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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I really don't like them and I don't know what to do about it

205 replies

Cupofdreams · 28/07/2025 21:57

My son is engaged to a lovely girl and we get on really well but I cannot gel with her parents and I don't know what to do about it.

Usually it wouldn't be a major issue as most families do not really spend much time with both sets of parents outside of formal events but future DIL is obsessed with us all spending time together and being one big family. The problem is her family is a lot for me.

I have horrendous social anxiety and am a massive introvert and they are the complete opposite. They also drink a LOT and the Dad gets very forceful and rather aggressive when drunk to the point he has often been asked to go home from the pub as he has caused trouble with other people there. The last time I spent the day with them was awful and one of the parents spent much of the time trying to force me to have alcohol (couldn't due to medication) and getting angry when I didn't.

Talk is already happening about the festive period and it is stressing me out. DS still lives at home with me still and I would be happy to have future DIL over for Christmas day or I am just as happy to spend part of the day with them and then them move off to her parents or me spend a different day with DS and him just go there but she wants us all together and the thought of having to spend every Christmas day with them in future fills me with dread to be honest but DS has already made it clear that this is how it is going to be.

Aibu to ask for advice how to navigate this going forward so that I do not lose any relationship with my son.

OP posts:
Cupofdreams · 28/07/2025 23:22

TheSilentSister · 28/07/2025 23:15

Going forward OP, you need to work on this for your own sake and for the relationship with your DS. I say this lightly as I don't know what happened to you.
We all have our own battles and I find the ones that are most likely to be overcome are the ones that affect our children, doing it for our children etc. It really could be the life changer that you need.

I agree and I am already in therapy.

OP posts:
WhereIsMyJumper · 28/07/2025 23:22

Cupofdreams · 28/07/2025 23:03

I did add in the post that I am in therapy currently already for this reason. I am aware a lot of it is my issue. I cannot even travel outside of a couple of mile radius where I am familiar with at the moment. It is pretty bad.

I also compromise and have as I said above been out with them to try and make friends.

I’m sorry you’re struggling with social anxiety and fair play to you for seeking help for this however I think it’s muddying the water a bit for you - this issue you raise is nothing to do with social anxiety and everything to do with your in laws not being very nice people. I wouldn’t want to spend time with them and would avoid it at all costs.

crazeekat · 28/07/2025 23:24

Idontjetwashthefucker · 28/07/2025 22:11

DS has already made it clear that this is how it is going to be

Fuck that, he's not the boss of you...tell him no and have a serious word about his shit attitude. Controlling little shit

Exactly this

Imusthavemademydeskaroundaquaterafternine · 28/07/2025 23:25

Cupofdreams · 28/07/2025 22:18

He absolutely does know. I am in therapy currently for issues relating to my MH and very severe social anxiety.

Just to be clear as to DS making it clear that this is how it was going to be, I don't mean he is telling me that I have to go and cannot say no and I have said no many times to evenings it out with them but more along the lines that if I wanted to spend time with him on special occasions then it would involve them and high amounts of pressure for me to come and me being made to feel like I am odd or unreasonable for not wanting to go.

me being made to feel like I am odd or unreasonable for not wanting to go.

being made to feel that way by who exactly?

My SIL is a total bitch for this. She has made no effort to attend anything we've done (and by that I mean the things I had no choice but to invite her to), which is totally fine by me, and yet has accused me in the past of not participating in anything that her family had organised, which in 29 years has amounted to exactly four things, two of which I attended. It's almost as if she thinks that by shacking up with her brother I was entering into their family unit. Not bloody likely, I choose to keep my own family at arms-length as it is, so if I was going to invest in any family I'd start with my own.

Peachesandcream1000 · 28/07/2025 23:26

I agree with most of the other posts so far. A couple of thoughts here:

First, this is a transition stage. As such, it is the highest anxiety, highest clash-y part.

