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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not be compliant?

42 replies

ShesGotAway · 19/06/2026 23:04

Due to the breakdown of the relationship with my son's father I ended up very much reliant on my parents (mainly my Mum for support). They were a brilliant safety net at the time, they invited DS and I to live with them as well as helping with ad-hoc childcare for a couple of years around my work.

In the past few years I have dug myself out of a hole of debt (shared debt with ex partner who never contributed a penny to paying it off). Met a lovely new partner and have recently moved area, bought a house and our life is pretty good. We're not particularly well off but we're not paycheck to paycheck either.

We don't need help, and this could not have upset the applecart in my family more.

We do not ask my Mum for help as any help from her comes with a conditions.

If she has offered any kind of support that has been accepted, you will then be beholden to agree with her on any given issue.

She thinks the sky is purple? If you dare say it's blue you're an ungrateful wretch because she did X for you on X date.

Hence, my mum doesn't get asked for help.

And the thing is, she utterly hates that. It's possible (likely) that I'm biased but she has absolutely no power over my life or it's outcomes anymore, she doesn't provide support and isn't asked for it so when I am making a decision she doesn't like there's nothing she can threaten or bully me with to get her way.

My sibling, who needs a lot of support financially and with childcare does have to march to the beat of our mother's drum or risk having it all removed for having an opinion.

Please let it be noted that these decisions I make have zero impact on her. A example being that she didn't like the way I arranged a display at my business, I wouldn't let her change it (because it was doing exactly what it needed to do!). Which in turn lead to a big argument over WhatsApp as she was already mad at me for dying my hair a colour she wasn't fond of and then not running off to change it when she said so.

This feels all so ridiculous to type out but it's unfortunately, true!

She has now asked for a sum of money back she gave me (unprompted- I didn't want or need it- and haven't spent it knowing this is what she's do. I couldn't have sent it back in the first instance as this would have caused another argument!). The money has been returned to her, and I've been told she needs space from me and been blocked by her on messaging apps.

Am I being unreasonable to keep on being a horrible daughter and living my own life against her wishes?

Or should buck up my ideas?

(Not a proper AIBU I guess but needed a rant because she's absolutely bloody mental)

OP posts:
Genuineweddingone · 20/06/2026 00:35

I hear you loud and clear. She sounds like my 'mother' always needs to be in control/have the upper hand/looks the best most caring person ever while doing the bare minimum or being transactional.

Check out the stately homes threads.

Wtafdidido · 20/06/2026 00:45

Yet you were happy to use her when you needed a place to stay and now you don’t need that you have dropped her like a hot potato and effectively cut her out of your life? Of course she is upset and hurt and things have turned south.

DryadsRest · 20/06/2026 01:14

to be blunt - The thing is if the help is not needed / not wanted / not helpful then it isn’t actually help!

It’s the complete opposite of help - interference/ control / annoying!

grinandslothit · 20/06/2026 02:38

Wtafdidido · 20/06/2026 00:45

Yet you were happy to use her when you needed a place to stay and now you don’t need that you have dropped her like a hot potato and effectively cut her out of your life? Of course she is upset and hurt and things have turned south.

Exactly this I reckon she wasn't so horrible when you needed to say somewhere for 2 years and childcare

Then you just ditched her and are rude to her now that you don't need her anymore

Very transactional

Anarchy99 · 20/06/2026 05:17

So she helped you out and gave you a home when you split with your ex, provided childcare and money but you now resent her because she’s always been a difficult person? Wow.

Lets hope you don’t end up splitting with this one and needing a home again 🤷‍♀️

Tutorpuzzle · 20/06/2026 05:32

Anarchy99 · 20/06/2026 05:17

So she helped you out and gave you a home when you split with your ex, provided childcare and money but you now resent her because she’s always been a difficult person? Wow.

Lets hope you don’t end up splitting with this one and needing a home again 🤷‍♀️

Yes, I agree with this. You sound quite similar, actually.

furimosa · 20/06/2026 05:45

I do think the way you have described your mother towards the end of your post is a bit of a contrast to someone who invites their daughter & grandchild to move in & help with childcare. How long did you live with her? Did you pay rent etc?

