have named changed for this. I really need some advice. Sorry if this is a bit long.
Been with DP for 30 + years, he has one sister who lives in UK, and a brother in US, he is not very close to either, but we used to meet up with his sis and her DH once or twice a year, eg Xmas etc.
His sister's DH has always been friendly but a bit over affectionate towards me, which I have put up with but never been comfortable with, eg I would go to hug/kiss on the cheek when saying bye, and he would always turn his head so it lands on the lips, that sort of thing.
Few years ago we met up with the sis and her DH for lunch, had a nice time, then after lunch they walked us to
our car and as we did the hug goodbye, he ran his hand down the side of my body, quite slowly, from just under my armpit/side of breast down to my hip. I was really creeped out, it felt very deliberate, not casual, like he was pressing his hand against me. We got in the car and drove off and I told DP what had happened. I felt very upset and angry, and got quite tearful about it later on, the more it sunk in. I don't want to upset or offend anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault, because I know this was very low level, but it felt like he had assaulted me. I felt sick and very upset and angry. Since then I have refused to meet up with them, I can't bear to be in the same room as him so have made up excuses any time we have been invited to meet up. This is becoming more and more difficult/awkward. There is a family meet up looming with the brother from US and the thought of seeing him again makes me feel sick. AIBU to continue to avoid DP's BIL, which effectively means avoiding all family meet ups, or should I try and get over this for the sake of my DP and family relationships ?

OP posts:
Peclet · 17/08/2024 15:03

What a massive creep.

Agree with everyone here, do what makes you comfortable.

I have not felt able to confront the person so I have various ways of dodging it.

Similarly there is a a man in my wider family circle and I do not like him. When we meet up I say loudly and smiley - there’s too many of us for hugs and kisses so hello everyone! Then I go and chat to someone I like. It works. I just “own” my greeting and DH might go in and hug his mum or brother but I am relieved to walk off and go about the celebration. if someone tries to hug me I might step back or offer them a high 5- mostly people think it is fine or funny or maybe a bit weird. I’d rather be weird than groped.

I have also taken something in my hands (flowers, food, large gift) so that if someone approaches me for a hug I can so oh sorry just gonna pop this down! and leave the space.

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