It's also very important to stand your ground now, as you seem to agree with, because however things get set up now will soon become "the usual" going forward.

The good news is, all you have to do is get through this period without giving in AND as kindly, calmly and drama-free on your end, as possible. And it will soon all be settled, with the least scars possible for all concerned.

It's too bad this isn't what your future daughter-in-law hopes for and envisions. But it's simply not workable for you. We rarely get everything we want and this is your call to make, not hers or your son's. It seems they're pushing hard for things to go their (her) way right now. But that will stop when they catch on that it's simply not going to be.

I think it's nice, in a way, that they do want everyone included. After all, many young'uns would just want one or both sides of the family out of the way. So that's a little positive piece, anyway. Also, highly likely in my opinion that she wants you there as a buffer between herself and her drunken, obnoxious parents. She'll just have to find a healthier way to handle them then, if that's her real agenda.

I don't blame you at all for not wanting to establish that your holidays will be spent with drunks who get pushy and even aggressive. Good for you! And it's so much better to just keep your distance from the start, than have to deal with the inevitable ongoing drama these folks bring to the table.

And remember, your son and his fiance might be in their mid-twenties but they still see what you do as a possible model to follow. And you are modeling good behavior- not being pushed around and not tolerating drunken obnoxiousness. All while standing up for yourself as kindly as possible. It's quite possible they'll follow the lead you're setting, sooner or later.

Personally, on that note, I wouldn't lean too heavily on your social anxiety. That makes it sound like you agree that you are the oddball, while, in reality, they are the oddballs. I'd try to keep distortions that favor them and disfavor you out of it.

Just calmly and kindly repeat as necessary that you're used to and prefer smaller, quieter holidays. Ask them then if they'd rather come to your house before they meet with her parents, or the day before or after. At the same time, avoid any name calling or disrespect about her parents. Set the example to follow.

Don't get into any big discussions, explanations or arguments. Simply keep saying no thanks and asking which other time would work for the two of them. If it escalates, tell them you have to go but to let you know which time and date they prefer.

If they insist that they won't meet with you at all, calmly tell them that makes you very sad and you need to go right now. It is up to them too and they may have to learn a lesson or two the hard way but letting them push you around only teaches them that it is a workable way to deal with you.

I think if you just do this and keep the emotions turned down low but kind, this will likely soon settle down in your favor.

Best wishes. :)

Nevereatcardboard · 28/07/2025 23:26

It’s ok to tell your DS that you find his girlfriend’s family far too overwhelming and loud, despite them being friendly and hospitable. You are unwell (which he knows) and don’t want to make your illness worse by becoming stressed. You don’t drink due to your medication and they refuse to respect that very reasonable boundary.

It’s fine to say no I won’t be there on Christmas Day as I need peace, quiet and no booze. You can say they’re nice people but you really can’t cope with them. Remind him again that you are unwell and receiving treatment for your MH condition. His girlfriend needs a reality check about her idea of one big family - it doesn’t happen in most families, as not everyone gets on!

Moveoverdarlin · 28/07/2025 23:27

I would say to your DS ‘Look, I love you, I love Sarah, she’s a great girl and I’m so happy you are getting married. But her Father is a bit of a twat. Surely you can see that? I’m happy to socialise with them from time to time, birthdays, obviously the wedding. But if you think I’m spending every Christmas Day with that pisshead, think again. I’m your Mum, but also a grown adult who has a say in who I spend my Christmas Day with. It’s no reflection on you, but I just want to give you the heads up now, maybe tell Sarah to just ease off on the meshing of the families slightly. You’re getting married, I’m not. I’m introverted and her side isn’t, it’s fine but I am not being told what to do and how to celebrate. Not all families become intertwined when two adults tie the knot.’

Skibber · 28/07/2025 23:29

OP, her family sound like a bunch of jeremy kyle rejects.

Your son doesn't get to dictate that you spend time with drunken scum.

