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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

No room at the inn...

196 replies

Iwishmymumwouldbemymum · 30/12/2024 19:33

I need to get this out. I've my hard hat on as I think I'm probably being a baby.

Background - I've always felt in my family expectations of me are much much higher than my siblings. It's a strange dynamic where it seems to be assumed that life is really easy for me so I should put up with crap treatment from my siblings but behave really well towards them.

My dad was not around much past teens and is now dead. DM always seems to go with the easiest option which is to tell me not to make a fuss - my dsis in particular is very high maintenance, gets stressed and very selfish. She is a bully, similar to how our father was. My mother complains but always panders to her.

I always feel I do the most for everyone (in fact I do, no doubt about it) and am taken for granted.

This year DH and I took my DM away on hols twice. We have done this several times and she enjoys it I think. Siblings don't do this ever. We also take her out with us every second weekend and go to visit her the other. So I do think she likes being with us.

For NYE I booked a show and a really fancy restaurant for a late lunch in the city with DM, DC and DH. The plan was we would then drive to DM's and stay there that night and the following day. I have friends living around there so also planned to pop out either that evening or the following morning for a mini NY get together then have lunch in DM's.

The city is halfway to DM's. City is 1 hour drive, another 30 to DM.

Yesterday DM phoned me. She said dsis has decided she wants to stay in her house to have a break for a few nights so we could no longer stay NYE but could still come for lunch the next day. Dsis lives near us. I suggested we all squeeze in; me DH in one bed with DC on floor in same room. DM shook her head and said no, dsis won't want to share with one of her own DC and she won't want them on the pullout couch in the office room either, she wants to take both the spare bedrooms upstairs. The office wouldn't have space for me and my lot. It was clear there was interest in figuring out a solution for all of us to stay.

I know my face must have looked hurt as she looked a little uncomfortable. I said "so you're saying we should drive back and forth on both days and after our lovely day in the city we aren't invited?" DM shrugged and said there was no need to drive out again as she was letting me know I was invited but no need to come out for lunch.

Not sure if it's relevant but dsis has been invited and preferences accommodated for several occasions over the last ten days with us and after a vague "yeah sounds nice, I'll let you know" not shown up or cancelled. She did the same for the Nye lunch in the city and I ended up having to book somewhere else so I wouldn't be charged for her family and could not modify the booking. I only know she's not coming based on what DM said.

DH finds dsis insufferable with her inability to make an arrangement and thinks i should stop trying to plan around her.

I feel so hurt and don't even want to do the show and lunch (but I will!)

Yabu - stop being a baby. It's DM's house not yours and she doesn't owe you accommodation
Yanbu - sounds hurtful, take a step back from them all and focus on your own family

OP posts:
Iwishmymumwouldbemymum · 30/12/2024 19:42

*there was NO interest in finding a solution to us all staying

OP posts:
RomeoMcFlourish · 30/12/2024 19:46

I’d sack off taking my mum anywhere if she did that to me.

TomatoSandwiches · 30/12/2024 19:47

Don't take your mother to the lunch and show she can sit and think about how awfully unfair she treats you in comparison.
Why invest in her when she shits all over you op?

Doggymummar · 30/12/2024 19:51

Leave them to it and give her nothing.

Azandme · 30/12/2024 19:51

I do not go out of my way for people who fuck me over.

I'd say that you aren't willing to drive out to her house and back again after the show as it's too much (2 hour journey instead of 1hr going straight home) so you'll see her after NY.

"I'm sure you'll have plenty to occupy you with sis."

DanceMumTaxi · 30/12/2024 19:52

I’d uninvited her from everything from now on. She’s shown exactly what she thinks of you and your family. I’d be really hurt too.

PinkyFlamingo · 30/12/2024 19:53

Why are you letting your Mum treat you like shit?

AskingForAFriend10 · 30/12/2024 19:54

Azandme · 30/12/2024 19:51

I do not go out of my way for people who fuck me over.

I'd say that you aren't willing to drive out to her house and back again after the show as it's too much (2 hour journey instead of 1hr going straight home) so you'll see her after NY.

"I'm sure you'll have plenty to occupy you with sis."

That is exactly what I would do.

Theunamedcat · 30/12/2024 19:54

Azandme · 30/12/2024 19:51

I do not go out of my way for people who fuck me over.

I'd say that you aren't willing to drive out to her house and back again after the show as it's too much (2 hour journey instead of 1hr going straight home) so you'll see her after NY.

"I'm sure you'll have plenty to occupy you with sis."

Absolutely this

saltysandysea · 30/12/2024 19:54

I am with your DH on this one. Ditch the plan & just see the show with your family - DM can make other at with dsis.

kikiandgigi · 30/12/2024 19:55

Respect yourself and your family OP. No show and lunch for ‘DM’ - people only treat you badly because you allow them to. I would cut out the holidays and weekends too - surely you have better ways to spend your time, money and energy.

AppleKatie · 30/12/2024 19:56

I would invite your DM to meet you at the restaurant/show and make her own travel arrangements. If she can do what is easier for her so can you.

Marine30 · 30/12/2024 19:57

That’s awful favouritism (sounds v misplaced too). Don’t treat your mum anymore; she will find out too late how much she misses you.

Porkyporkchop · 30/12/2024 19:58

TomatoSandwiches · 30/12/2024 19:47

Don't take your mother to the lunch and show she can sit and think about how awfully unfair she treats you in comparison.
Why invest in her when she shits all over you op?

This.
stop being a martyr and don’t take her to lunch. She is clearly putting dsis as priority so let her reap what she sows.

setmestraightplease · 30/12/2024 19:58

DH finds dsis insufferable with her inability to make an arrangement and thinks i should stop trying to plan around her

this!

................... but also ask yourself what sort of mother accepts an invitation and makes arrangements and then changes them because another daughter wants to do something.

Why didn't your mother say she already had plans - but maybe they could be changed to include an extra person and discuss it with you?

You're just enabling your DM to prioritise your DSis over everything and everybody else.

The problem is not only your DSis, but also your DM and it will continue for as long as you let it

thistimelastweek · 30/12/2024 20:00

AppleKatie · 30/12/2024 19:56

I would invite your DM to meet you at the restaurant/show and make her own travel arrangements. If she can do what is easier for her so can you.

This.

Tricho · 30/12/2024 20:01

I'm afraid I'd be cancelling lunch and show - or her parts of it at least

DSis is so wonderful then let then get on with it for the whole day !

Brefugee · 30/12/2024 20:01

yeah, i'd be uninviting mum for NYE and cutting right back on the visits/outings/holidays with her.

Go over once every other month and let DSIS pick up the slack. Mum has made her bed, now she can lie in it

ETA: as for DSIS, if you ever invite her, just reckon without her answering or turning up. Cut down on the number of times you do invite her. It's not worth the [mental] energy

Bumblingbee101 · 30/12/2024 20:02

Whatever the reason is, it sounds like Dsis says jump and your mum says how high. It sounds like you invest a lot of time into spending time with your mum every other weekend etc. Is it reciprocated? I can understand there are a lot of family dynamics at play and past traumas but I would be upset if I put this much time, effort and money in and then got booted out first considering it's a long standing arrangement. Have you paid for mums ticket? If so I would maybe consider taking a friend instead and say to your Mum, you love her dearly but are not a doormat and feel hurt, then give her some thinking time. Good luck OP and try to enjoy NYE.

Iwishmymumwouldbemymum · 30/12/2024 20:03

AppleKatie · 30/12/2024 19:56

I would invite your DM to meet you at the restaurant/show and make her own travel arrangements. If she can do what is easier for her so can you.

Sorry my OP wasn't clear. This is what was proposed DM is happy to get herself to and from the show.

I messaged afterwards and said "hi, we don't want to do another roundtrip two days in a row so don't include us for plans on new year's day. Thanks. " She read it but didn't reply.

I know DM and dsis will be rolling their eyes and accusing me of sulking or being dramatic.

I am still going to the show and lunch in the city. My DC are very excited about it.

OP posts:
LivingLaVidaBabyShower · 30/12/2024 20:05

RomeoMcFlourish · 30/12/2024 19:46

I’d sack off taking my mum anywhere if she did that to me.

This.
Let your Dsis pick up the slack.
Btw your mother is an ungrateful idiot who doesnt know what she has - many mothers of adult children would crawl over broken glass for a DD as thoughtful, kind and engaged as you.

I'd cancel the whole thing and let her "enjoy" your dsis in full... even if that means a ticket "goes to waste" if you cant get a friend to come( dont get sucked into sunk cost fallacy)

Pineapplewaves · 30/12/2024 20:05

Your DM should have told your DSIS "no, I've already made plans for NY with your sibling". Your DM is out of order, you asked first and plans have already been agreed.

I agree with pp, tell your DM to meet you at the restaurant and after the show she can make her own way home.

Stop taking her on holidays etc when she doesn't appreciate it. I'd take a big step back and have very little contact with her for a while, see if she realises how nicely she's been treated by you and your family.

ForeverPombear · 30/12/2024 20:05

Azandme · 30/12/2024 19:51

I do not go out of my way for people who fuck me over.

I'd say that you aren't willing to drive out to her house and back again after the show as it's too much (2 hour journey instead of 1hr going straight home) so you'll see her after NY.

"I'm sure you'll have plenty to occupy you with sis."

This.

Stop allowing her to treat you and your family like this. You need to stand up to her, I'm sure your sister would and your DM knows you'll put up with it.

BigFatLiar · 30/12/2024 20:08

I think this is fairly common. DSIS doesn't visit much so when she invites herself your mum goes out of the way to make her welcome. You she sees regularly so doesn't feel she needs to make the effort.

Onlyvisiting · 30/12/2024 20:09

Bollocks to that. If you go to the show and dinner it will only be marred by knowing you are then expected to make yourselves scarce to leave room for her preferred guests.
I'm not suggesting you cut her off entirely for life but I would absolutely cancel this planned trip, you had plans for 2 days together, she doesn't get to pick and choose the bits she fancies.
Make other plans for a NYE that you and your DH will enjoy and won't make you feel like last choice.
And honestly- I'd cut back on the rest of your visits a bit. Is your DH happy seeing his MIL EVERY weekend? It sounds an awful lot, when do you get downtime to spend together just the 2 of you? Do you go on holidays alone as well?