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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Underhanded BIL

23 replies

Chittychattymatty · 11/01/2026 02:50

I tried posting before however I got a lot of heat and don't feel I got my points came across, so I am going to try again because I honestly want sound help and advice.

I cannot stand my Sister's boyfriend. He is extremely rude and offensive to everyone. Making crude comments about how I came to live in a social housing. "This is what two bangs get you". With the next sentence being I like your house. It's really cosy ot something. Let me be clear, this was one of his first times in my house and he said this comment 3 times that night. The next day I did speak to my sister. She was drunk, he was sober. She said she would get him to apologise, but I said to leave it but I'd much prefer if she didn't tell him my business anymore. This happened a new year's eve. Their first together I would say so maybe 5 years ago now.

He also does not treat her overly nicely at times. And he comfortable speaking to her like this in front of her family. Which makes me sad because I think what way he might speak to her at home alone.
Another Christmas we all spent in one of my other sisters home. Family games commenced. My mother is elderly. She doesn't participate in the games but it's a running joke how she'll give the answer out loud if and when she knows. He got so mad at my mother. Was rude to her in front of us all. Then he got pretty angry with my sister over her performance in the game and said "this is why my family never want to play games with you". I could see it hurt my sister but it's her relationship. We didn't want to intervene and cause her more upset.

I have had conversations with my sister about different incidents that were concerning. She's told me he can get very jealous and was roaring at her in the street. She said she just went home and he followed later when he cooled down. She had plenty of excuses and reasons why he was like this. Bad ex ect ect

My mother has also had words with him and my sister about things she's witnessed. My sister lived with my mam before they bought their house. My mam observed my sister cooking him a meal and how he never raised his head up from his phone to say thanks or speak to my sister during the meal. My mother called him out on it. Said how it's a Sunday evening so he can't be on his phone for work would he not have some respect and talk to my sister or acknowledge her. My sister was upset with my mother about this.

She has since moved in with him and had a baby.

So we no longer feel like we can say anything to her but try our best to support her. But it's hard. She talks about how broke she is because she's on maternity leave. But they had the baby. Shouldn't it be their money. He is not broke with his trips off with the boys to matches ect ect When they were buying the house my sister was in a position to buy the house by herself. He sold a house he had with his ex and used that money towards his share. Great!!!

When she wanted to do up the house, he would argue with her about something but wouldn't listen to her when she was actually agreeing with him. One time this happened in front of me . When he walked away for his sulk. I did tell her that it's not right how he speaks to her and she should know she deserves better from him.

All my family have the same feelings and concerns about him. If I was to speak of some events individually, you might say he just tries to hard and so on. But when you add them all up, his overly nice act is controlling and forced.

Here is an example of that. My sister wanted to go to a concert aboard. Was staying an extra night or two for sight seeing. Tickets were booked while she was pregnant. he said he would go with her too. Their sitter fells through shortly before the concert. It was her only time to leave their baby so she said she wanted to still go. Her group of friends were going. So she was happy to still go. But he went behind her back and booked for someone to fly over with them and the baby so they could watch the baby over there for the concert. Now my sister was going to the concert but doing all the sightseeing with the baby in toe. She never got the break she was looking forward to. Now it might sound like that's a nice thing to do but he couldn't just let her have those two days to herself. He has had plenty of different nights out and nights away but the one time she was going. Now I know it might sound like he wanted to go as well or that but it's her type of music something he isn't overly into and it's just controlling in our eyes!

He constantly has to hold the conversation but it's not really a conversation. He is basically just talking at you.

I live in the town I grew up in still and now he lives here too. But when he is talking at me, he will be talking at me about things I would already know but he acts like it's the best thing since sliced bread and he discovered it if that makes sense. You'll have to try this pub or restaurant. But I have . If anyone changes the conversation ect he literally sulks. Could walk out of the room and my sister would have to follow to check on him.

I got engaged two years ago. He was over in my house again. We! received a gift of a framed photo of the location where we got engaged. Beautiful thoughtful photo. He asked my fiance if he had known where he proposed was going to be hanging up in our home, would he have chosen somewhere nicer. We got engaged on the grounds of a well known and well kept Castle!!! My sister just ignored this comment. I have not had him over in my house since.

My wedding is this year and I know I have to invite him to my wedding. For my sister's sake, But I just know he is going to take over when and where he can because that's his game. I feel like he'll be the guy in the middle of the aisle taking photos blocking the camera man because he takes great pictures ect ect and he is just trying to be nice and helpful but it would be much nicer if he just says down and stayed clear.