I would rather be on my own at Christmas that be around that.

Don't be bullied by him.

What a huge mistake he is making.

SkintSingleMumm · 28/07/2025 23:30

Moveoverdarlin · 28/07/2025 23:27

I would say to your DS ‘Look, I love you, I love Sarah, she’s a great girl and I’m so happy you are getting married. But her Father is a bit of a twat. Surely you can see that? I’m happy to socialise with them from time to time, birthdays, obviously the wedding. But if you think I’m spending every Christmas Day with that pisshead, think again. I’m your Mum, but also a grown adult who has a say in who I spend my Christmas Day with. It’s no reflection on you, but I just want to give you the heads up now, maybe tell Sarah to just ease off on the meshing of the families slightly. You’re getting married, I’m not. I’m introverted and her side isn’t, it’s fine but I am not being told what to do and how to celebrate. Not all families become intertwined when two adults tie the knot.’

This is perfect

whynotwhatknot · 28/07/2025 23:32

nothing to do with anxiety the fil sounds like a drunk bully-i hateb p[eople trying to make others drink they dont want to leave it alone

becausewecancan · 28/07/2025 23:58

You have the best 'excuse' in the world. If you're happy with your future DIL knowing (or perhaps she already does know) about your social anxiety, DS can explain the situation without making it about her family but rather the stress of the social element itself. She and your son need to accept that it's a valid reason for not wanting to see many people (not that you need to have social anxiety to not wish to spend every special time with people you find difficult). She may have had visions of her version of a perfect future with everyone getting together all the time and for every Christmas, etc, but that's not how life works for most of us. We have to be flexible and negotiate around not only our own wishes but also the needs and preferences of others. That goes for both future DIL and DS.

You can't be walking around on eggshells for the rest of your life in fear of upsetting DS and DIL. They need to respect your boundaries.

Gettingbysomehow · 28/07/2025 23:59

Hell no. That would be a nightmare. I'd sooner have had Fred and Rose West for xmas than my ex in-laws. They were despicable.
Just say they will have to share parents half and half over the season and you are not up for catering for lots of people as you are winding down these days.

Devonshiregal · 28/07/2025 23:59

Zov · 28/07/2025 22:22

Blimey @Cupofdreams you need to nip this in the bud NOW. Your DS has no right telling you what to do. Most people have nothing to do with their DC's partner's family. I think it's actually really weird to mix with them - unless you live 10 minutes walk from them!!!

My DD was with a bloke for 3 and a half years, and I really didn't like his family. His mum and dad were very showy, very braggy, had top/name brands of everything, and a £50K car, and 3 homes - the big 5-bed one they lived in, one they rented out to private let tenants, and the other was a holiday cottage in the South Of France. They were very materialistic and had parties 6-8 times a year, and invited about 100 people each time. I don't think I have known that many people in my life LOL.

We are very quiet and private and introverted, and HATE the party lifestyle and braggy, showy people, so we pretty much refused to see them socially. DD was quite peeved, but we didn't want to and we kept refusing. When DD split with said boyfriend, she admitted she wasn't crazy about them either really, and it was them pushing for us to socialise with them. About a year later, her ex's parents declared bankruptcy. Covid finished them off. They had a sum of debt in the low-mid 6 figures, and the wide boy side businesss they had (cash in hand) went under. So it was all fake wealth anyway!

You don’t see how horrid you make yourself sound do you? You haven’t said they were cruel people. You just said they are flashy, louder than you. They may very well have thought you were dull as dishwater but they were making an effort to try to get to know you at least. And you’re laughing at their bankruptcy? Yes they faked it all because clearly that’s something that they rely on to feel good about themselves. That isn’t something to sneer at, feel sad they have to put on a fake version of themselves (which they then lost). And be glad you’re secure enough not to feel such pressure.

op, your son should stand up and tell them to back off with the no drinking thing. And also, he could just come see you in the morning and them in the afternoon or whatever - don’t get what the ‘he made it clear’ thing means still even after your update. But really plenty of people rarely get to see their kids when they’re married so I’d just count my blessings and try to accept them as they are, no matter how awful you find them. They’re trying to welcome you which is kind in itself…and rare. Go for short bursts if you must. Has your son been collateral damage of your social anxiety? Perhaps this is why he’s gone for a loud family if yours is very quiet?