NotAnotherScarf · 20/06/2026 05:52

Wtafdidido · 20/06/2026 00:45

Yet you were happy to use her when you needed a place to stay and now you don’t need that you have dropped her like a hot potato and effectively cut her out of your life? Of course she is upset and hurt and things have turned south.

But she hasn't cut her out, she's been showing her mum her hair, her display. Clearly she's in a lot of contact with her mum, who only recently gave her some unasked for money. Surely as a mum you'd want your child (and grandchild) to move out and be happy in their own home? Or do you expect your children to live with you forever doing exactly what you want them to do?

Op. I can see your mum's view point. To a degree. You moved back in and clearly needed your parents then, she felt valued and needed. It became her new normal. Yes she's a difficult character and from what you say likes to be in control. As someone who needs an element of control, it's unnerving when it's not there. But she needs to step back

So perhaps you could write a letter to your mum thanking her for the help she gave you, point out she raised you to be independent and think for yourself (even if she didn't it enforces the idea that she is a good mum) but that you love her but need to do things your way, even if she thinks they're wrong and they might be. You need to make your own mistakes and learn from them. That you need to lead your life the way you want to and either she accepts that or not.

Frumpitydoo · 20/06/2026 06:33

She's a twat OP, enjoy the peace! And well done on turning your life around.

Duvetdayforme · 20/06/2026 06:46

This all sounds very familiar to me sadly. I had to go NC in the end, about 13 years ago. Best thing I ever did.

oliviaAustin · 20/06/2026 06:55

Wtafdidido · 20/06/2026 00:45

Yet you were happy to use her when you needed a place to stay and now you don’t need that you have dropped her like a hot potato and effectively cut her out of your life? Of course she is upset and hurt and things have turned south.

You’re acting like someone’s daughter needing help at the hardest time of her life entitles the mother to control her for the rest of her life… bonkers

kidsbeingloudagain · 20/06/2026 07:08

It Might re-set with time if you keep her at a distance and continue with what you’re doing - making your own choices and sticking to them. She got used to you in ‘child’ role again and that needs to get back to ‘adult child’.

Laurmolonlabe · 20/06/2026 07:46

No you are not being unreasonable, your Mum sounds like mine, except she was not into lending money- I'm 64 and my Mum just died aged 87. She mellowed a lot once she retired, so give it time- but give her no leeway to control your life in the meantime.

Dermatologically · 20/06/2026 07:53

Wtafdidido · 20/06/2026 00:45

Yet you were happy to use her when you needed a place to stay and now you don’t need that you have dropped her like a hot potato and effectively cut her out of your life? Of course she is upset and hurt and things have turned south.

This is a crazy, crazy take on things.

So once you accept help from someone, they effectively 'own' you? They get to treat you however they want and try to control you and you just have to put up with it?

Where in the op does it say she's 'ditched' her mum? She references her mum seeing her new hair colour and a display at work so how does that fit in with the idea her mum has been 'ditched'? Clearly her mum is still part of her life. All she has 'ditched' is the control she has over her.

Fiftyandme · 20/06/2026 08:04

I had a mother like this.

I’ve not seen her in almost 13 years. No regrets

ShesGotAway · 20/06/2026 08:08

Yes, those asking, I paid rent whilst living with my parents.

We lived in a part of their house which is almost self contained except for a shared kitchen. We moved out after a few months when I able to find an appropriate rental house in our area. I paid for my own food, the increase in their energy bills due to us living their had my own furniture ect.

There was a great degree of just nodding along to her whilst I lived there. She'd go on the warpath about how I ate, how I dressed, how everyone treats her so cruelly in the family.

I have not 'dropped her like a rock'. She's still get invited to social gatherings, events, dinners at ours. I have refused to to agree to let her interfere in my life with things that have nothing to with her. Business decisions, house decoration, where my son ought to go to school, how we all ought to eat.

