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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

I feel so sad, why are familys such hard work?

39 replies

Theantsgomarching · 16/12/2010 13:34

It's all getting on top of me today, and am feeling really low Sad

We don't have anything to do with BIL, haven't done for years, which obviously makes things difficult for the rest of DH's family. SIL has been on to DH in tears cause is DN's birthday this weekend and she's upset we can't all be together etc..

We have very very good reasons not to want him near our kids, she chooses not to know why we won't have anything to do with him (fair enough) but this means the issue is continually being raised and it brings the past up again and it's sooooo wearing..

Then to top it all, I am estranged from my dad. He hasn't met my dc2 at all or seen dc1 in 18 months or so. I will be where he lives for Xmas so text him this morning to see if he would like to see the kids and he hasn't replied..

Why is it all so hard? I feel completely wiped out

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Theantsgomarching · 16/12/2010 13:42

arggh

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Rubyredlips · 16/12/2010 13:51

you poor thing, sounds exhausting. What made you text your dad after that length of time? What did you think his reaction would be?

Theantsgomarching · 16/12/2010 13:58

My dh was saying someone has to make the first move and it is christmas etc..

I can never have the relationship I want with him cause he just doesn't love me, but thought that he would welcome the chance to meet his grandkids...

It's such a rejection. Am going to tell DH to drop it now. I feel like crying my eyes out. And I know that SIL thinks the whole BIL thing is my fault and I'm forcing DH to make a stand which isn't the case at all Sad

Sorry for being so moany, I just can't help it today. And thanks for replying. And sorry for starting sentance with and with a capital A...that type of thing would usually drive me mad Smile

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Tw1nkle · 16/12/2010 14:00

Families can be so difficult can't they???

I think i'd have to tell the SIL the reason you don't want anything to do with BIL!

Can you make arrangements to see DN at another time?

Ooopsadaisy · 16/12/2010 14:01

I think most people have some kind of dysfunction in their family. I think mine invented it!

I always tell myself that this is why my friends are so wonderful and that I'm blessed to have them.

Theantsgomarching · 16/12/2010 14:06

Most days I can deal with it, it's just all happened together today and I am full of a cold, sore throat and sahm with 2 sick dcs under 3!!

Can't tell SIL as she has repeated her desire not to know anything today (bucket of sand anyone?)

Feel like I've now given my dad another chance to make me feel like crap again

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Ooopsadaisy · 16/12/2010 14:16

Sounds like you have your own issues - cold, sick dcs. Not a good day to tackle extended family stuff. Also the weather is crap and it's not even got light.

There are no rules that say that all members of a blood family have to operate in the same orbit.

There are members of my family who sing their own merry tune while we sing ours. We sometimes meet at funerals and say hallo but we don't force the issue and try to build a relationship that just isn't there.

I have never believed that blood is thicker than water because I have been hurt and cruelly let down in the past, so I build my life around my fantastic household and my wonderful friends.

Hope you feel better and don't put pressure on yourself to solve problems that you have no control over.

Theantsgomarching · 16/12/2010 14:20

Thanks oops - think I need to snap myself out of this mood. Going to turn off PC and do something positive.

Thanks everyone

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SnowyBriar · 16/12/2010 14:20

SIL is soooo upset...but won't face the reality of why your family and BIL have fallen out?!

Some people take the biscuit they really do!!

Sorry but SIL needs to stop the tears, the emotional blackmail and face up to whatever the rift is about without trying to force 'happy family' situations.

SIL might even agree with your reasons for staying away, but pretending life is all jolly and sweet won't solve anything.

I'd be tempted to 'blurt' the reasons to SIL...accidentally on purpose....

maktaitai · 16/12/2010 14:24

I have an excellent relationship with my extended family. I just never see any of them. The two are connected tbh.

Theantsgomarching · 16/12/2010 14:37

snowy It is all about her IFKWIM. I just can't lift myself out of this intensely depressed feeling. Very unlike me. I'm usually made of sterner stuff

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SnowyBriar · 16/12/2010 14:45

Theantsgomarching

I know what it's like. I had a mini-meltdown about my lot yesterday...fair took over the 'Statley Homes' thread I did! Blush

As for SIL phoning, tbh as you are all ill any way, I'd just not pick up to her for now, I'd use illness as the excuse.

Your Dad I would just put on the back burner. He may reply and change his mind about contact...but worrying about it on top of you all having the 'snots' is not going to help.

Go and have hot toddy, a snooze and reconnect with all this when you are more physically able. xx

Theantsgomarching · 16/12/2010 16:16

Have given strict instructions to DH to bring home bottle of Jameson for the hot toddy...thanks x

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perfumeditsawonderfullife · 16/12/2010 16:18

I know exactly what you mean theantsgomarching. My Mil has not spoken to us in two years, preferring to side with her ex dil who is a con artist/neglectful mother. I also didn't have a relationship with my own mother for two years due to a dreadful situation where she betrayed me. Most of the time I was ok with it, I tend to be stubborn and have the courage of my convictions. I reckoned if she was not going to apologise for what she did, how could I forgive her. She did say sorry, but it was more for being caught out.

