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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

So upset with inlaws and DH

494 replies

ForShyBlueFish · 16/12/2025 01:31

Honestly, not sure what I’m posting for. I am so so upset I feel very let diwn by my DH and what inlaws have said. I would have expected my DH to have stood up for me more but he hasn’t and I suppose I want to know if I am BU.

I (“Amy”) have been married to “John” for 13 years. All these years I feel I’ve had a good relationship with my in-laws. I’m not hugely close to them but always got on well . so I thought. We only see them maybe three times a year due to living very far apart. But its a relaxed good time when we do meet up.

They have just been to visit us for Christmas. I feel I alomg with my DH made our usual quite a lot of effort for them, cooked nice meals inc full roast one eve and full cooked breakfast one of the mornings, got spare room set up lovely & cosy for the 3 nights they stayed over. Basically tried our upmost to make them welcome. As we always do. While they were here, we all visited my parents, who are local to us. Everything fine. I have never exchange any cross words with my inlaws all the years I have known them and im shattered to now learn they (well my MIL at least) feel this way about me, sorry to ramble, let me now explain,

While they were staying with us, my inlaws had a close friend of hers looking after her dog. As they were leaving to go home yesterday morning, MIL said something about the fact she was going to message the dog sitter / friend once they were on the road, to let her know when theyd be home.

well. What happened was, she accidentally sent the message to our family group chat which contains me, DH, MIL and FIL. This is what the message said,

“On road now, satnav saying arrival home at.. oclock. All fine here except Amy seems to gain even more weight every time we see her. Such a burden on John. What’s that they say though - love is blind, right”.

It is true I am overweight, I have had a very sad year and it has been about just getting through it rather than focussing on life style changes. My DH is very supportive and loves me anyway however he knows I want to make the changes and is promised to support me on whatever way I choose to loose weight next year when I do want to concentrate on myself again.

to say I was shocked . Well. A very big understatement. In a rush decision, I actually phoned up my MIL (FIL does the driving). I said, did you know you sent that to the group chat and I can see it? She said “ohhh my mistake you know I’m not very techy like you, must go speak soon”. And that was that…..!!!???

i burst into tears. DH comes in, having just seen the message in group chat. He says when he knows they are home again he will call her and talk about it. So he does, later that day. He has the phone on the hands-free this is at my own request when making the call. But she wont let him speak, just says. a half hearted sorry that she sent it to the wrong chat screen. And then brushes him off saying it is has been a long journey home and she is tired and got to go.

I wanted him to try and say more I wanted him to try and defend me and tell her what she said is completely disgusting and unacceptable but he said what’s the point, she won’t listen, what’s the point in falling out with them? I mean really I am his wife!!

I feel so violated, I have them in my home as I do when they visit even though it is not very often we both make a lot of effort to make them welcome. They sat around the table, our table, ate our food, sat in my own parents home, and all along they feel that way about me.?

am i being over sensitive here?

OP posts:
Sharptonguedwoman · 16/12/2025 13:46

ForShyBlueFish · 16/12/2025 02:15

Yes :( I am truley shocked as to how someone can hide their feelings so well to your face,

I always hesitate when people talk about no contact but here, I think I wouldn't be speaking to this woman any time soon. I wouldn't be visiting and DH can sort her himself. Just let her stew.

LostittoBostik · 16/12/2025 13:46

Notonthestairs · 16/12/2025 13:35

Fucks sakes.
The Op isnt asking for advice about her weight.
The Op is upset her husband didn't stick up for her when his mother insulted her!
Keep the pass agg weight loss advice for someone that has asked for it.

Absolutely 👆🏻

LostittoBostik · 16/12/2025 13:49

LemaxObsessive · 16/12/2025 12:55

There’s a lot of nasty women on this forum who are very anti-any kind of overweight and will soon be along with the veiled insults and passively aggressively siding with the MIL but do not listen! They are bullies.

My Heart breaks for you, OP. I would never, ever speak to them again and I would never have them around your DC again either! I’d also be second-guessing my marriage if your DH doesn’t stand up for you on this one! I think she sent it to your chat on purpose! She knew exactly what she was doing, she’s a vicious woman. Why on earth would she tell her dog sitter that her DIL has put weight on?! She wouldn’t.

