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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to think this is not normal behaviour for a grown woman??

38 replies

tabbycat7 · 14/04/2010 15:38

I've been having some problems with somebody I know. I did post about this previously and some of you lovely people gave me some good advice . Basically, she coming round to my house 4-5 times a week, rarely ask if it was ok (and then she would ask DS1, he's 4!), let herself into my house, take her coat off and park herself. She would come back with as after toddler groups as well, always on the assumption that it was ok when often it was not. Then when she was round, she would be very judgy and critical about me as a parent (DS1's hair, DS1 still beng in a nappy at night, DS1's trousers "falling down", DS2's dummy addiction, the DSes bedroom being a tip [DS2 has a habit of trashing it when he's supposed to be in bed], bits missing from puzzles [interestingly usually lost while she was round] etc etc). She caused me problems too, she told my boys they could play football in the front room, encouraged them to thow their art stuff around, told them we were going on a trip to a fire station when I was 37 weeks pregnant and I'd decided I couldn't face it as it was 2 buses and I had a MW appointment that same afternoon, teaching DS1 to drop his ts after I'd pulled him up about it, you get the picture!!! She didn't make up for it in any way by being particularly nice or helpful or interesting, she was just a pain in the bum in my front room. The thing that really tipped the balance was when she took DS1 back to her house after toddlers. I knew he was with her but I had assumed that she would bring him straight back to my house, but when DS2 and I got home, they were't there and I did not know where he was.

I hoped she would back off after DS3 arrived but she didn't, it was like nothing had happened, she was still inviting herslef round and staying for ages with no consideration for me, baby, the DSes or DH when he was around after I had the baby. So then I took the advice you folks gave me and it worked, she stopped coming around .

Unfortunately, because she's not normal, she didn't just back off, she wrote me this quite self-absorbed letter about how it had all upset her and she couldn't imagine what she done to get up my nose, was it because she had made fun of DS3's name I hadn't actually realised she had! She complained that I wouldn't let her cuddle DS3 when she'd tried to grab him off me. It all made me cross so I decided to ignore it. I really don't have the time or the energy to deal with non-family aggravation atm.

Anyway, it had pretty much blown over to the point where I was able to talk to her without wanting to bash her on the head with a large book, when on Sunday she asked (for the first time) whether she could come round this week. I said very politely that we were going to be busy, I had plans to take the boys out n a trip, we needed to go into town, we were going to things at the children centre. She said, "fair enough", I thought "easy!!" then she asked what she had done to offend me. I was then faced with the tricky choice of either lying or telling her the truth when I knew she wasn't going to like it. I plumped for the truth and told her very calmly that I didn't really like her coming round all the time, to which she said, "Well I haven't been. I can't get in now that you lock the door"!!!!! I can't remember what happened next, but I ended up telling her she was judgy. She said, "I don't judge people, I'm a Christian," which was so ridiculous I would have laughed if the situation hadn't been so horrible. She is actually one of the most judgemental people I have ever met. Anyway, she then said, "So am I forgiven? Can I come round?" No apology or anything, and I told her that I didn't want her coming round and the judgyness is such a big part of who she is I didn't think I could be friends with someone so judgy. She then started to cry (she's in her 60s btw) and stomped off, saying she had better not see DS1 any more. I locked myself in the loo for 10 minutes and while I was in there I could hear her telling people that I "wasn't a Christian".

I do not feel good about this. I never wanted to have the conversation with her in the first place. I know I haven't handled this at all well. I should have told her that she was frgiven but that didn't mean I wanted her round at my house. I could use having 3 kids under 5 and no support as an excuse but tbh and think I would probably have handled this just as badly if I didn't. I am also unhappy at her idea of forgiveness, that she can do whatever she likes, she doesn't have to take any responsibility for her behaviour, there are no consequences, she doesn't ever have to apologise and it doesn't matter if she hurts or offends because if someone's a "Christian" they'll just forgive her.

On the way home, DH said, "don't worry, it will all be alright," "you've really upset her," and "she thinks she's helping". I don't want to ask him if iabu because I will feel hurt if I knw I don't have his support.

So what do you think? Am I officially a bitch? Or is this woman a loony?

OP posts:
frumpygrumpy · 14/04/2010 15:42

I think she's a loony.

I think you did well to tell the truth.

Walk away. Let her go. And keep her away.

differentID · 14/04/2010 15:43

She is a fruitloop of the highest degree.

seriously- there was no good way that this was going to end was there? At least now you can ignore the silly sod.

If she starts anything, even low level harrassment, make a log in case you need to take out any form of restraining order on her.

PavlovtheCat · 14/04/2010 15:44

She is, without a doubt, a loony. Sounds like you handled it fine to me. And imo, being truthful is a christian value?

Shaz10 · 14/04/2010 15:45

You have to be sorry before you can be forgiven. She sounds horrendous. Well done for telling her straight. Have a brandy.

cat64 · 14/04/2010 15:45

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StewieGriffinsMom · 14/04/2010 15:47

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Reality · 14/04/2010 15:48

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Pikelit · 14/04/2010 15:48

I'm cautious about throwing words like "loony" around even though it can be tempting since they a terms that demean people with mental health issues.