And yes there is a contrast in her actions- which is part of the reason I'm finding it very difficult.

She would help and that would make her happy, she does enjoy being someone you can rely on. But when the help is not asked for or accept then the whole situation will go south.

OP posts:
tfortable · 20/06/2026 08:11

Wtafdidido · 20/06/2026 00:45

Yet you were happy to use her when you needed a place to stay and now you don’t need that you have dropped her like a hot potato and effectively cut her out of your life? Of course she is upset and hurt and things have turned south.

It’s the mum who blocked her.
Needing your family at your hardest doesn’t mean you are forever their puppet.

tfortable · 20/06/2026 08:19

She sees you as an extension of herself and not as a seperate, independent person. I won’t be surprised if she’s also very self critical. Who knows what made her like that. Her mum’s conditional affection?
I do believe they change but only a little and it takes a very long time. I’d just be consistent- boundaries and kindness. Don’t share much of your opinions. It’s sad but many parents don’t ever get to know their adult children because they are not ready to understand them.

Anarchy99 · 20/06/2026 13:16

tfortable · 20/06/2026 08:11

It’s the mum who blocked her.
Needing your family at your hardest doesn’t mean you are forever their puppet.

No but if she was always like this, it’s pathetic to accept her help because that’s just using her.

I do hope she doesn’t feel the need to go out of her way to house or fund you again

Anarchy99 · 20/06/2026 13:17

tfortable · 20/06/2026 08:19

She sees you as an extension of herself and not as a seperate, independent person. I won’t be surprised if she’s also very self critical. Who knows what made her like that. Her mum’s conditional affection?
I do believe they change but only a little and it takes a very long time. I’d just be consistent- boundaries and kindness. Don’t share much of your opinions. It’s sad but many parents don’t ever get to know their adult children because they are not ready to understand them.

Edited

‘Boundaries and kindness’ - you know it’s her mother and not her toddler that she is in conflict with?

pikkumyy77 · 20/06/2026 13:20

grinandslothit · 20/06/2026 02:38

Exactly this I reckon she wasn't so horrible when you needed to say somewhere for 2 years and childcare

Then you just ditched her and are rude to her now that you don't need her anymore

Very transactional

This is backwards. It is the mother who is transactional. She used the OPs emergency as an excuse to extract endless submission.

Inmyuggs · 20/06/2026 13:22

DryadsRest · 20/06/2026 01:14

to be blunt - The thing is if the help is not needed / not wanted / not helpful then it isn’t actually help!

It’s the complete opposite of help - interference/ control / annoying!

Edited

This.
Is she a control freak with all family?
Let her know her need.to try to control isnt something someone running a business needs nor a grown adult.
Your hair colour is a issue...oh is she a stylist now.

Duckswaddle · 20/06/2026 13:26

This is exactly my mother too. Raging narcissist. No longer speak 🥳

Darragon · 20/06/2026 13:30

OP I think you’ve touched a nerve for the people on MN who are just like your mum. 😂
I had a mother like this. I left home at 18 and didn’t look back. YANBU. She was telling anyone who would listen that I was an ungrateful bitch until the day she died. She used to manufacture situations where I needed something from her then hold it over me forevermore. After long enough away from them you just stop giving any fucks about their FOG. The last day I saw her she brought up something minor that I’d done to offend her when I was six. 🤣

Anarchy99 · 20/06/2026 14:01

Darragon · 20/06/2026 13:30

OP I think you’ve touched a nerve for the people on MN who are just like your mum. 😂
I had a mother like this. I left home at 18 and didn’t look back. YANBU. She was telling anyone who would listen that I was an ungrateful bitch until the day she died. She used to manufacture situations where I needed something from her then hold it over me forevermore. After long enough away from them you just stop giving any fucks about their FOG. The last day I saw her she brought up something minor that I’d done to offend her when I was six. 🤣

Not at all. But she was happy enough to rely on her for a roof over her (and her children’s) head when it suited and for the mother to provide money and babysitting

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