I bet you will feel a whole lot stronger tomorrow and your resolve will return. Your dad doesn't deserve a relationship with his grandkids if this is his attitude to you. Who knows what damage he could do to them in self esteem given half a chance?

As for Sil, seen her type, happy to die of ignorance and demands that everyone plays along. To hell with them, if people can't behave with integrity and decency all year round, I don't see any value in only turning it on 'because it's Christmas'

ConnorTraceptive · 16/12/2010 16:25

I would say to SIL that unless she is willing to hear your reasons for not wanting to see BIL the you must absolutely insist she doesn't raise the topic again.

As for your dad well I'd leave that for now, personally I think Xmas is a terrible time to try rebuilding relations, to emotional a time

Theantsgomarching · 16/12/2010 16:26

Yes - it's all so false perfumed. SIL has no idea who her brother is but is upset because she cannot have the illusion of a happy family a couple of days a year. Absolutely NO interest in real life or real problems of said people though.

As for my dad - I fail to see how he can contribute positively to dc's lives but saw a thread in active convos called "my dad died this morning" and my normally strong resolve crumbled I'm afraid. Still no response from him.

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homeboys · 18/12/2010 19:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Theantsgomarching · 19/12/2010 20:37

Thanks homeboys, am feeling better now

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monkeyflippers · 20/12/2010 06:58

Yeah I'd let the reason slip to SIL as well. It would probably help you not to keep it all bottled up as it's all on your shoulders . . . put it on hers.

deludedfool · 20/12/2010 08:13

Why do you say, OP, that you father doesn't love you? Don't answer, of course, if this is too personal a question. It's just quite a strong thing for a daughter to say. Your SIL is being self-centred, not wanting to know the reason for your difficulty with your BIL; how convenient that she does not have to attempt to comprehend anything - that appears to be more for her own selfish reasons and wanting the both of best worlds to suit her, rather than the philosophy that it is none of her business and is between you and your BIL.

I don't know your background, obviously, and I never felt that my father didn't love me, but I, and others, had an often difficult relationship with him. At one time, I had little contact with him for several years, but then there came a time, within myself, (and, yes, it was Christmas one year) when I really didn't want to carry on like that with him, regardless of anyone else's attitude; it was what felt right for me as a person to do - so I initiated contact, and he came for Christmas, and I and my dc, had five more happy years to remember with him before he died. I am so glad I did that. It comforts me since his death.

I realise my situation is different to yours but it took quite a step on my part to make the contact, and the reasons are different obviously to yours. I understand you have tried and got no response yet, but you have made an attempt, and ultimately, we all have to make the decision to do what we think is right for us and our families.

Christmas always brings all these family issues to the forefront. And, we have the urge to make things better, improve things, lay bad feelings to rest. And, tackling them, as you were, the other day, feeling rotten, does not put you in a good place anyway. My family situation is still complicated, but some of it is beyond my control, and that is other members' responsibilities.

deludedfool · 20/12/2010 08:20

OP, if you try to do what you think is right with your dad, then you have done your best. It must be very hard for you. And, I am sure you have very good reasons regarding your BIL. But it sounds like you have a lovely family with your DH at home, and your DC can have a nice Christmas, whatever other members of the family do (fingers crossed!!).

deludedfool · 20/12/2010 08:27

I know you won't be at home, OP, I just think that if in your family, you have a strong family unit with your DH and DC, then your SIL, being in tears, but not wanting to know anything, will not and should not be allowed to spoil things for you and your DC. We can only do our best within our families and have good reasons, generally, to take decisions, as you have with your BIL.

Theantsgomarching · 20/12/2010 16:28

Thanks deluded - I'm trying to concentrate on the things I can control

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StuffingGoldBrass · 20/12/2010 16:34

Is the problem with your BIL that he is, um, a danger to DC? If the SIL is refusing to hear this, is she putting her DC at risk by allowing him contact with them?
Why don't you just tell her, if this is the case?

Theantsgomarching · 20/12/2010 16:39

I have no proof of this exactly, stuffinggold but that is my worry. I know that he is sexually deviant in other ways and not willing to risk my dc. I would never accuse though obviously..

My dh told my sils dh years ago that he felt strongly that bil should not be left alone with the kids and my sil's dh said he felt the very same and would make sure it never happened.

If I had proof of course I would ignore her wishes for isnorance and tell her straight.

This is only one of the issues with BIL by the way, in case you think I am some kind of paranoid nutter

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