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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Husband booked a holiday without telling me first

171 replies

lizzybethx · 07/01/2025 18:57

I was meant to be going away with parents for a week this year. Husband doesn't want to go. Ends up telling me today he's already booked us a holiday the week prior for a couple days. In an area I don't even like and have sla**ed the area off loads of times. He said that going away with my parents for a week on holiday to somewhere that is a 4-hour drive is "too anxiety inducing", but he can proceed to book a holiday without my parents anyway? The place I was meant to be going to with my parents I have never gone to before. It's one of my parents' old roots. They were born there and grew up there until they were 19-20. I have relatives that live there. I wanted to visit a relatives grave to pay my respects. I have always wanted to go there. But it feels like my husband is guilt tripping me. If I tell him I would rather want to not go to this holiday he's booked, I know he will get mad and call me ungrateful. Now I feel I have to force myself to "enjoy" this holiday he's booked. What do I do?!

OP posts:
Workhardcryharder · 12/01/2025 09:20

Saturdayssandwichsociety · 12/01/2025 08:07

Of course it matters if a parent is dying thats a very very different situation.

The holiday being so important to you for ages doesnt change the fact you unilaterally decided it would be the families only holiday this year even though you knew your husband does not want to holiday with your parents.

Your husband has as much right as you to take your child on the holiday with him while you holiday with your parents, maybe that's the solution?
Oh but hang on i bet you wont be happy with that

Eh? Calling op controlling when her husband booked a holiday with it asking just to guilt trip her out of going on holiday with her parents? Pot, kettle

PriOn1 · 12/01/2025 09:21

Assuming the choice is still open, I would either do both, if there was any way it could be managed, or I would explain to him that he has given you no choice but to choose between a holiday with him and one with your parents and that you were choosing to go with your parents as you feel he has put you in an impossible situation in forcing you to make that choice.

He may try to say you are forcing him to go with your parents, but you are not as you are willing to go without him, and presumably would let him go somewhere alone, or would accompany him somewhere else, finances allowing. He likely resents you spending money on yourself, but this is something reasonable - a one-off, only-chance-to-do-this event you are asking to do. It’s not setting a precedent of selfishness. It’s also open to discussion whether your child goes or stays with him. Given he doesn’t want to go, I might have been open to leaving the child with him, if that was what he wanted, though given all the red flags, I’m inclined to think he may be using the child to try to prevent you from going.

You mention finances. Do you actually have the choice now, to go with your parents, or has he already spent the money you would have needed to go with them? If he has done that, I’m afraid my inclination would be to refuse to go with him on principle, even if that means not having a holiday. If he then continues spending your shared money on something you have declined, I think you would probably have to consider leaving the relationship.

Or has he paid the deposit and only when he pays the final fee, will he have spent the money that you would need to go with your parents? If that is the case and you have joint finances, I would be inclined to reserve the money you would need to go with your parents, either by putting it in a separate account of your own that he can’t access, or by paying the required amount to my parents so they can book the holiday.

Do you have money of your own, or have you got into a situation where he is the earner? Does he control the finances? No judgement, if so, as I have been in that position myself and didn’t realize, until too late, just how vulnerable I had made myself and my children when he became abusive.

Hope you can work this out, OP. It will take a lot of strength, but what you do now will set an example for your child for future relationships when they grow up. Don’t let him walk over you as, having won once, he will either continue, or worse, escalate..

Blanca87 · 12/01/2025 09:27

the crux of the issue is a person wants to go on holiday which was booked first and their partner has tried to undermine that decision by booking something else and being emotionally manipulative to sway original decision.

you know what you need to do, op. You only live once, don’t waste it on people that drain opportunities/ memories/ time from you.

Mix56 · 12/01/2025 09:29

You need to go on the holiday, previously booked & announced.
It may be the last time it can happen.
Your family matter, your right to choise matters.
He can come & do it to make you happy, or stay at home & suck it up.
(I know exactly how his manipulation & control works.)
You must go,
No point in explaining, & justifying. He knows, he just doesn't like it.
If you cant afford both, he will have to cancel.

Fishystripe · 12/01/2025 09:31

saraclara · 12/01/2025 09:15

She said she couldn't afford both because they're so close together. Presumably she needs time to save for a second holiday.

