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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

My mother hates my husband (long)

955 replies

badtoworse · 15/09/2012 19:46

I don't live in the UK. DH is from the country we live in. Mum came to live here (divorced and then later my father died) some years ago in a house a short drive away. Soon decided it was a big mistake and that she hated it, then to complicate matters then injured her back and became really unable to manage living alone. We sold my house and we moved in with her. All coinciding with me starting a new business venture and DH becoing unemployed. DH has bascially been unemployed (except for a couple of short contracts) since then. When we all moved in together DS was 20 months (now 4.5) and we've since had another child who's 1.5.

Before we all moved in together I was about to go back after mat leave and all set up (at her suggestion) for mum to have DS while I worked and DH at work. DH lost his job three days before I went back but mum said she still wanted to come up in the afternoons cos she wanted to see DS. She (much later) claimed DH had sat on the coputer and let her do it all. He said (we had a big row about it then) he only sat on the computer while DS napped.

My business has been slowly dying a death so I'm going to be WOH from Monday (previously ran busness from home). Yesterday I had meetings all day. DH supposed to be looking after DCs for the afternoon while I'm out.
I told him not to let my mum do too much, to imagine she was not there as it's too much for her. When I came home I asked mum (who I saw first on coming in) how things had been and she pulled a face and said tell you later.
Asked DH if he'd let DS just spend the whole afternoon with my mum and he said, only a bit while DD asleep..she slept for almost 2 hours. Then I ask mum and she says that he'd sat on the laptop and told DS he couldn't play as he'd wake the baby up and she'd felt bad so spent 2 hrs entertaining DS while DH sat on laptop.

I was really pissed off as I'd asked him specifically not to do this and we had a row.

He says she's exaggerating and that he can't believe I'm questioning his parenting abilities/calling him a neglectful parent and talking about him behind his back. He says DS wasn't with her the entire time, he was in and out and he didn't tell him he couldn't play, just that he had to be quiet as the baby was asleep.

She says he's a lazy git and it's the same old shit as all those years ago, she's had enough and would go back to the UK if she had the money. They've been avoiding each other all day and I feel totally caught in the middle.

I'm so angry that he did exactly what I asked him not to but I can't stand this atmosphere, it's like I'm being asked to choose, my husband or my mother.

OP posts:
DontmindifIdo · 21/12/2012 10:42

oh just seen you're going back so soon, then send your DH out with the DCs so they don't have to witness any sobs and hysteria from her.

badtoworse · 21/12/2012 10:43

dc out til 130

OP posts:
badtoworse · 21/12/2012 10:49

we're on our way back now

OP posts:
pictish · 21/12/2012 10:50

OP - from an outsider's pov, she pretty pathetic.
From yours though, I understand this is scary momentous stuff. Chin up, and don't back down. xxx

DontmindifIdo · 21/12/2012 10:50

good, you can face her as a couple. Agree in the carpark before you go home what you are going to say, if it's that living together doesn't work anymore then say that, if you are going to look for a new flat in the new year/go to your DB's flat for the rest of hte holidays, then say that. If she says she can't cope alone, say you know she can and refuse to discuss it or discuss her options. Today isn't the time for that, and it's not your job to arrange her life for her.

remember, smile - eyes and teeth! (as my old drama teacher would say, "eyes and teeth girls! Let me see your eyes and teeth!")

1charlie1 · 21/12/2012 10:51

Keep breathing. If your mum intends to come home now, maybe you could head to your DBs flat for a little holiday with your family?

pictish · 21/12/2012 10:52

Yes...be resolute.
She might well presebt like she has decided to forgive you...or she might say she is saddened by the fall out and would like a fresh start.
She will say whatever it takes to get her way.

You must stick to your guns together. The living together arrangement is off.

Herrena · 21/12/2012 10:53

Go back with your DH and present a united front. State that you will be moving out and that it is not up for discussion - it is your decision (and DH's) as a married couple.

