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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Argument after relative's death

12 replies

jellyfish798 · Today 03:32

Looking for guidance as emotions all over the place.
My dad died last week. So far, family all been supporting each other, going through the motions making arrangements and it's tough but we were getting through it.
Tonight, a member of the extended family came to my parents house. Initially seemed supportive. Now, we have said we are not applying for DWP monies towards cost of funeral as there are enough of us to cover costs and we see it as the last way of honouring our dad.
The relative in question is not expected to chip in, but they have been very strongly arguing for us claiming costs towards funeral, and have been politely but firmly told no. Tonight they became very aggressive - said "you're such an arsehole" to me, twice, in front of my partner and family including my grieving mum.

They said there is a family hierarchy and I don't get a say as I'm the youngest (I'm nearly 40!!!)
They said I'm at the bottom of the food chain in these decisions - about my own dad's funeral.
Not going to lie, I fired back - have been a ball of emotions and it all came out. Told them to fuck off, that they are a misogynist who never listens to me, that it was disgusting that they spoke to me this way during this time.

They then began tearing my mam down verbally, saying she will have no money and has nothing left at all in the world, listing how she won't cope, won't get a job etc, can't do anything for herself.

My mum and family were kind to me and once he'd left, we talked but it's clear my mum expects me to patch things up with him because even though she admits it's out of order, she thinks it's not worth a rift.

I know I probably should have kept my cool but I'm grieving and can't understand his behaviour, felt blindsided and hurt.

AIBU to want to distance myself from this person? WWYD
Any advice appreciated xxx

OP posts:
SexIsNotNebulous · Today 03:51

Assuming it’s your dad’s brother? YANBU for what was said, you actually don’t need him in your life and I wouldn’t be maintaining any contact or offering my apologies.

He isn’t even in the food chain in your immediate family, so he needs to butt out. Out of curiosity why was he wanting to claim the money? Extras at the wake?

jellyfish798 · Today 03:54

Mum's brother, I might have understood it more if he was dad's bro but they're actually quite reasonable men.
He wasn't super close with dad either. Civil and ok but certainly not close.
He won't say, and we're not having a wake. He's being dramatic saying "I'm worried about my sister" despite often going AWOL whenever there's any kind of family crisis. His form is to promise to help with something, not do it and not let us know til last min, and reappear a few days later saying he was depressed. He very much has a knack of making things about him.

OP posts:
Enko · Today 04:06

No you are not being unreasonable and I would not patch things up. That will just inflate his sense of entitlement.

I guess stick with an. "This is what was agreed by immediate family I form a part of immediate family and uncle does not. Due to this we dont need his vote.

Promise mum you will be civil if in the same room however no you wont apologise for him attacking you verbally.

Summerhillsquare · Today 05:46

You either stand up to bullies (you did, well done) or ignore them. Just change the subject if your mother raises it. You're entitled to your dignity.

Alicorn1707 · Today 05:59

Just fyi (in case you don't know) your Mum could be entitled to 1k towards funeral costs if she receives any of the following;

Benefits you must get
You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

  • Universal Credit
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • Housing Benefit

Ignore your uncle.

It must be so hard dealing with that type of personality so soon after losing your dear Dad. 💐

TerryCallierLookAtMeNowNsoul · Today 06:05

For the Mums sake I'd keep the peace for duration of funeral then never talk to the uncle again.
I would most definitely not be apologising to him.
Well done for standing your ground and he'd no right speaking to you in such a manner.
Lastly sorry for the loss of your Dad.

PinkHairbrushClub · Today 06:16

Not unreasonable at all. His job in this was to be respectful and supportive. Not argumentative and difficult. I’m sorry it happened.

I don’t speak to my uncle on my mums side for similar reasons.

Lurkingandlearning · Today 06:43

I can understand your mum not wanting a rift right now. (Not suggesting you do or that you caused this.) In time she might look back on how he behaved and feel differently. She might agree that his concerns for her were second place to what she had discussed with you and your siblings and that he had no right to get aggressive with you. He never has a right to get aggressive with you.

Maybe do what she wants until things are less raw just to make things easier for her rather than more comfortable for your uncle.

If spending time with him regularly has been the norm, you might have to tell her you won't be doing that anymore but not yet.

DramaFrontRowSeatWPopcorn · Today 08:55

jellyfish798 · Today 03:54

Mum's brother, I might have understood it more if he was dad's bro but they're actually quite reasonable men.
He wasn't super close with dad either. Civil and ok but certainly not close.
He won't say, and we're not having a wake. He's being dramatic saying "I'm worried about my sister" despite often going AWOL whenever there's any kind of family crisis. His form is to promise to help with something, not do it and not let us know til last min, and reappear a few days later saying he was depressed. He very much has a knack of making things about him.

Edited

Maybe your mum’s brother is more aware of your mum’s financial situation than you maybe and is concerned for her.

I didn’t know applying for funeral costs was a thing but if your mum is in hardship - or will be after the funeral - and she’s entitled to claim it, then she should.

jellyfish798 · Today 08:59

DramaFrontRowSeatWPopcorn · Today 08:55

Maybe your mum’s brother is more aware of your mum’s financial situation than you maybe and is concerned for her.

I didn’t know applying for funeral costs was a thing but if your mum is in hardship - or will be after the funeral - and she’s entitled to claim it, then she should.

He wouldn't really be privy to this info, whereas my sibs and I have been the ones doing the paperwork and sums. I slept on it and think a lot of what happened reflects the behaviour on mum's side quite well. She's a wonderful person but the males there have form for bad temper and control.

OP posts:
jellyfish798 · Today 09:01

Thank you everyone - really helps to have another perspective. I slept on it, not well but got some sleep. Will be trying my very best to avoid arguments for mums sake & will be taking a step back from him long term. I reckon he believes he can do what he wants because I'll always give him a place in my life as he's family. He's wrong, I do think there needs to be more than blood ties to keep someone around in your life and have advised others to do the same in different threads, when it's clear the only thing keeping someone in your life is DNA.

OP posts:
jellyfish798 · Today 09:02

PinkHairbrushClub · Today 06:16

Not unreasonable at all. His job in this was to be respectful and supportive. Not argumentative and difficult. I’m sorry it happened.

I don’t speak to my uncle on my mums side for similar reasons.

Sorry this happened to you too x

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