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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Dil trying to ruin my relationship with my dd

1000 replies

worldlyweather · 09/09/2024 11:33

When my son met his now wife he was still living at home as was my dd.
Dil used to spend a lot of time at our house with ds but admittedly my dd didn't take to her straight away and while my dd didn't realise she was here dd came in mocking her and she overheard.
Ds and dil then moved to their own house and have since married and had a child, I didn't go to the wedding as dd was excluded.

Dil wants nothing to do with my dd and ds has backed her decision, this means our dd has never even met her nephew and misses her brother and is utterly heartbroken by all this.
I haven't met him either as I have been instructed not to come with my dd but have decided not to exclude her knowing this is so hurtful and have explained my reasons to ds and dil.
I have tried to get my ds to put things right with his sister but he's not interested and is refusing to see me at my home because she might be there and I will not turn her away because they don't want to be friendly.
Ds says I should be on their side as dd did wrong and I shouldn't protect her but I feel this is an overreaction and needs to be addressed, while I agree that she was perhaps unkind she didn't deserve to be cut off.

The family have been invited to visit but again this is to be with the exclusion of my dd who is devastated and so far we've stayed away until she's included, unfortunately this doesn't look like it's ever going to happen and I miss my son and I'm missing out on my first grandchild.
They have never made any ultimatum but it feels like there's an invisible ultimatum that if I want a part in their life it's to be at the exclusion of dd or I lose the relationship with them altogether.
I feel in an impossible position as in my mind I'm standing by my dd over dil but my son sees it that I'm standing by my dd over him and that I'm choosing not to see them by choosing her.

OP posts:
ZoeCM · 09/09/2024 15:33

Abbylikeswine · 09/09/2024 15:11

Sadly I've seen this happen with women many times before. Women over dramatise things. And they things to extreme levels.

If a man laughed at another man in the family, they wouldn't even fall out about it.

Ie "John is a bald prick hahaha " they'd still be fine.

If a woman says one thing wrong to another woman, the woman will never let it go, and will never speak to the other woman again.

Women are extreme. I have to say I've seen the OPs scenario several times in families with women..

Women will not let things go

My dad held a grudge against an acquaintance for years because of a drunken comment at a party. For all I know, he's still holding it now!

Abbylikeswine · 09/09/2024 15:34

NewFriendlyLadybird · 09/09/2024 15:32

The daughter was an adult. Why would she be hurt by not being invited to the wedding of someone she disliked? She might have been offended, but that’s a whole different issue.

Would you go to your sons wedding and leave your daughter at home by herself?

Genuine question.

MorvernBlack · 09/09/2024 15:34

Abbylikeswine · 09/09/2024 15:09

Stop being so harsh to the OP. I'm sure all of us would be upset if our adult children weren't even speaking to each other. Of course op is upset.

Do you not think it's a bit of an overreaction? Did you see the part where the Ops son is now also refusing to come to the OPs house at all, in case he bumps into his sister.

Jesus christ the daughter didnt kill anyone.

Everyone of us on here have talked about people behind their back.

Surely sil should get over it after FOUR years, or at least say what could happen to improve the situation

Edited

Agree with this. The Dil needs to grow up, she has a child of her own now ffs, she sounds utterly pathetic, but the dd needs to sit down with her and talk this through. It's ridiculous to be destroying a family over an overheard remark. I doubt most of us are innocent of talking about people out of earshot.

Mo819 · 09/09/2024 15:34

worldlyweather · 09/09/2024 12:13

Dd was 24 at the time 4 years ago, 4 years this has been going on!
Dd hasn't apologised but she didn't deliberately say it for her to hear, she was just pretending to be her and having a laugh with it as she didn't particularly take to her she thought only we could see/hear.
It's different if it's to deliberately offend but surely in your own home to your own parents it's not her fault she was there and saw/heard.
Also she's not had a chance to apologise if she's not welcome and how can I see her excluded by from her own family?

So by your standards it's OK to take the piss as long as the person your taking the piss out off dosnt hear you. ?? Also it's your DIL fault fault for over hearing it. At no point in 4 years has tour daughter found 5 minuets to say sorry.
I can see were your daughter gets her standards

HolidayAtNight · 09/09/2024 15:36

Abbylikeswine · 09/09/2024 15:11

Sadly I've seen this happen with women many times before. Women over dramatise things. And they things to extreme levels.

If a man laughed at another man in the family, they wouldn't even fall out about it.

Ie "John is a bald prick hahaha " they'd still be fine.

If a woman says one thing wrong to another woman, the woman will never let it go, and will never speak to the other woman again.

Women are extreme. I have to say I've seen the OPs scenario several times in families with women..

Women will not let things go

Sod off with this misogyny. How many wars have women started? Physical fights vs how many men start?

