Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel annoyed by their behaviour

176 replies

TLDC · 02/11/2025 08:57

I have a very passive DH, it's an ongoing frustration. He doesn't organise anything nice for me or the kids, he also doesn't do confrontation in any way.

We moved to a new area 6 years ago. I made a huge effort to get to know people, resulting in a lovely group of families who hang out regularly and he benefits from this with his kids having close friendships with the children and us receiving regular invitations to parties or outings with these people. He has never organised anything, and it's always me who arranges the outings with them or invites their kids over. He says often how lovely it is that we have met these people.

Previously we weren't in the position to host, but this year we moved to a new house and we both said it would be lovely to now be able to have friends over as we'd have space for guests.

Each year a family always hosts a party in the surrounding neighborhood to celebrate a local holiday. We've never been the hosts, so this year I suggested we take our turn and DH agreed. His family member asked if they could visit on same day and I said yes of course! Kids were very excited for their child staying over and I made sure bedding was ready, spare bedroom clean and towels etc.

Party was lovely, kids had a blast. It was only a few games and food. I did all of it - decorating the house with the kids, buying and prepping food and drinks, arranging games, I also took day off work and cleaned the whole house in preparation. The only thing he did was pour a few drinks for people and take the pizzas out of the oven.

I took the kids including family members child out to a neighbour's after the party, asking if he'd mind tidying up. He said he was happy with this.

Got home after an hour or so, house was tidy and he was on couch with wine. I said wow it's so tidy that's brilliant. But then I went upstairs and discovered he hadn't made up bed for his family member and child to sleep. So I said oh I thought you might have made up the bed?

To which both him and family member rolled their eyes and said oh FFS typical you point out the one thing not done! Made big deal saying he'd tidied up and this is all I could mention. I said well hang on, I organised everything and cleaned house? Plus took kids out to give them a chance to catch up. Family member said that the party was my idea and not DH choice. DH also said the party was my idea. I went upstairs and made up the bed, then went to bed as I didn't want to speak to either of them anymore.

I felt so sad that I'd gone to all this effort, but there was no thanks for that or that I'd prepped everything and made family member welcome. The next day I again took their child out, paid for their lunch and entertainment, because I love the child and my kids love hanging out with them. The family member and I had a short chat, during which they called me moody and controlling.

Today I feel very lonely in my relationship and unappreciated. I've felt very lonely for a long time and that my DH doesn't appreciate me. This family member always makes these sorts of comments to me and I've previously brushed it off but I'm annoyed. I'm also annoyed at the family member for being so blunt.

Aibu to be upset or am I being oversensitive and actually should have not expected him to tidy up and make up the bed.

Yabu - yes oversensitive
Yanbu - they were unkind

OP posts:
TLDC · 02/11/2025 09:00

So as not to drip feed. My DH has a habit of not standing up for me. It's not the first time this person has made these comments about me in front of him.

OP posts:
GarlicBreadStan · 02/11/2025 09:02

I could be in the wrong here, but personally, if you asked me to clean the house, I would expect you to tell me that the bed also needs to be made. I need clear, concise and full instructions.

To me, part of cleaning the house does not involve making the bed. Making the bed would be part of tidying the house, but yes I would still expect this to be specified.

However, I do not think you're unreasonable for being pissed off that you always do the housework and are always the one organising everything

PollyBell · 02/11/2025 09:05

TLDC · 02/11/2025 09:00

So as not to drip feed. My DH has a habit of not standing up for me. It's not the first time this person has made these comments about me in front of him.

You are an adult why do you need someone else to stand up for you?

GagMeWithASpoon · 02/11/2025 09:05

The answer is in the middle. You are frustrated that it all falls on you , going out of your way for everything to be great and feeling unappreciated. They see it as “choice” even when they benefit from it. Especially the family member who didn’t see all the background work.

Your options are to stop doing so much (in general) , unless you really,really want to , rather than have to ,or have a calm conversation with your DH as to why you do all these things, how he benefits, and that you need more support from him and he has to pull his weight, or if that doesn’t work , split up.