But I would say that her behaviour is challenging and that you have no need to explain yourself to her. However, I am concerned that your dh hasn't picked up how uncomfortable you are with her and seems to think you are in the wrong. Are you all members of the same Church, btw? Only I cannot understand the constant reminders of her being a Christian nor why you have to see her at all.

Goblinchild · 14/04/2010 15:50

If she wants forgiveness, then she needs to be sorry and not commit the sin again. So you can forgive her if she stops doing all these lunatic things. Including trying your front door.

MintHumbug · 14/04/2010 15:50

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Jaggers · 14/04/2010 15:53

she is a bit of a loon I fear, and in this day and age her telling people your not christian, probably just made her sound nuts.

Let the dust settel and just be civil, with out an active friendship. It sounds like it's a lot more hassel than its worth!

SirBoobAlot · 14/04/2010 16:01

She sounds like she is absolutely round the bend. Smile if you walk past her - but make sure you walk past!!

hocuspontas · 14/04/2010 16:01

She sounds like someone with learning ifficulties who isn't socially aware and possibly lonely. There could be no right way to get the message through. Don't feel too bad, you did the right thing. Hopefully your DH will be on side

LoveBeingAMummy · 14/04/2010 16:30

she is bonkers. you've done really well to consder her, has she mentioned before about people falling out with her?

tabbycat7 · 14/04/2010 16:30

Thank goodness for mumsnet! I feel so much better about this!

I wasn't completely comfortable abut using the word loony but I could not think of a better word.

I am a bit sensitive about this stuff smetimes. I know I'm not the best parent in the world but I am really trying and I did not appreciate being made to feel like a bad parent. There have been times when she has definately been judgemental, there have been others when she might nt have been and I was possible being oversensitive.

Thanks

OP posts:
theskater · 14/04/2010 16:31

Can i recommend a bit of distance? Not from her but from all the anxiety? You seem to have built up much resentment which can only hurt you. She is, by your description, very clingy and not a sensitive fun person, so can I gently suggest losing your own massive analysis and backing off, I mean you have already, but now drop it completely, don't do the guilt and labeling thingie. Have some fun and your dear old buddy will find a new person to harass and be all wonderfully confused with. Mind power. Celebrate.

StepSideways · 14/04/2010 16:39

yep, grade 'A' fruitcake.

MorrisZapp · 14/04/2010 16:44

Why was a 60 year old at a toddler group, does she take her grandkids?

Sorry but I was confused by that bit.

fallon8 · 14/04/2010 16:54

this woman clearly has problems and I would watch the "christian"thing, especailly with the children. She may well have done this before,only they werent so tolerant, if she is in her 60's,why is she near toddler,mums and babies groups? Im not!!! She has made you feel guilty,dont, the problem isnt with you,I had the same thing with a patient of my GP husband,some years ago, she sort of "moved" in, everywehere looked, there she was,older than us and eventually I was brutal, she keeps trying to buy people's affection, doesnt have chidren etc etc.it was hard, but what a relis all round. No you have doen the right thing,just get on with your own life.

tabbycat7 · 14/04/2010 17:09

She helps make food for the children at the toddler group, so she does have a legitimate reason for being there.

Theskater you are absolutely right and I intend to do just that

OP posts:
princessparty · 14/04/2010 17:17

I think you have to understand she is from a generation where, in many neighbourhoods areas people were in and out of their neighbours' houses all the time.Probably in her own mind she is giving you the benefit of her experience rather than judging you.And also she may be very lonely

Having said this I knew a woman who acted in a very similar way and latched onto a friend of mine.It turned she was a serial fraudster and a psycho.

bagelmonster · 14/04/2010 17:18

she can't get in now that you have started locking the door!!!!! Absolute nutter in my opinion, you don't need to be dealing with people like that????

mathanxiety · 14/04/2010 17:25

Well done for standing your ground and not fobbing her off with excuses. Don't let this strange woman anywhere near you or your family again. So glad you got the locks on the doors.

She sounds like someone who should not have access to your children at any time, maybe even a bit obsessive as well as having no social clue?

I agree with the suggestion to keep a log if she keeps up the pressure to let her into your house again, and also if she starts to try to alienate friends or neighbours by badmouthing you to them (with the crazy 'un-Christian' comments for example ).

Don't feel you owe her anything other than the truth, no sugar coating or making excuses. It's probably hard for you, and I can identify with your anxiety over all this, because direct confrontation of the very thick-skinned (or just plain thick) is not easy when you're a reasonable person yourself and expect it from others. There's only one way to deal with this woman, though, and it's unabashed firmness.

cat64 · 14/04/2010 17:35

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striker · 14/04/2010 17:39

I havent read the other thread but from your description it sounds that this woman thinks she is your mother/ MIL / Auntie and is quite entitled to do all of those irritating things that we put with from our nearest and dearest. Except that she isnt -and doesnt realise it poor thing.

But you were quite right to put her straight. Its kinder in the long run to all concerned and you need this sorted now.

I wouldnt worry at all about her badmouthing you though as ,in my experience , if 'you' notice something about a person it more than likely that everyone else has noticed too. They will not take one bit of notice of her unchristian remarks.

Does your Mum/MIL pay a visit often ? If so I would use them to act a security .Nothing like a 60+year old for blunt speaking