AdultChildQuestion · 09/09/2024 15:36

worldlyweather · 09/09/2024 12:13

Dd was 24 at the time 4 years ago, 4 years this has been going on!
Dd hasn't apologised but she didn't deliberately say it for her to hear, she was just pretending to be her and having a laugh with it as she didn't particularly take to her she thought only we could see/hear.
It's different if it's to deliberately offend but surely in your own home to your own parents it's not her fault she was there and saw/heard.
Also she's not had a chance to apologise if she's not welcome and how can I see her excluded by from her own family?

Ah, so it's DIL's fault for walking in at the time your dd was making fun of her behind her back.

coldcallerbaiter · 09/09/2024 15:36

Your dil is not ruining your relationship with your dd. You seem close to dd which is good. Dil is making a meal of this slur, if it was a one-off, she could have let it go too. If it was repeated or there is more to it then maybe dil is right but idk not inviting dd to wedding upped the ante, that’s bitchy too. Dd should have just written a letter and see if that helps. Op should not miss out on ds and dgc over this, no way, that’s tragic. Do not make it any worse Op.

An example op, not the same but my best friend did something to hurt and offend me, she didn’t apologise or address it. I did not catastrophise it, I downgraded her to acquaintance and sometimes see her, don’t mention it but wouldn’t trust her or make plans to include her in special things. Just am civil not that difficult.

Stripeysuitcase · 09/09/2024 15:36

I have experienced this somewhat from this side of your DIL. I know you mean well and I do understand your frustration, but you are taking the wrong approach here and it will NEVER work. Trust me on this.

I am no contact with my twin sister because she has been very hurtful to me. She has not apologised to me, and whilst my parents accept that she has behaved very badly they continue to minimise her behaviour. They desperately want us to reconcile, probably to make them feel better, but can't accept what I need for that to happen and want me to just 'move on'. Note that I have said NEED, not want.

Your DD has severely hurt your DIL. Intention has nothing to do with it. You, your DD or anyone else have absolutely no right to minimise or invalidate her feelings. Your DIL is absolutely within her rights to not speak to your DD and it is not your place to tell her otherwise. By standing by your DD regardless of right and wrong you are showing your DIL and your DS that you don't value their feelings.

The only way forward is your you DD to take the time to understand what she has done and sincerely apologise. Your latest update saying she hasn't had the chance to apologise is just an excuse probably because she is ashamed/stubborn/doesn't truly want to understand this from your DILs side. If she REALLY wanted to get in touch and apologise, she absolutely could. I know a true apology is hard, but that's for your DD to take on.

For example, have you spoken to your DIL and asked how she feels? When she's told you, have you listened and validated this, or have you given excuses or reasons, been defensive or role her she shouldn't feel that way?

For what it's worth, overhearing someone close to you mocking you behind your back is extremely painful and damaging. It's not just what is said, it's the broken trust and invalidation of how you previously viewed that relationship, plus the anxiety around what else has or will be said. It doesn't matter if your DD or don't agree with this. Other people experience things differently and there is no set standard or manual. She is not 'too sensitive'.

I recommend you and your DD look up 'Jimmy On Relationships' or similar accounts on Instagram or Facebook. He helps to show what a real apology is, and why validating someone's feelings and experiences is important, and how relationships can't survive if without this. He focuses on romantic ones but the concept is the same. There are many many other accounts too. You could also Google validation and proper apologies.

I know you mean well and want everyone to play happy families but the only way for this to happen is for you to honestly and proactively see this from your DILs side and give her what SHE NEEDS to move on. If she still can't after a proper apology and discussion over what level of relationship she may be able to start with, then you need to respect that. Then you can address seeing her separately if you wish.

You may want to send your DIL a message apologising for not listening to her pain, and tell her that you are now here for her. Ask her honestly how she feels, listen, and sympathise. Don't answer back. Ask her if there is a way forward, and how you can support her in this. Once your DD is also in a place to apologise and listen openly and honestly to your DIL, your role could be to help mediate, but only from the view of ensuring your DIL is able to heal.

https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_on_relationships?igsh=N2Fheno0OWpwZm52

Jetstream · 09/09/2024 15:37

OP, you are a mother and grandmother, I have to ask if you were ever told to say nothing if you can’t be polite?

My mother is like you and even she knows full well when to shut up and taught us to do the same.

The question is how often has your daughter mocked her SiL? It seems this wasn’t the only occasion. Only your DiL heard her this time.

Why do your think your DiL and son should forget it? As I found out as an adult, normal families including in-laws, are polite to each other.

NewFriendlyLadybird · 09/09/2024 15:37

Abbylikeswine · 09/09/2024 15:34

Would you go to your sons wedding and leave your daughter at home by herself?

Genuine question.