GagMeWithASpoon · 02/11/2025 09:06

TLDC · 02/11/2025 09:00

So as not to drip feed. My DH has a habit of not standing up for me. It's not the first time this person has made these comments about me in front of him.

Why would he stand up for you though? He started the moaning and the scenario suits him.

TLDC · 02/11/2025 09:08

PollyBell · 02/11/2025 09:05

You are an adult why do you need someone else to stand up for you?

I don't need him to. But I don't expect him to laugh along and it would be nice if he backed his wife who has gone to a tonne of effort to accommodate this person.

OP posts:
Merryoldgoat · 02/11/2025 09:09

GarlicBreadStan · 02/11/2025 09:02

I could be in the wrong here, but personally, if you asked me to clean the house, I would expect you to tell me that the bed also needs to be made. I need clear, concise and full instructions.

To me, part of cleaning the house does not involve making the bed. Making the bed would be part of tidying the house, but yes I would still expect this to be specified.

However, I do not think you're unreasonable for being pissed off that you always do the housework and are always the one organising everything

If you have guests staying do you not consider and prepare sleeping arrangements? Even if they are YOUR family?

GarlicBreadStan · 02/11/2025 09:10

Merryoldgoat · 02/11/2025 09:09

If you have guests staying do you not consider and prepare sleeping arrangements? Even if they are YOUR family?

No. I'm autistic and if I don't have clear instructions, I will assume it doesn't need to be done.

Edited to add: or, it'll not even occur to me.

TLDC · 02/11/2025 09:12

GagMeWithASpoon · 02/11/2025 09:05

The answer is in the middle. You are frustrated that it all falls on you , going out of your way for everything to be great and feeling unappreciated. They see it as “choice” even when they benefit from it. Especially the family member who didn’t see all the background work.

Your options are to stop doing so much (in general) , unless you really,really want to , rather than have to ,or have a calm conversation with your DH as to why you do all these things, how he benefits, and that you need more support from him and he has to pull his weight, or if that doesn’t work , split up.

I've done the conversation bit many times. Splitting up is very tempting! I have said before we should get counselling. He disagrees.

OP posts:
TLDC · 02/11/2025 09:14

GarlicBreadStan · 02/11/2025 09:02

I could be in the wrong here, but personally, if you asked me to clean the house, I would expect you to tell me that the bed also needs to be made. I need clear, concise and full instructions.

To me, part of cleaning the house does not involve making the bed. Making the bed would be part of tidying the house, but yes I would still expect this to be specified.

However, I do not think you're unreasonable for being pissed off that you always do the housework and are always the one organising everything

Nope, it's his family. I am not his mum. I shouldn't have to give him instructions surely? I only asked him to tidy because it was a party for our children and I didn't want to leave him with the mess without asking him if he minded tidying the joint mess.

OP posts:
FlyingUnicornWings · 02/11/2025 09:14

I’d be pissed off too. You’re putting a lot of effort in and he’s doing the bare minimum.

I’m intrigued as to the relationship of the family member? Regardless, if they called me moody and controlling after the effort I’d gone to to make them welcome in my home, they wouldn’t be staying again.

TLDC · 02/11/2025 09:15

GagMeWithASpoon · 02/11/2025 09:06

Why would he stand up for you though? He started the moaning and the scenario suits him.

Well yes, this is true!

OP posts:
Nopayrise · 02/11/2025 09:16

I don’t understand why you say you cleaned the room and sorted towels in advance but you didn’t make the bed? Sounded like you asked your H to tidy up after the party ie the party mess not go upstairs and make a bed? Did he even know it hadn’t been done?

the lack of support and the rude family member are not ok though.

vivainsomnia · 02/11/2025 09:18

As a rule, if someone does something well, even when it is expected that they should and something you yourself do with your eyes closed, you point it out to them and make a point of showing appreciation before you point out where they failed.

This applies at home as well as work. You making a point about the bed not made highlights to you just focusing on the negatives. The usual response to that is to think 'I won't bother next time, whatever I do, she'll find something to moan about'.

From the reaction of the family member, it wasn't the first time this happened.

