Father in law never joins Christmas walks

[comoatoupeira]

Just that really. He never goes outside even with the stunning weather we’ve been having. I can see it annoys my MIL but she doesn’t say anything directly. The kids are confused, ‘why doesn’t grandpa come too?’ And I don’t know what to say. MIL just says he’s staying to do the potatoes or something, but he’s not.
He’s fit and no health issues.
Thinking I should get my 7 year old to be direct with him about it?

That's one hell of a stretch. Absolutely ridiculous that you are making an issue of this

I hate going for a walk. I don't blame him for staying in the warm.

You sound really intolerant and self centred. Don’t let a precocious 7 year old be direct with him.

I’d stay home so I didn’t have to hang out with my judgemental and self-centred DIL too.

Yes I think I am

Honestly leave him alone - he probably wants a rest from everybody! Be outdoorsy all you want, he clearly doesn’t want to be involved. He’s an adult and can make his own choices!

Police, now.

Grandpa knows his own mind and is probably glad of the break. Let him off and don't sweat it

God I fucking hate when people can't accept that not everyone likes what they like. Hosting people doesn't mean they have to do every thing you want them to do or every thing you do. That makes you a crap host if you expect that. Grow up and leave the man be.

Good point..it should probably be logged with 101.

Or maybe a head tilt and a 'do you mean to be so lazy' would sort him out?

So maybe he doesn't want to play with them. It doesn't mean he doesn't love or appreciate them. He probably just wants some peace.

I'm outdoorsy too and I think you're being unreasonable.

Alright alright, thanks for the feedback!

i’m in the wrong

A little tinkly laugh ought to do the trick. We've lost sight of what a normal Christmas walk looks like.

That's probably exactly why he doesn't want to go... Not everyone feels comfortable doing this, especially with an audience of other adults who ime are usually competing to out-do one another or performing for the other adults more than being genuine for the children.

Same! Fit, healthy, healthy BMI regular exercise but I loath walking for the sake of walking. Walking TO somewhere, great, lovely. I always feel a bit awkward just walking with no purpose!

maybe FIL looks forward to the hour of peace and quiet during a very busy and hectic day, especially if there’s young kids about.

Not everyone likes walking and jumping over logs. He can play with a child indoors too.

You are being so unreasonable. He doesn't enjoy the walk in the way that you do and fancy it for whatever reason. It isn't a reflection on him as a person, you are being weirdly controlling.

It’s either:

1. He’s an introvert and needs a bit of time to recharge.
2. He wants some peace and quiet to have a poo.

Indeed.

Running about and jumping over logs 🤣 Maybe there's your answer. I would swerve all that too.

Sounds like one of those moments where you just made the wrong call

Particularly likely after stressful Christmas family time

And too much time outside in the bloody freezing cold. That makes me tired and grumpy as well 😁

None of my children’s grandparents would be up for a walk in the freezing cold where they are expected to run about playing with kids and jumping around. They’re getting on a bit and would rather be inside in the warm.

my mum always offers to tidy the kitchen whilst we take the kids out for run around/to the playground etc, she never comes with us

Are you a family of Labradors?

I think it’s become crystal clear why he doesn’t go on the walks. It’s the only break he gets from the relentless eager-beaver forced jollity. Jumping over logs 😂 I’d rather feed my hand into a paper shredder.

Loveeee this