Every time I see my sil, she always some snide comment to make to me about something I've organised or done.
I can't be bothered with it anymore - it upsets me actually. I stood up to her once and she was nice for a while after that. But then she started doing it again.
I've decided that I just don't want to see her at all anymore where possible. I wouldn't put up with it from a friend so I'm not sure why I should put up with it from a relative.
I'm not close to my brother (her dh) in the slightest - we've never really got on beyond our young childhood. In fact, there's been a lot of mutual dislike there too which was slightly suspended when we both had children. He's still very negative and unfriendly when we meet and never makes an effort conversation wise. It's laboured and uncomfortable.
So, I've simply stopped contacting them, stopped inviting them to shows that we get tickets for (although they've never accepted). Just tried to gently phase them out of our lives as much as possible, with no fuss or drama. I thought they wouldn't notice.
However, my brother has started leaving messages on my answering machine. I'm just not interested in having contact with him. I find the whole thing negative and upsetting and can't be bothered with it. Our kids will only meet at Christmas time nowadays if they can bothered to join us.
What do I do? I don't want to do a "flounce" - I just want to fade quietly from their view. Because if sil makes any more bitchy comments to me, I'll have to work hard to not punch her on the nose.
I don't want to have a frank conversation with my brother about it because what's the point? I don't want to stir up any argument or bad blood because I'm not interested anymore. I just can't be bothered with them.
What's the best approach? Just keep on not responding to messages? Or have a conversation about it?