Exactly. This is so obvious. But @Saturdayssandwichsociety needs everything pointed out to him because it doesn't fit his agenda that women on MN get treated differently to men.

Ignore him OP. Most people without a MRA agenda on here see quite clearly that your husband is being manipulative. Don't give into it. Do the trip with your parents.

EdithBond · 12/01/2025 09:32

@gannett I don’t like surprises either. And I often feel they’re done to be controlling. Like people who spring a marriage proposal on live TV or in front of an audience. On the face of it, it’s a grand romantic gesture, but it coerces the person to say ‘yes’.

And it depends who’s paying for the surprise holiday. If the person who booked it is paying for it all (including associated costs, such as travel, insurance, spending money), then it’s still not great as it forces someone to use limited leave from work or go somewhere they’ve made no decisions over.

But if the holiday’s been paid for with joint finances, or the person who wasn’t involved in the booking’s expected to pay any associated costs, that’s coercing someone into their spending their money or even financial abuse.

IdylicDay · 12/01/2025 09:37

He's a master manipulator, OP. He did this deliberately to block you from going. The scheming, manipulative ahole! I would not reward this behaviour. I would tell him to never pull a stunt like that again, its made you even more determined to holiday with your parents, and that you are going on holiday with them and he can please himself what he does. End of discussion.

LBFseBrom · 12/01/2025 09:37

You can go without your husband, surely, and he can go wherever he wants.

Bumcake · 12/01/2025 09:42

“But why would I in my right mind leave the child I birthed for a week to go on holiday? Don't be so absurd.”

Man, you’re a dramatic family aren’t you? He can’t be left alone for a week and you’d have to be out of your mind to leave your child behind with its other parent. I don’t see you reaching a compromise on this.

gannett · 12/01/2025 09:43

EdithBond · 12/01/2025 09:32

@gannett I don’t like surprises either. And I often feel they’re done to be controlling. Like people who spring a marriage proposal on live TV or in front of an audience. On the face of it, it’s a grand romantic gesture, but it coerces the person to say ‘yes’.

And it depends who’s paying for the surprise holiday. If the person who booked it is paying for it all (including associated costs, such as travel, insurance, spending money), then it’s still not great as it forces someone to use limited leave from work or go somewhere they’ve made no decisions over.

But if the holiday’s been paid for with joint finances, or the person who wasn’t involved in the booking’s expected to pay any associated costs, that’s coercing someone into their spending their money or even financial abuse.

That's a good point about the finances, yes.

I do like those viral clips of public "romantic" proposals where the women says no and walks away. Like she's realised what a red flag it is.

But then some people do say they think surprises are genuinely romantic. Couldn't be me, but the important thing is for your partner to respect what you actually prefer.

MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 12/01/2025 09:48

SquishyGloopyBum · 12/01/2025 09:00

Your H is being very unreasonable.

He's playing games with you booking somewhere just before the hol with the parents.

Fine if he doesn't want to go - you have said he doesn't like that option.

He's a controlling arse.

I'd refuse to go on his holiday (and I think the face it's to an area you have expressed you dislike is also done on purpose). Just go with your parents.

Don't let him take this away from you.

I think you also possibly have bigger issues too.

This^^

Cardinalita90 · 12/01/2025 09:54

Put your foot down but it's probably better if he doesn't come now anyway because he'll most likely sulk or do anything he can to punish the OP for - in his mind - making him come. Leave him at home

Twaddlepip · 12/01/2025 10:04

Are people missing the point that this man is controlling as fuck? He’s refusing to go on holiday with the OP’s dying parent, because he doesn’t want to, and he’s refusing to let her go with their child without him, because he doesn’t want to not see them for a week. Instead he’s booked another holiday, knowing she can’t afford both, and is forcing her to go on that one and now allowing her to see her family.

It’s utterly fucked up.

MarvellousMrsMouse01 · 12/01/2025 10:51

I think it's very disrespectful that he's booked this holiday only as a result of you stating your wish to have a holiday with your family. However I completely understand potential anxiety about holidaying with ILs, as of course it would be his holiday too and you should both feel relaxed and that you can enjoy it.

What he SHOULD have done is sit down with you and express his concerns and his worries, not go off and book another holiday! I personally would want to be consulted on MY holiday plans before they're booked either way! A little weekend away surprise is different, but your 'big' holiday, nope!

