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Sad about family arguments over covid

3 replies

StitchInLime · 07/02/2021 09:53

AIBU to think while this pandemic has brought families together, it’s also created potentially irreparable ruptures in some families due to differing views?

Some family members are of the view covid is all a big drama over nothing and have taken to using phrases like ‘sheeple’, and ‘lamestream media’. They break the rules (not in ‘big parties’ way but deliberately misinterpreting the social bubble concept and going away for ‘work purposes’ aka a nice
stay in a cottage in the Cotswolds with a swimming pool with their kids and in laws).

I have tried to keep the peace by not saying much (and obviously wouldn’t dream of reporting them, it’s their business and not massive rule break). But lately, I’ve just had to make sure they know I think they’re wrong, just little comments on their social media posts pointing out the facts they’re sharing are wrong or the famous person they’ve quoted is a clueless moron.

As a result, I think they’ve decided to cut me off (eg. Not responding to an update about a clinically vulnerable family member, not responding to question from my daughter for a school project she’s doing when usually they do). They would argue that I’m the one who caused it which probably is right as they haven’t argued at me, I’m the one who’s chosen to point out the wrongs (in my view) of their posts.

It’s fine, probably for the best anyway as they can be energy vampires. But still saddens me, especially from our kids’ point of view and the clinically vulnerable family member (who incidentally is aware of what’s happening and is fed up of their rule breaking covid denying ways).

Anyone else in a similar situation? Just need to feel like we’re not alone.

OP posts:
AtlasPine · 07/02/2021 16:01

It is sad, I’d agree. Lots of stress has impacted on families and couples and I do wonder if things will ever be repaired. I suppose we just have to move on to a new normal where we may have lost connections and contact with those we previously loved and valued.

cautiouscovidity · 07/02/2021 16:29

Yes. I agree unfortunately. MIL has fallen out with us a number of times because we've stuck to the rules and refused to pop in for a cuppa after a socially distanced walk / let her take the kids out for the day / let her sit next to the kids at the table when she was allowed in last summer but was meant to maintain social distancing. SIL hasn't been so strict about the rules so she gets to spend more time with her other grandchildren and she feels we're being ridiculous.
It also doesn't help that we're bubbled with my recently widowed mother so my mum gets to see the grandkids but MIL doesn't. I get it's hard 😢

Lumene · 08/02/2021 00:31

Yes sadly.

We have family who expected us to break the bubble rules to see them at Christmas.

We were upset because they arranged to see others so we couldn’t see them without breaking the rules. Then they acted as though we were being unreasonable and making a big fuss out of nothing.

Another family member is currently staying in their second home and has broken the rules when it suited them eg children’s face to face parties.

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