Holding tight....

pictish · 21/12/2012 10:53

present even

TalkativeJim · 21/12/2012 10:54

Good luck - have been lurking here. You've got a good man there, OP. Don't let your bloodsucker of a mother ruin your lives together and that of your DC. Remember, it doesn't really matter if you cry, lose your cool, if you feel she 'gets the better of you' in what discussions are to come - end of the day, the decision to move out is in your hands. She can cry, scream, do what she wants - she can't stop you. You have support and money in place. That's the end of it.

badtoworse · 21/12/2012 10:59

what do i do if i get back and she's taken to her bed and there is no confrontation ?

OP posts:
1charlie1 · 21/12/2012 11:01

Jim is right. This altercation is not the be all and end all. If you 'lose' in an argument and end up speaking gibberish and sobbing in your DHs arms, while your mum shreds the couch with a spatula, no big deal. Your pen can still sign a lease.

pictish · 21/12/2012 11:01

You leave here there until she deigns to appear, then you tell her that you will no longer be living together.
Might do you good to create the confrontation for a change, rather than constantly trying to avert it.
You have something to say to her, so say it.

She will be shocked and furious, as if she has taken to her bed, she will be expecting you to coo over her and let it all blow over.
Don't.

Herrena · 21/12/2012 11:01

Start packing up your belongings and get out of there! Go to your brother's flat or wherever else is available. Don't go seeking her out.

1charlie1 · 21/12/2012 11:02

Cross post. Pack your bags and go to your DBs for a holiday. In the meantime, keep looking to sort a property. Xx

pictish · 21/12/2012 11:03

She will do or say whatever it takes to get this situation back on track to suiting herself. Bear that in mind.

badtoworse · 21/12/2012 11:33

she's sitting on the pc looking at amazon. Said hello. i've come out for a walk and to think. She's still in the angry phase. trying to think what to do .

OP posts:
DontmindifIdo · 21/12/2012 11:39

Are you and your family going to your DB's flat? If so, let her know and go pack up.

Have some more time to think.

badtoworse · 21/12/2012 11:39

Going to ask in the estate agents now about what's available to view

OP posts:
badtoworse · 21/12/2012 11:40

Yes I think so. Dreading DS coming home and being all happy she's back.

OP posts:
Herrena · 21/12/2012 11:41

Don't apologise to your mum for anything. If possible, find a place to stay, sign a lease and then tell her what you're planning to do. If you've signed then she can't cry and force you to cancel your plans.

Stay determined!

TalkativeJim · 21/12/2012 11:57

She's unsure - wants to be properly angry but wondering if she will get away with it!

She is a properly manipulating cow, OP.

Don't engage. Get on with sorting out moving, arrange to go to your brother's flat for Christmas day, then tell her what your plans are.

No problem about DS being pleased to see her - of course he will be. She's his Granny. Doesn't mean he has to live with her, certainly doesn't mean he has to have his childhhood made difficult by her. Wonderful that she's back, even more wonderful that you'll be moving out and this insane situation will stop.

ThreeTomatoes · 21/12/2012 12:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

jingleallthespringy · 21/12/2012 12:08

She may be manipulative extraordinaire, but leaving her on her own on Christmas day? yy FOG is a huge part of being a victim of manipulation (Fear, Obligation, Guilt) but perhaps make your moves after Christmas. You can be steely and resolute but you don't have to be brutal. I know that's easy to say when you're still up to your neck in the effects of her lifelong manipulations ( Sad ) but perhaps something more graded ie your eye on the ball, working at not getting knocked off, aiming for separation.

MadSleighLady · 21/12/2012 12:30

Delurking to cheer you on, OP! I hope the estate agents trip was interesting.

I agree with the others about just stating your plans to her and not getting drawn in. Also agree it doesn't matter if you shake like a leaf and don't make any sense - it's just a conversation. Its outcome doesn't change your plans.

On the other hand, if she actively avoids the conversation, that doesn't make any difference to your plans either. I guess she will do whatever it takes to get you focusing on her and second-guessing her moods. As long as you stay focused on your own stuff, she can't win.