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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

In Laws, Xmas and doing what I want

30 replies

thisyearwillbenice · 11/11/2022 12:15

I very much dislike DPs family. It started off all fine and nice, with the exception of 1 sibling who took a dislike to me. Turns out this is because I have DC and she thinks i'm some sort of gold digger. I'm not, I work full time, have my own money and earn the same as DP, but there you go.
We have been together about 5 years for context and are engaged.

I thought I got on fine with his other siblings and his mother but I recently dared to disagree with his mother over something and its all gone downhill from there. I overheard a conversation his mother had with someone else, she was unaware I could hear her, and to put it mildly I never want to see the woman again. She has always been overbearing and very opinionated anyway, she has very narcissistic qualities. But as these were never previously aimed at me and I didn't see her that much I just let her crack on and kept out of everything.

His other siblings now refuse to talk to me and have been telling DP he has to choose between his 'family' and me as its upset his mother. Its pathetic.

Every year, we have incorporated them all into christmas. Its always been a juggle as I have DC so need to factor in them seeing their father, all of us seeing my parents and siblings and also DPs mother and siblings and also the dc's fathers family though he sorts that ,we just have to obviously agree dates and everything. A few live a good few hours drive, so thats why its always a juggling act to fit it all in.
Each year we have been together this has all been sorted and agreed together, when we are free to visit or have a vist from x y and z. Each year at least 2 of DP's family will cause a problem last minute and seem to have no idea it throws everything else out of whack. For instance one year one of them wanted to visit us, all arranged, lunch prepared and they arrived 3 hours later because they decided to stop on the way for a breakfast and then looked around a garden centre. And then they got annoyed when we said we had to go out 3 hours after they eventually arrived. Its that sort of thing, just thoughtlessness as opposed to any major crisis that arose unexpectedly. One year the excuse was literally, we couldn't be bothered to get up so early.

So this year, given the fact I know exactly what his 'D'M thinks of me and that his siblings don't give a toss anyway AIBU to just plan mine and the dc's xmas around my family (and their dads) and just say to DP, this is whats happening, if you want to see any of yours you can fit it in around MY schedule, and none of them can come here you'll have to go to them, because I honestly have washed my hands of them.

So I will decide what time dinner will be done for, for example, and if that does not fit in with when his mother can see him xmas day, thats just tough and he can sort it out, I no longer care.

I realise this makes it awkward for DP, but I really am just past it all and don't see why I should incorporate them when they always mess it up in some way and seem to hate me anyway. I may even tell DP he is not to put my name on any of his familys presents this year, as I really really do not want any of them in my life anymore quite frankly.

OP posts:
Rinatinabina · 11/11/2022 17:09

They sound horrible. I don’t blame you but your partner sounds like a good un, so I would discuss it with him first. I think he would probably understand, as long as you are not getting in the way of him seeing his family if he wants to then theres no problem. Be prepared to take the blame of he decides not to bother with them this year.

LoobyDop · 11/11/2022 17:19

In the interests of not allowing the fallout with his family affect your relationship, I would bend over backwards to be nice and reasonable without seeing them. So decide with your partner what time you’ll have dinner, etc, and make sure he’s happy with it (even if you are effectively dictating based on what works for you, which is perfectly reasonable). You want him, when he’s weighing it up in his head, to see you being calm and dignified and supportive, and them being awful.

StopsWalkingToSneeze · 11/11/2022 17:32

I overheard a conversation his mother had with someone else, she was unaware I could hear her, and to put it mildly I never want to see the woman again
The later overheard conversation was me being spoken about in the same way with things like I'm a terrible mother, I can't love my dc, I spend all DPs money (I don't), He pays for everything (he doesn't), I don't let him go the pub apparantly either, my house is messy, I expect DP to do things around the house and the killer was his mother saying she herself was perfect, always had been and I must need psychiatric help.

Where were you when the conversation happened? Lingering in a doorway or in the bathroom and they were outside? Seems like you were listening in for a long time. Unless it’s some kind of call you overheard I don’t understand why you wouldn’t walk in and ask them about it. You’ve been with her son for 5 years so presumably you know her relatively well. Why wouldn’t you speak to her? You want to marry her son and yet you don’t want them in your life. How is the wedding going to work with his family? Your marriage could be doomed before it’s begun if you alienate yourself from all his family. Why not have everyone get together and clear the air? Tell her you heard what she said. Alternatively keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Untitledsquatboulder · 11/11/2022 17:40

I don't think you are being unreasonable at all to not want to have anything to do with your dp's family but I do think you should talk to him and try to come up with a plan that works for both of you rather than sidelining him.

caroleanboneparte · 11/11/2022 18:08

I'd urge caution. Since you aren't married you have no rights if he were to die. You wouldn't be his next of kin if he was unconscious and needed medical treatment.

Unless you are on the title deeds/ tenancy they could chuck you out the day he dies. You don't even have any right to any of his things or to attend his funeral.

So by all means cut out toxic in laws but not until you are actually married.

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