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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

In laws didn’t mention my dead brother

204 replies

Bob1980 · 26/05/2025 23:53

My brother died at Christmas. I got the token sympathy cards from mother and sister in law. However, when I’d spent Christmas Eve arranging my brothers funeral, my MIL was still so insistent on exchanging the usual ‘Happy Christmas!’ greetings. Then after the funeral, the inlaws never once asked how I/my family are. When I met up with them for the first time in person following my brother’s death, (we live 2 hours drive apart), not one of them even mentioned it! It was like nothing had even happened. Even Gene Hackman’s death got a drop into conversation. My brother? Nothing. I’ve always deep down felt like they considered themselves better than my family and I’m thinking I was right. I’ve been their daughter in law for 22 years, am I being unreasonable to have expected some kind of recognition for this tragic loss when we met up following my brothers death? (Both my parents are still alive and have lost their son; my brother was only 48 and had left 3 children behind who I had to break the news of his death to). What do I say to them when we next meet up? I’m fed up of never standing up for myself, I’m sick of them thinking this is ok.

OP posts:
VickiFromAmsterdam · 27/05/2025 16:39

Bob1980 · 27/05/2025 00:11

The thing is, they are a very active church going family so aren’t strangers to people who are grieving. My father in law was a minister. It honestly feels like they don’t want my scummy brothers death spoiling their day when we all get together.

You got it in one OP. They’re the scum, not your Dear Bro 🌹

NoGames · 27/05/2025 16:42

DSisNolongerhere · 27/05/2025 15:59

@Bob1980 I'm so sorry to hear that and I fully empathise and sympathise with you.

I lost my DSis aged 53 last year completely unexpectedly and was devastated. My in-laws did not sent a card, or a message via DH or even mention DSis when I next saw them months later. I have had 30ish years of the in-laws being a bit crap but that for me was a turning point. I have always been polite and put up with them for DH's sake but I am not bothering to go out of my way ever again. Yes I will host and be polite for DH's sake but I won't be making any special efforts just for them again.

@Passthecake30 @anothergrievingsister @GoingToGraceland @Lovelylydia @NoGames @vixsta2001 @WillimNot @Time2beme

I have tagged you all as fellow posters who have lost siblings and sending my condolences. I really think that siblings get ignored in the grief and sympathy, in most people's minds it's all about the parents or children. I am not in anyway saying siblings are more important but we do all have unique relationships with our brothers and sisters, we have grown up with these people since we were born, nearly all our childhood memories involve them etc. It's a very hard place to be, even if the relationship was a 'typical' sibling one the bond is very deep.

Thank you so much for saying this and sorry for the loss of your sister too. Losing a sibling is a shock and you have all the feelings of missing them and also it’s painful to think of your parents’ grief too and not knowing how to support them as losing their child is devastating.

Slavetomycat · 27/05/2025 16:43

I’m so sorry your brother died, condolences and hugs.

I totally get where you are with this. Anyone who knows about this surely can’t help but know that such an enormous loss will change you forever. It’s never far from your mind.

I was totally shaken up when seeing an older uncle after my daughter died, and he chatted on and on and said nothing. He knew, he’d suggested coming to the funeral, but it was too far in the end. I’d been steeling myself to talk about it, and nothing. My FIL has dementia and he has not twigged yet, but I am always on alert. It seems such a huge enormous elephant In every situation and when ignored, somehow it feels worse - if that’s possible.

please don’t let them hold you back from talking about him, when you feel the need. Their insensitivity is their problem, not your burden.

anothergrievingsister · 27/05/2025 18:00

WillimNot · 27/05/2025 16:27

I know exactly what you mean.

In my case, many thought I wouldn't be bothered as I'm not in contact with my family and sadly, due to a very silly situation that was inflated by others with a agenda hadn't spoken to my sister for 15 years. I tried so many times to get in contact through mutual acquaintances but was rebuffed.
When she passed away I found out when one of our mutual friends sent me condolences. I hadn't been informed.

What really upsets me is that she clearly needed someone, she took her own life, and it hurts so badly that due to the bullshit of others she didn't think she could ask me for help.

But the in laws, well, I'm used to them. Their behaviour doesn't shock me. They are notorious for being mean girls and I let them get on with it. I was just shocked at how blase they were over what happened. But then I find them incredibly selfish and self absorbed.

I am so very sorry for your situation and all the bullshit around it. I hope you can find some peace. A very unMumsNetty hug.

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