I don't know how to handle it. I can't have a conversation with my sister because she just thinks he can be a little annoying or overly excited.
But he is nearly 50 and I am more worried about him misbehaving than any of the children or teens coming to my wedding. Having him at my wedding has caused me a lot of stress and if I could have my sister there and not him i would be over the moon. So if you have a suggestion for that brilliant. If not, please tell me how I can manage being around him at all.

OP posts:
NotMeAtAll · 11/01/2026 02:59

He sounds like an absolute arse.

Chittychattymatty · 11/01/2026 03:32

Yep. The sight of him bothers me so much now. And it's obviously having an impact with my relationship to my sister. I try to avoid him at all cost. So I barely get to see her anymore. And I just cannot move past any of it. I've never felt like this in my life and I'm really struggling with it

OP posts:
Ilovelifeverymuch · 11/01/2026 06:06

He sounds like an abusive idiot but unfortunately there's not much you can until she is ready to leave so just let her know you will always be there for her and keep them at arms length.

If you can, avoid him as much as possible and don't be afraid to speak up if he is rude to your mother or anyone else. I would never sit there and watch an idiot like that be rude to my mother and say nothing. Boundaries need be set and firmly. Having said that it will probably push your sister further away but it's her choice and as I said make it clear to her that you will always be there for her when she is ready.

OnePoisedLilacEagle · 11/01/2026 07:00

I think you need to face the reality of the situation. Primarily that your sister chose this man and wants to have a life with him, however terrible he is. You can't control your sister and she doesn't seem very interested in your concern about him. For the sake of your relationship, I'd steer clear of the topic and of him as much as possible. That might mean seeing less of her unless you can have one on one time. You need to be OK with that. Until she voices concern, you can't help her and pushing it will only drive a wedge between you. Limit the exposure to him as much as you can and grin and bear when he acts like an absolute idiot.

Arewethebadguys · 11/01/2026 07:03

I'd put laxatives in his food, or create a scenario where he couldn't make it, free tickets somewhere or something. Like fuck would he be at my wedding.

Also, don't get caught

Celestialmoods · 11/01/2026 07:36

He sounds like a dick but your sister had plenty of warning of that and she chose him anyway. You only have the power to change your reaction to him.

Chittychattymatty · 11/01/2026 14:23

Celestialmoods · 11/01/2026 07:36

He sounds like a dick but your sister had plenty of warning of that and she chose him anyway. You only have the power to change your reaction to him.

I agree, is there any practical tips to help?

OP posts:
NotTerfNorCis · 11/01/2026 14:28

He sounds like a massive dick. But I'm not sure what you can do apart from support your sister.

I was on your side on the last thread as well, and couldn't understand why people laid into you.

shouldofgotamortage · 11/01/2026 15:09

Get him to look after the baby at home or say due to the numbers he cant be invited. I would not have him there, he will ruin your wedding.

Chittychattymatty · 11/01/2026 15:29

NotTerfNorCis · 11/01/2026 14:28

He sounds like a massive dick. But I'm not sure what you can do apart from support your sister.

I was on your side on the last thread as well, and couldn't understand why people laid into you.

Thank you. I had to delete them to be honest. They were a bit harsh in fairness. But hopefully I am getting my point across better now. It's a horrible situation to be in

OP posts:
BMW6 · 11/01/2026 15:39

Well I think you have 2 choices

Don't invite either of them and tell dsis it's because you can't abide him and you know she wouldn't come without him

Invite both and sit him next to someone who won't take any of his shit.

SconehengeRevenge · 11/01/2026 15:39

Regarding your wedding (could you make it child free so he has to be home to look after the baby?)
Do you have a trusted friend to be on "wanker watch" and clip his wings if he starts to act up?

AndMilesToGo · 11/01/2026 15:46

I'll say exactly what I said on your last thread or two threads. You're way too involved with this guy and giving him far too much headspace. Just take a step back. I also have a BIL I'm not keen on, but I just keep away from him and only see my sister without him present.

I think you're dwelling far too much on a few rude comments. Just tell him you're embarrassed for him that he thinks it's an OK thing to say out loud at the time, and then don't give it any more headspace. Your sister's relationship with him is her own business. She's chosen him. All you can do is be there for her if she ever decides to leave him.

I mean, he's clearly an arse but there is nothing you can do about him being an arse other than not spend any time with him, ever. Keep away from him at your wedding. Delegate someone to ensure he doesn't block the photographer.

GAJLY · 11/01/2026 16:07

OnePoisedLilacEagle · 11/01/2026 07:00

I think you need to face the reality of the situation. Primarily that your sister chose this man and wants to have a life with him, however terrible he is. You can't control your sister and she doesn't seem very interested in your concern about him. For the sake of your relationship, I'd steer clear of the topic and of him as much as possible. That might mean seeing less of her unless you can have one on one time. You need to be OK with that. Until she voices concern, you can't help her and pushing it will only drive a wedge between you. Limit the exposure to him as much as you can and grin and bear when he acts like an absolute idiot.