She was 24, or maybe older by then. Yes, I would have no problem leaving an adult woman at home by herself, especially if it was entirely her fault that she was not invited, and probably didn’t care about going if she didn’t even like the bride.

ichifanny · 09/09/2024 15:37

Horrible family I hope DIL stays away from you all .

rainbowstardrops · 09/09/2024 15:38

Honestly can't believe that your daughter didn't immediately apologise for being extremely unkind and has let this fester for four years!!!
Unbelievable

Abbylikeswine · 09/09/2024 15:39

HolidayAtNight · 09/09/2024 15:36

Sod off with this misogyny. How many wars have women started? Physical fights vs how many men start?

What has war got to do with what I said?

phoenixrosehere · 09/09/2024 15:41

NewFriendlyLadybird · 09/09/2024 15:37

She was 24, or maybe older by then. Yes, I would have no problem leaving an adult woman at home by herself, especially if it was entirely her fault that she was not invited, and probably didn’t care about going if she didn’t even like the bride.

Same.

I would urge her to apologise, but also would have told her to cut it out and apologise to her brother’s girlfriend and told her she needed to find some common ground or at least be polite.

OP siding with her, made things worse.

As I said before, if the daughter actually wanted to be at the wedding, she would have apologised before it.

SecondFavouriteDinosaur · 09/09/2024 15:41

worldlyweather · 09/09/2024 12:13

Dd was 24 at the time 4 years ago, 4 years this has been going on!
Dd hasn't apologised but she didn't deliberately say it for her to hear, she was just pretending to be her and having a laugh with it as she didn't particularly take to her she thought only we could see/hear.
It's different if it's to deliberately offend but surely in your own home to your own parents it's not her fault she was there and saw/heard.
Also she's not had a chance to apologise if she's not welcome and how can I see her excluded by from her own family?

I wouldn’t forgive someone who isn’t sorry, either.

HolidayAtNight · 09/09/2024 15:41

Abbylikeswine · 09/09/2024 15:39

What has war got to do with what I said?

Your post that I replied to was about women overreacting, being dramatic, taking things to extremes and not letting things go, unlike men who don't do that. You only have to take a glance at the world today, or at any point in history, to see that that isn't true.

SecondFavouriteDinosaur · 09/09/2024 15:42

Abbylikeswine · 09/09/2024 15:34

Would you go to your sons wedding and leave your daughter at home by herself?

Genuine question.

Yes, I would.

HollyKnight · 09/09/2024 15:44

I think it is great that DIL has such strong boundaries. The onus was on the OP's daughter to apologise for her behavior and make amends, which she didn't do, and DIL has no interest in having toxic people in her life so that's that.

Stripeysuitcase · 09/09/2024 15:45

HollyKnight · 09/09/2024 15:44

I think it is great that DIL has such strong boundaries. The onus was on the OP's daughter to apologise for her behavior and make amends, which she didn't do, and DIL has no interest in having toxic people in her life so that's that.

This is an excellent shorter version of my post!

Abbylikeswine · 09/09/2024 15:45

HolidayAtNight · 09/09/2024 15:41

Your post that I replied to was about women overreacting, being dramatic, taking things to extremes and not letting things go, unlike men who don't do that. You only have to take a glance at the world today, or at any point in history, to see that that isn't true.

I pointed out what I see as flaws in women. I didn't say that I don't see any bad flaws in men.

I do see plenty of flaws in men. Men at their worst are physically and sexually abusive. And can cause destruction on a large scale.

Women at their worst are psychologically and emotionally abusive. They use emotional abuse to cause hurt.

For example in my workplace, all of the women are not getting on at All. They are constantly reporting women for bullying them. The men in my workplace all get on fine.

The genders have different ways of inflicting pain and damage

Jammedchakra · 09/09/2024 15:46

surely this is a wind up! No one could be that daft... could you OP?

Abbylikeswine · 09/09/2024 15:46

HollyKnight · 09/09/2024 15:44

I think it is great that DIL has such strong boundaries. The onus was on the OP's daughter to apologise for her behavior and make amends, which she didn't do, and DIL has no interest in having toxic people in her life so that's that.

Even if it has resulted in the grandmother not seeing her grandchildren?

If I was the dil, I would have found a resolution by now

Trimalata · 09/09/2024 15:47

Even if the DIL overreacted to whatever comment was made, and didn't let it go...

OP absolutely poured fuel on to the fire by not attending the wedding and has continued pouring fuel ever since then.

And yes, I'd leave an adult daughter at home and go to my son's wedding, in this scenario. Not even difficult to contemplate.

TheShellBeach · 09/09/2024 15:48

Abbylikeswine · 09/09/2024 15:34

Would you go to your sons wedding and leave your daughter at home by herself?

Genuine question.

Yes, of course.

Genuine answer.

Abbylikeswine · 09/09/2024 15:48

Trimalata · 09/09/2024 15:47

Even if the DIL overreacted to whatever comment was made, and didn't let it go...

OP absolutely poured fuel on to the fire by not attending the wedding and has continued pouring fuel ever since then.

And yes, I'd leave an adult daughter at home and go to my son's wedding, in this scenario. Not even difficult to contemplate.

Even if the daughter was crying, watching her two parents go?

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