LaDeeDaDeeDumb · 29/07/2025 00:00

WhereIsMyJumper · 28/07/2025 23:22

I’m sorry you’re struggling with social anxiety and fair play to you for seeking help for this however I think it’s muddying the water a bit for you - this issue you raise is nothing to do with social anxiety and everything to do with your in laws not being very nice people. I wouldn’t want to spend time with them and would avoid it at all costs.

Agree with this entirely! It’s not all just your problem to solve. Who tries to bully someone into drinking when they’ve told you they’re taking medication? For gods sake…

IdaPrentice · 29/07/2025 00:02

If the asshole-father's behaviour when he drinks is bad enough to be sent home from a pub, then you REALLY don't want to be around him on Christmas day when he'll no doubt be drinking the entire day - nightmare! And nothing to do with your social anxiety.
Although maybe it's your anxiety that is leading you to struggle to be honest with your DS.
And it's not as if you're weird for not wanting to spend Christmas with your son's girlfriend's parents, that is quite uncommon. You are not odd, they are!

Noshadelamp · 29/07/2025 00:02

Cupofdreams · 28/07/2025 22:35

This is exactly what I am struggling with. They are getting married, they are talking about children. He's the only family member I have left and I don't want to lose everything because of social anxiety.

Being an introvert is not social anxiety.

The fil being an obnoxious drunk and bully is not social anxiety.

Your son basically threatening to withdraw from you if you don't do what he says is not social anxiety.

Your future dil not being understanding of the situation is not social anxiety.

You are being hard on yourself, perhaps your son is gaslighting you to feel it's all your fault if you don't join in and play happy families with the in-laws from hell.

Yes you have social anxiety (I do too) but that isn't a reason to "lose everything*.

Your son and his gf need to be more understanding,instead of joining in the bullying your son should be defending you to the in-laws and his gf.

He could easily say something like
"DM isn't one for the pub and big parties so let's nip round and see her in the afternoon for a couple of hours".

Dibbs01 · 29/07/2025 00:11

You need to stand your ground early and soon a precedent will be set that is easy to maintain and continue for the long term.

There is no need for parents and PIL to have much to do with each other at all. In fact DH and I have been together for 20 years, have a young DS, yet our parents have never met or spoken to each other. In fact none of my side of the family has ever met anyone from DH’s family.

It soon becomes an established set up and nobody thinks twice about it after a while.

MumWifeOther · 29/07/2025 00:24

Cupofdreams · 28/07/2025 21:57

My son is engaged to a lovely girl and we get on really well but I cannot gel with her parents and I don't know what to do about it.

Usually it wouldn't be a major issue as most families do not really spend much time with both sets of parents outside of formal events but future DIL is obsessed with us all spending time together and being one big family. The problem is her family is a lot for me.

I have horrendous social anxiety and am a massive introvert and they are the complete opposite. They also drink a LOT and the Dad gets very forceful and rather aggressive when drunk to the point he has often been asked to go home from the pub as he has caused trouble with other people there. The last time I spent the day with them was awful and one of the parents spent much of the time trying to force me to have alcohol (couldn't due to medication) and getting angry when I didn't.

Talk is already happening about the festive period and it is stressing me out. DS still lives at home with me still and I would be happy to have future DIL over for Christmas day or I am just as happy to spend part of the day with them and then them move off to her parents or me spend a different day with DS and him just go there but she wants us all together and the thought of having to spend every Christmas day with them in future fills me with dread to be honest but DS has already made it clear that this is how it is going to be.

