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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

How to go N/C with one family member without losing them all ( long Sorry)

6 replies

bluestar2 · 23/07/2013 10:16

Hi,

This is my first real post so I apologise for length in advance. I have to be careful how much detail I give as I dont was to be identified in RL.

For years now there has been an ongoing problem with my eldest sibling. They divorced and moved 'home' to live with our parents and at this time resentment began as he was inconsiderate , untidy, not working or contributing to the household in any way. The sibling has not been working for many years due to an industrial injury and been in reciept of DLA whilst living with parents who were elderly. The sibling is self obssessed with his various illnesses and no conversation can be had without him cutting over it and telling a story about himself from 10 years ago which bears no relevance.

After 18 months of strained relations he received a large payout for his industrial injury and purchased his own home. A collective sigh of relief initially. My poor Mum had become so stressed with his presence and the ongoing issues of his behaviour she had become depressed and at times had thought about leaving her home and my Dad who had supported him over her. We couldnt have a family meal without him being present so if we invited parents he had to come to as he had noone according to my dad. It of course got to the point we didnt have any anymore.

His behaviour continued over the next few years with tolerance for his self indulgence being worn away. He was admitted to hospital several times and in my opinion engineered his admittance on more than one occassion. He took prescribed strong pain relief which I believe he was addicted to and this exacerbated his personality and underlying medical issues so conversations became completely random and focussed on historic events from his life. However because we wanted a relationship with my parents we tolerated it.

My Mum became ill and died recently. Through her illness this sibling was lazy and mainly in a drugged up state. I would come in from work to find the house in a filthy state and him sat on his bum watching telly. Despite being told in no uncertain terms many times by different people to get his act together he never did and often blamed his memory problem for lack of recall re conversations. He made a difficult time horrendous. We tried everything to get him to pull his weight. All the while we were caring for her he was busy presenting himself to others as the 'rock' upon which they depended which is utter crap.

Since she died he has a new lease of life and is on top of the world. He has my Dads undivided attention. He has racked up debts on credit cards more than once over the years which has been cleared by my dad repeatedly. Now he has moved himself back in despite having his own home. My Dad refuses to acknowledge this issues with him. I tried to go NC before and it resulted in my Dad not speaking to me for a week.

I could quite literally go on and cite examples of truelly disgusting behaviour but cant as its too identifying so please believe me when I say he has sunk to depths of theft, lies and manipulation. The thought of being around him has be shaking with anxiety and fear. All I want to do is grieve for my Mum and everything is being taken over by him.

How can I go NC with him without losing my Dad who is unconditionally supportive.

OP posts:
bluestar2 · 23/07/2013 16:48

Any advice ???

OP posts:
ImperialBlether · 23/07/2013 16:51

I'm so sorry you lost your mum and so sorry, too, that she didn't have a peaceful home life during her last years.

I wonder whether your dad is frightened of being alone, so he's prepared to put up with anything?

bluestar2 · 23/07/2013 16:55

Thank you for your reply. Ironically though he is more alone with him there all the time as no one else in the family can bear to be around him. During my mums illness it was all put aside and we were all there everyday at some point to help. I really don't want to cut contact with my dad but feel my hand is being forced and for the same of my health and my family's I have to out us first. It's just so so sad things have become this way

OP posts:
HotDAMNlifeisgood · 23/07/2013 17:09

You can't. Your Dad will make his own choice, which you cannot predict or manipulate.

Just make the choice that you think is best for you. How others react to it is not within your control.

ImperialBlether · 23/07/2013 17:21

So if you rang your dad and said, "Fancy coming for lunch today?" he'd assume your brother was invited too?

If so, what would your dad say if you said, "No, just let it be us today, Dad"?

bluestar2 · 23/07/2013 17:32

Imperial yes until recently that was the way. Now I do make it clear who the invitation is for but this greeted with protestations of not understanding what my problem was, and what has he done that's so bad. When things have been pointed out he makes excuses minimises his actions and refuses to believe a bad work about him despite it coming for more than one source. He has on occasion take 'blame' for what he has done. He sees him as the one most in need therefore he gets everything. I don't mean financially I mean emotionally. I would love to be able to offer him comfort over my mum and receive some from him but its just not possible as he will always bring him into conversation saying well x feels this much worse.

Hotdamn I know I can't control it but I want to try And reduce the likelihood in anyway I can. I have just lost one parent who I miss badly. I don't want to lose him too.

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