DW these people will eventually hit menopause too and they’ll be laughing on the other side of their face when they discover none of it is as “simple” as they previously claimed

Justchillinhere · 16/12/2025 13:52

She showed her true colours, nasty and jealous, she wouldn't be welcome in my home again and is going to lose out a lot more than you, all fake hugs and smiles, gross! I had similar from a family member, NC is beautiful

PinkArt · 16/12/2025 13:56

pizzaHeart · 16/12/2025 13:37

It’s awful what she said, unfair and upsetting but I would think really carefully about my next steps.
I wouldn’t contact her again and ask for apology or anything. I wouldn’t want a tick boxing apology from her.
I would sit and think carefully if I missed the signs and if it’s only towards me or if it’s her general attitude towards people.
If it’s the latter it’s a bit different, it is unpleasant but it’s less personal and I would decrease my efforts but still keep things polite for DH’s benefit.
If it’s the former I would cut my efforts very significantly, still keep polite but very very minimal.

Its actually something my mum and my aunt could say ( and they did!) about relatives, in laws and friends. So I’m not surprised that your MIL thanked you, hugged you etc and then was bitching about you behind your back. She put a performance of a good polite mother in front of your DH whereas in reality she was an unpleasant gossiper.

By the way I would be thinking about “ burden” comment.
What did she mean by that? Could it be that your DH told his parents too much about your problems with heath/ at work/ with parents etc etc He obviously didn’t meant bad, was just chatting but ime this sort of sharing never ends well. Especially if he is the only son or a favourite.

Please don’t let it ruin your Christmas, moan about this to a supportive friend, then tell yourself loudly: F* you off bitch MIL.
And do something nice with your DH.

I think she literally means that being lumbered with a fat wife is a burden on her darling son. Because she's a fatphobic cunt.

TFImBackIn · 16/12/2025 13:58

I would be so upset and wouldn't want to see her again, tbh. Her lack of a real apology is really shocking. That's why she's hiding away now and halting calls - she knows she's firmly in the wrong.

I'm confused as to why she thinks you're a burden on your husband. You work. You get on well. You've had problems lately - does she feel sorry for him having to hear about your problems? That's pretty nasty, if so.

Does she work? What happens when she's had problems?

Hellohelga · 16/12/2025 14:01

Yikes that is pretty bad. However I think lots of couples have a debrief on the way home from family gatherings. I rarely come away from mine without saying DB has had too many pies and needs to get down the gym. My mum agrees. That said he has many redeeming qualities we I love him dearly. I’d love to hear what he says about me. That’s just families I think.
ETA if he heard me pass comment re the pies I would make a grovelling apology.

whattheysay · 16/12/2025 14:03

That’s awful she’s saying your weight makes you a burden to him and he deserves someone slim?!
Has your husband said anything like she’s really out of order, you’re not a burden to me I love you and find you attractive just the way you are…? Because this is sort of thing you should be hearing from him. I wouldn’t blame you for never seeing them again

mummabubs · 16/12/2025 14:03

Blizzardofleaves · 16/12/2025 02:09

I think most things can be repaired with time and enough good will, but I suspect this will entirely shatter your relationship with them.

Not just the comment about your weight, which is bad enough, but the fact you will always know she sees you as a ‘burden’ on her precious son. .

She hasn’t apologised, and your dh isn’t pushing for one because it’s likely she will stand by what she has said op. Otherwise you would have already received a profuse and genuine apology. This IS the way she sees you. It’s not true, but that is her view deep down. She thinks her son is too good for you.

Sadly, she has a low opinion of you, and clearly is a very vacuous and superficial woman.

You are not close, and only see her a few times a year, I’d reduce it to zero and distance myself completely. No more contact all. Dh can visit them alone if he wishes to see the witch. She knows where you are if she wishes to make amends. Hell would freeze over before I allowed her in my home again.

I am sorry op. What an upsetting time. Try not to let it affect your confidence and self esteem. You are more than just a number on the scales.

I was literally going to post this, all of this. There are likely many reasons why your DH feels unable to assert himself with his mother, and you're allowed to feel disappointed that this is his position.

I think it would be entirely reasonable for you to decide you no longer wish to visit her or host her in your home. DH can continue a relationship if he wishes to (and I assume he will wish to), but if he's unable to defend you or protect you in this situation then put yourself first and retreat. I'm really sorry this happened to you, although I suppose at least now you can go forward 'eyes open' as to how she sees you and who she is as a person.