I think you need to stand your ground on this one OP, as you have very important reasons for going with your family. You'll have to find a way to finance it if he has already spent your shared holiday fund, but if it's just you going perhaps your parents can help fund you if you explain the situation? I'm sure they'd rather help pay for it than not have you there. Your husband should stay at home, regardless of his little self-pity party! Stand your ground!!

notanaskhole · 12/01/2025 10:53

Twaddlepip · 12/01/2025 10:04

Are people missing the point that this man is controlling as fuck? He’s refusing to go on holiday with the OP’s dying parent, because he doesn’t want to, and he’s refusing to let her go with their child without him, because he doesn’t want to not see them for a week. Instead he’s booked another holiday, knowing she can’t afford both, and is forcing her to go on that one and now allowing her to see her family.

It’s utterly fucked up.

You’re not wrong.

MarvellousMrsMouse01 · 12/01/2025 10:53

Twaddlepip · 12/01/2025 10:04

Are people missing the point that this man is controlling as fuck? He’s refusing to go on holiday with the OP’s dying parent, because he doesn’t want to, and he’s refusing to let her go with their child without him, because he doesn’t want to not see them for a week. Instead he’s booked another holiday, knowing she can’t afford both, and is forcing her to go on that one and now allowing her to see her family.

It’s utterly fucked up.

Totally agree with this too, you need to put your 'big girl pants' on OP. You can do it 💪

ClarasSisters · 12/01/2025 11:24

lizzybethx · 12/01/2025 07:57

^ It shouldn't matter. My DH has known I have wanted to go on this holiday for ages. We have previously talked about his worries and concerns. I have addressed them and I have tried to compromise but he will not, but why should I turn down a holiday with my parents, even if that means him staying alone? He doesn't have to go. He was asked. I wasn't asked about going on holiday with him. It was just booked and sprung on me.

But in your op you said he'd booked for the week before you were planning on going so I'm still not sure what the issue is with doing both?

saraclara · 12/01/2025 11:25

ClarasSisters · 12/01/2025 11:24

But in your op you said he'd booked for the week before you were planning on going so I'm still not sure what the issue is with doing both?

She had spelled out clearly that she can't afford both in such a short time scale.

I can't do both because both holidays would be within a week and a half of each other. Finances wouldn't simply allow.

Fishystripe · 12/01/2025 11:28

ClarasSisters · 12/01/2025 11:24

But in your op you said he'd booked for the week before you were planning on going so I'm still not sure what the issue is with doing both?

Well if you'd read her other posts she explained she can't afford the spending money for both. Also she doesn't like the place he's booked. I wouldn't want to be bounced into a holiday I didn't agree to in a place I hated either.

Whatzzitz · 12/01/2025 11:31

You should do both and you should go alone with your parents

unsync · 12/01/2025 11:37

In your position, I would go with my parents and leave him behind. Your husband sounds very manipulative. I feel there's a lot more going on. He will no doubt make you pay for this decision by treating you badly and making it all about him. You need to think about whether he is worth it.

Picklelily99 · 12/01/2025 11:50

Your husband is being petty! He's stuck his bottom lip out so far, you could sit a teddy bear on it! He has made a conscious decision to spoil your holiday with your parents. Either the 'surprise holiday' he has booked, doesn't exist, and was merely said to see how you'd react, or it is his way of 'claiming ownership' of you and your child over your parents. Is he a big baby generally?

WidgetDigit2022 · 12/01/2025 12:12

Saturdayssandwichsociety · 12/01/2025 07:49

Because she likewise played the game of saying, i want to go on holiday wuth my parents, i am goingvwuth them no matter what so if you want to go on holiday with me this year it has to be with them.
Pretty controlling eh.

Nope. No one should be made to feel they can’t holiday with their family.

maltravers · 12/01/2025 12:22

He sounds very manipulative. I’d go with the parents and deal with any fall out from him later. Most importantly, if you let your parents down you’ll feel terrible. He’s chosen to put you in this position, don’t reward that, set a boundary instead.

SofaSurfer1993 · 12/01/2025 12:28

I’m dying to know where your husband has booked that’s so terrible 😂 😂

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