Aibu to ask for advice how to navigate this going forward so that I do not lose any relationship with my son.

Be honest.

Flippityflopflip · 29/07/2025 00:30

Cupofdreams · 28/07/2025 22:35

This is exactly what I am struggling with. They are getting married, they are talking about children. He's the only family member I have left and I don't want to lose everything because of social anxiety.

Then you need to have a conversation with your DS and explain how your social anxiety is getting worse by being forced to join every event with his fiancee's loud family.

If you feel you can't speak to him directly then show him this thread.

You can't be expected to please him at huge detriment to yourself. As you have said, you are not expecting him to stay by your side alone with you and want him to enjoy being with his fiancee's family by himself.

You need to be you and lead a quiet life and he wants to jump into everything with his fiancee's larger than life family. Neither is wrong but one person not respecting the other's needs is wrong. In this case your DS.

He needs to be aware of that and that you want to keep the relationship with him but he has to respect your boundaries when it comes to socialising. That you will do it in small doses when you feel comfortable to do so, but when you don't want to he needs to respect your decision and not guilt trip you about it.

Wheresthebuttons · 29/07/2025 01:01

Your DSs inlaws to be sound awful, boorish and bullying, your poor son getting caught up with them.

He should be a lot more sensitive to your needs, and should not be pressuring you to spend significant occassions with them. I think you need to remind him that you're finding social occasions difficult at the moment, and don't want to spend time in loud hectic groups.

I think for occassions like Christmas, they could have breakfast/brunch in your place, then leave you in peace while they go to her parents to hear her Dad talk drunken shite.

Important thing when talking to your son and his girlfriend is to blame yourself, not her horrible parents.

Strangerthanfictions · 29/07/2025 01:11

She's been watching too much Gavin and Stacey, prepared to be corrected but it's not that typical that the two families would have a full Christmas together every year. Just say let us know when you want to come to us over the Christmas period, we can accommodate you both whenever suits

OneWildandWonderfulLife · 29/07/2025 02:30

Tell the other family that you can’t drink, ever, due to long term medication where alcohol is strongly contra indicated.
Go to events having flagged up that you will arrive at X time and leave at Y time.
take a bottle of non alcoholic wine if it makes you feel better to have a glass of something.
Offer DS and DiL a lovely peaceful Christmas Eve/Boxing Day/Easter Monday/whatever so you get to see them on your terms.
show your DiL that it doesn’t all have to be loud and alcohol based. Start some lovely rituals now, that can be extended to any grandchildren in years to come. I loved that my children had cute Christmas/Easter rituals from both sides, plus ones from our small family unit. My very grown up children still talk about them and how much they enjoyed their grandparents contribution to their childhood.

Whatwouldnanado · 29/07/2025 02:43

They sound rough as a badgers bottom. I would be disappointed by ds attitude to you and concerned that ds is being influenced by them and potentially grandchildren too. Do they live closer than you? Have the Christmas you want, do nothing to make them think you’re rude just smile and do as you like.

Twiglets1 · 29/07/2025 02:44

Could it be that your son & his gf think they are being kind to you by saying you should all spend Christmas as “one big happy family” knowing that without your son being there, you could be spending Christmas Day alone.

You’re a small family, they are a much bigger one. Your son may also find them a bit overwhelming and like the idea of having some moral support from you to counter their excesses.

I would frame Christmas to them ( & her family) as a time you like to rest & recharge your batteries. You could find a compromise and suggest something like you’re happy to all have drinks or a meal together on one of the days around Christmas, but you like to spend Christmas itself quietly. Maybe you need to spell out that they don’t need to worry about you being alone on Christmas Day. But also that you would love to see them at some point even if they spend most of the time at her parents house.

BruFord · 29/07/2025 02:58

@Twiglets1 I agree that they may not realize that the OP likes a quiet Christmas and are eager to include her.

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