Peclet · 16/12/2025 14:06

I think your DH has been talking to his mum about you.

That’s why she’s made this comment. And it’s not great but it’s normal. Depending on how close he is with his mum.

my mate is overweight, happened quite suddenly and she’s upset about it. We ALL ignore her negative comments and praise all her amazing attributes. But I know for sure her husband doesn’t like it. Her weight. And he’s worried about her from a health point of view. Couldn’t give two fucks about her appearance but he’s very worried about her future health.

could it be like that?

i Don’t think mil was catty or bitchy.

Salome61 · 16/12/2025 14:11

I am so sorry. If you do want to look at your weight for your health, I do recommend reading Dr Michael Mosley's books, it all makes sense.

Have the best Christmas and a Happy New Year without her.

allthingsinmoderation · 16/12/2025 14:12

You are not being oversensitive.
Comments about your weight and saying you are a "burden" after hosting this woman are mean .
I would have replied saying : I may be overweight (ill deal with that as and when i choose) Im not unkind,mean and too faced like you though.
In what way do think im a burden to your son?
I'd expect my husband (unsolicited) to reply saying: my gorgeous wife is not a burden to me,shes an absolute blessing.

sandyhappypeople · 16/12/2025 14:18

themerchentofvenus · 16/12/2025 13:31

What an absolutely awful comment from her, but even worse she seems to show no remorse for what she said.

I would get your DH to message her saying that he is absolutely disgusted with what she wrote, and how dare she accept your hospitality all weekend then write something so vile, and that she should be ashamed of herself.

If it were me I'd then add that "she may be overweight, but at least she is an amazing and kind person who would never say something so awful behind someone's back".

I would get your DH to message her saying that he is absolutely disgusted with what she wrote, and how dare she accept your hospitality all weekend then write something so vile, and that she should be ashamed of herself.

This is so ridiculous, if her DH felt strongly enough to do this, he would have done it already, he would have interrupted his mum and given her the round of fucks she deserves and already put OPs mind at rest that he doesn't also feel the same. Making him tell her off means nothing, in the way that she made him put MIL on speaker phone, no wonder OP is so upset, it's like a double whammy of disappointment.

The weight comment wouldn't bother me nearly as much as the 'burden' comment so I am also in the camp that her DH may be talking to his mum about his worries with regards to OPs weight, or MIL has already voiced her concerns to him privately and he hasn't shut her down? That is why he doesn't want to push her while OP is listening in.

Unless the MIL feels a certain way about size (which I'm sure OP would have picked up on) then it seems odd that she would have such strong feelings about it completely unprompted, and it seems odd that her DH wouldn't be furious on her behalf?

Notonthestairs · 16/12/2025 14:20

Hellohelga · 16/12/2025 14:01

Yikes that is pretty bad. However I think lots of couples have a debrief on the way home from family gatherings. I rarely come away from mine without saying DB has had too many pies and needs to get down the gym. My mum agrees. That said he has many redeeming qualities we I love him dearly. I’d love to hear what he says about me. That’s just families I think.
ETA if he heard me pass comment re the pies I would make a grovelling apology.

Edited

She texted the dog sitter to say her DIL was a burden and love is blind.

I really hope you aren’t passing similar comments because I highly doubt your brother and his wife would shrug it off.

Castlereagh · 16/12/2025 14:25

She sounds very two faced and I wouldn't be happy if my husband reacted like that. if my child was married to someone whose overweight made them immobile, unwell, unable to work etc. then I might worry for both of them, but I'd keep my damn mouth shut unless they asked me for help.

MrsDoubtingMyself · 16/12/2025 14:32

You only see her 3 times a year. You don't really know her (and now this is obvious)

For me, you should not have her to stay in your home again. But I expect your lily-livered pathetic husband won't agree to this.

So next time and every time the ILs are due to stay, you go and stay elsewhere. With a friend or in a hotel

You'll have to advocate for yourself , I expect, with such a weak husband

SparkleSpriteDust · 16/12/2025 14:33

So horribly two-faced.

MrsDoubtingMyself · 16/12/2025 14:35

Regards what a PP has said.....I agree. The fact that MIL has used the word 'burden' indicates to me that Pathetic Weak Husband has been whinging to her, about you

themerchentofvenus · 16/12/2025 14:36

sandyhappypeople · 16/12/2025 14:18

I would get your DH to message her saying that he is absolutely disgusted with what she wrote, and how dare she accept your hospitality all weekend then write something so vile, and that she should be ashamed of herself.

This is so ridiculous, if her DH felt strongly enough to do this, he would have done it already, he would have interrupted his mum and given her the round of fucks she deserves and already put OPs mind at rest that he doesn't also feel the same. Making him tell her off means nothing, in the way that she made him put MIL on speaker phone, no wonder OP is so upset, it's like a double whammy of disappointment.

The weight comment wouldn't bother me nearly as much as the 'burden' comment so I am also in the camp that her DH may be talking to his mum about his worries with regards to OPs weight, or MIL has already voiced her concerns to him privately and he hasn't shut her down? That is why he doesn't want to push her while OP is listening in.

Unless the MIL feels a certain way about size (which I'm sure OP would have picked up on) then it seems odd that she would have such strong feelings about it completely unprompted, and it seems odd that her DH wouldn't be furious on her behalf?

Ridiculous?? Her DH clearly is furious, but not everyone is good at immediate responses.

What is ridiculous is the insinuation that because he didn't react and go off on one at her immediately, then he doesn't care. I think it's quite a good thing he didn't just have a go at her, as that way he won't say something he regrets and can think about his response.

Maray1967 · 16/12/2025 14:41

Icecreamisthebest · 16/12/2025 02:20

OP you are absolutely right to be upset, not just with her message but how she and DH have handled it.

I would tell DH (write it down if that's easier) that you would like to clarify that he is prioritising not falling out with his mother over defending you. He needs to understand that this is what he is doing and that the likely outcome of his actions is that you will realise that he cannot be relied on to have your back and this will impact your marriage. Ask him if that is what he wants.

he has a clear choice to make here. There is no need to fall out with his mother. the choice is defending you or not defending you.

Of course he cannot make her apologise but he can state very clearly that he does not see you as a burden, that he is disappointed that she would choose to focus on your weight and gossip about you and that no invitations to your home (your safe space) will be extended until she has apologised properly (assuming that this is what you want).

This.

Mine would ge told that I am not hosting them again until she apologises sincerely. If he wants to host them I would take myself off for a couple of days, or at least pit for the whole of each day. He will clean, shop, cook. Let’s see how much he likes doing that.

I had a ‘friend’ accidentally mix up letters 40 years ago. I found out what she thought of me when I read the letter to the other friend she had accidentally posted to me. It was very awkward as our parents were friends, but we were never close afterwards.

pizzaHeart · 16/12/2025 14:43

PinkArt · 16/12/2025 13:56

I think she literally means that being lumbered with a fat wife is a burden on her darling son. Because she's a fatphobic cunt.

Might be that but OP mentioned that she had a very sad year and it made me wonder.
I’m strongly in the camp that in laws should not know about my health or other problems unless absolutely necessary.
I still remember my aunt bitching about her DIL health issues and I was about 12 when I heard it.

LemaxObsessive · 16/12/2025 14:49

LostittoBostik · 16/12/2025 13:49

DW these people will eventually hit menopause too and they’ll be laughing on the other side of their face when they discover none of it is as “simple” as they previously claimed

Exactly!

MummyJ36 · 16/12/2025 14:55

I’m so sorry OP this must have been truly horrible to receive. What a horrible person your MIL is to call your a burden. It is none of her goddamn business if you are wanting to lose weight or not. Unless she does some serious grovelling I would be cutting her out of your life.

WildLeader · 16/12/2025 14:58

for what it’s worth @ForShyBlueFish love, what she said was hurtful, and you have every right to be utterly devastated by it.

it would damage the relationship between me and her for good tbh, I’d never trust her again.

have you had a chance to think about how you’re going to handle this?

MummyJ36 · 16/12/2025 14:58

BashfulClam · 16/12/2025 12:42

Your weight is non of her bloody business unless you are sitting on her face ffs! You know yourself what you weigh and that was truly cruel and malicious. I would take a massive step back from her. She can contact her son but she does not cross your doorway!

“ Unless you’re sitting on her face” 😆 amazing!!