I agree with this.

TheatreTheatre · 11/01/2026 16:24

Your DSis has made her (terrible) choice, and all you can do is leave her to it.

Just keep your distance.

Your wedding is an issue - would another family member be prepared to 'mind' him? Keep him talking to them, have him on their table, etc/ My friends and I have done this with a friend who gets very drunk at any emotional events - such as funerals. We appoint a minder to steer him away from anything sensitive.

Otherwise can you give him a job that will make him feel important but keep him out of the way? Like organising the parking, keeping a space clear for your car. Waiting outside the wedding venue and reception to look after latecomers - you could call him 'front of house manager'. Something that keeps him busy at a distance.

somanychristmaslights · 11/01/2026 16:30

There’s nothing you can do about their relationship, but be there for your sister. But you can all and SHOULD call him out on things he says in your presence. Call him out when he says rude things about your house. How dare he be rude to your mother - do you all sit there and just not say anything???

somanychristmaslights · 11/01/2026 16:33

You need to keep calling him out on stuff now, so by the time your wedding comes along, he knows it’s not acceptable.

francii · 11/01/2026 16:44

I would bet he’s not going to let her go to the wedding without him if he wouldn’t let her go on the break with her friends.
I suspect if you uninvite him he will use it as an excuse to isolate her further. There’s no way he will sit back and let her go alone as it will be a hurt ego for him and she will be outwith his control for a few hours.
Find someone to mind him. A close male friend that can pretend to be his “buddy” and hopefully distract him enough that you aren’t bothered by him and your sister can have some peace to enjoy the wedding.

francii · 11/01/2026 16:45

somanychristmaslights · 11/01/2026 16:30

There’s nothing you can do about their relationship, but be there for your sister. But you can all and SHOULD call him out on things he says in your presence. Call him out when he says rude things about your house. How dare he be rude to your mother - do you all sit there and just not say anything???

They are avoiding calling him out as they know sister will get hassle from him about it later.

Chittychattymatty · 11/01/2026 18:36

somanychristmaslights · 11/01/2026 16:30

There’s nothing you can do about their relationship, but be there for your sister. But you can all and SHOULD call him out on things he says in your presence. Call him out when he says rude things about your house. How dare he be rude to your mother - do you all sit there and just not say anything???

Pretty much because we can see how embarrassed my sister seems to be and we think the onus should be on her to say things to him not us. But I definitely think I should put it back on him a bit more because she does play a blind eye to a lot of things he says and does. And I think she can feel we are hard on him or unkind towards him. She feels he tries too hard!! And is excitable. But that's on exactly the full truth given the examples I've explained

OP posts:
AndMilesToGo · 11/01/2026 18:51

Chittychattymatty · 11/01/2026 18:36

Pretty much because we can see how embarrassed my sister seems to be and we think the onus should be on her to say things to him not us. But I definitely think I should put it back on him a bit more because she does play a blind eye to a lot of things he says and does. And I think she can feel we are hard on him or unkind towards him. She feels he tries too hard!! And is excitable. But that's on exactly the full truth given the examples I've explained

When I say you can’t change other people’s behaviour, that includes what you think is your sister’s misunderstanding of her husband’s attitude as over-eager rather than crude. And I also think you’d be far better off if you stopped talking about how awful he is so much with your mother and other sister. All you can do is to accept that your sister has chosen him for now, and be there to support her if she ever ends the relationship. Don’t give him any more thought than that.

DaisyChain505 · 11/01/2026 18:55

I remember your last thread. You really need to let this go.

IamtheDevilsAvocado · 11/01/2026 19:22

Chittychattymatty · 11/01/2026 03:32

Yep. The sight of him bothers me so much now. And it's obviously having an impact with my relationship to my sister. I try to avoid him at all cost. So I barely get to see her anymore. And I just cannot move past any of it. I've never felt like this in my life and I'm really struggling with it

What an arse....

So I'd do my best to mitigate any disasters he may cause at wedding.

Is there any way you can see that you can not invite him? Baby free wedding so he stays at home with baby? Or make it a small wedding-so not enough space?

Is there anyone who he does listen to...? Who can read him the riot act before ? Eg any misbehaving, and he'll be asked to leave? Do you have a beefy relative that would act as minder?

If he must come, can you give him a job?? Well away from as many people as possible?

Like hell would I let him ruin my wedding...

I'd be very tempted to tell my sister how worried i was about him coming....

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