JLou08 · 02/11/2025 09:18

You sound quite intense. Maybe the family member sees something you don't.

SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 02/11/2025 09:19

They saw a snapshot of your life and were trying to lighten the mood maybe.

Re your DH.
To some extent - He is who he is.
If you want to stay in the marriage You will just have to be bloody prescripitve and stop martyring yourself.

We are hosting x or y...Theres lots to do.
"I made the shopping list you go buy it."
"Do you want to clean the kitchen or the living room and dining room?"
"I'm stripping our bed can you do the kids please?"

You just have to line manage him. The alternative is split.

I saw the counselling comment - if i were you i'd book it and say he needs to attend and if he doesnt you'll "consider it a sign". You attend either way and use the sessions to work on your marriage with your husband or work solo to decide how you want to move forward.

TLDC · 02/11/2025 09:19

FlyingUnicornWings · 02/11/2025 09:14

I’d be pissed off too. You’re putting a lot of effort in and he’s doing the bare minimum.

I’m intrigued as to the relationship of the family member? Regardless, if they called me moody and controlling after the effort I’d gone to to make them welcome in my home, they wouldn’t be staying again.

Deliberately vague 😁.

They are always like this. I think they think it's amusing or "speaking their truth" regardless of who it upsets.

OP posts:
TLDC · 02/11/2025 09:20

Nopayrise · 02/11/2025 09:16

I don’t understand why you say you cleaned the room and sorted towels in advance but you didn’t make the bed? Sounded like you asked your H to tidy up after the party ie the party mess not go upstairs and make a bed? Did he even know it hadn’t been done?

the lack of support and the rude family member are not ok though.

I did wonder whether to explain this in post. It's a pull out bed, there's no space once it's out and they needed the space beforehand to get ready. DH knew this and knew bed needed to be made.

OP posts:
NellieElephantine · 02/11/2025 09:20

JLou08 · 02/11/2025 09:18

You sound quite intense. Maybe the family member sees something you don't.

This, it's a party you wanted that he didn't? Who invited his family member? Do they live far away and that's why needed to stay?

Leopardspota · 02/11/2025 09:21

GarlicBreadStan · 02/11/2025 09:10

No. I'm autistic and if I don't have clear instructions, I will assume it doesn't need to be done.

Edited to add: or, it'll not even occur to me.

Edited

But in this scenario YOU invited the family
member to stay, therefore it is your responsibility to make sure they can stay (ie a bed is made up).

TLDC · 02/11/2025 09:22

vivainsomnia · 02/11/2025 09:18

As a rule, if someone does something well, even when it is expected that they should and something you yourself do with your eyes closed, you point it out to them and make a point of showing appreciation before you point out where they failed.

This applies at home as well as work. You making a point about the bed not made highlights to you just focusing on the negatives. The usual response to that is to think 'I won't bother next time, whatever I do, she'll find something to moan about'.

From the reaction of the family member, it wasn't the first time this happened.

Did you miss where I said I'd said wow what a lovely tidy house that's brilliant.

Before I went upstairs and saw the bed

The family member is always like this to me. Even the first time I met them.

OP posts:
Hadalifeonce · 02/11/2025 09:22

Why on earth did you bother making the bed after the way they spoke to you?

Hollowvoice · 02/11/2025 09:22

If I asked DH to tidy up after a party there is no way he'd think that included making the spare bed unless I specifically said so. Especially if he knew I'd spent ages sorting out the house beforehand.
To be honest it wouldn't occur to me either if I was the DH!

Leopardspota · 02/11/2025 09:22

TLDC · 02/11/2025 09:19

Deliberately vague 😁.

They are always like this. I think they think it's amusing or "speaking their truth" regardless of who it upsets.

Yeh I would say they aren’t welcome back. After all, why would they want to stay with a moody and controlling person?!

TLDC · 02/11/2025 09:23

NellieElephantine · 02/11/2025 09:20

This, it's a party you wanted that he didn't? Who invited his family member? Do they live far away and that's why needed to stay?

As I said, I asked him if we should host this year and he said yes

He invited the family member.

OP posts: