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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

Anyone awake? Help..

30 replies

applecharlotte · 02/02/2015 00:34

Hoping for some advice /support if possible.

On holiday with DP, DS his mum and dad and sister and husband. Background is been together 7 years.

His family are very confrontational. They are all pretty rude to each other, dismissive etc. My family isn't perfect but I was shocked at how they communicate with each other but love DP and just sort stay quiet if it's happening around me. However, P's parents have some opinions I find offensive, saville victims were making a fuss as it was a different era and some mildly homophobic/racist views etc

Tonight, P's M was talking about someone in their village being gay and said ' I would be very disappointed if my child was gay' there was a discussion where I basically said she was homophobic. DP and sister also challenged her. Then she said randomly and I guess as a get back at me calling her homophobic said 'I don't agree with people having children out of wedlock.'

I told her she was offensive and left the room pretty upset as it seemed like a direct attack on me. She came up 10 mins later and said they told her she needed to apologise so she was. I said I don't accept as she made it clear how she felt about my lifestyle choice.

They stayed downstairs for 2 hours arguing/challenging her on her opinions and views, no one came to see if I was ok.

I could hear every word, DP defended me and also told her that I was one of her biggest supporters as in the past one always tried to get them to be nicer to her, she can sometimes be picked on. She had a massive tantrum and they all said I'm sure it'll work out.

Anyway, I kind of made a decision whilst this was going on that I cant spend another 5 days in this environment, shittest holiday ever, their dynamic is never going to change or her views. But I can remove myself from this bullshit.

DP came to bed laughing about it. I said its serious explained calmly that I wanted to leave early and he should take the opportunity to work some of this stuff out with them (the bigger family dynamic). He started booking the 3 of us flights home. I said, sleep on it don't do anything rash if we all go your relationships could be badly damaged with your family. He said he didn't care he was going to protect his family (me and DS) and cut his family off as I was right about it not being on.

He then did a total change of heart and said he'd spent £3k on the holiday and I could either go home and leave DS with them. Or stay and get over it and accept an apology in the morning like I should as it's the grown up thing to do. She won't change and can't understand why I would be offended so I just have to put up with being offended.
He said why should I get to take DS home early and insinuated he wouldn't let me take him. I'm fucking furious. He also said if he comes home with us he'll cut his family off as a threat that it would be my decision/choice.

Any views? Please help I can't sleep and feel really upset and trapped.

OP posts:
applecharlotte · 02/02/2015 08:08

DP was apologetic this morning. He didn't realise I was upset just thought I was annoyed which is why he didn't come up. There are bigger family issues where his M is kind of bullied by the rest of the family (which I have always made clear I struggle to be around regardless of how aligned our values/views are!) and I think she focuses on attacking me sometimes as a way of getting some power back. I'm the less dangerous person to hurt than her direct family.

Right, I can't dwell on this just accept an apology and I will say sorry if I said anything to upset her then detach and move on. I'll never be able to be comfortable listening to bigoted views but will keep things amicable and reduce the intense times we are together for.

OP posts:
elizalovelacey · 02/02/2015 08:24

You might not agree with MIL's opinions, but she is entitled to them all the same,as you are entitled to yours. Live and let live,life really is too short.

mojo17 · 02/02/2015 08:44

Well well well
Hmmm this is not a holiday is it
Firstly accept her apology and in fact I would ask for an apology from all of them, ask your dp to explain to them that you are not from this family and is not used to the arguments so in future you will agree to disagree by walking away from now on. Then do it every time, disengage, don't give them the chance to upset you.
They may not like but tough, you don't want your ec exposed to bigotry do you.
So for the next week just keep your distance, if your dp has spent 3k on this holiday you need to try and enjoy yourself, hire a car go out on your own and seriously think about your future interaction.
Never spend another night with them.

So about your dp, well, I hope he doesn't carry on the family tradition with you

CogitoErgoSometimes · 02/02/2015 08:58

An extended family cooped up together in a location, probably with plenty of cheap alcohol (?), offensive opinions get aired and it kicks off?..... There's a rarity.... Hmm

Grit your teeth, accept an apology however grudging, and resolve not to go on holiday with them again. Some people are best enjoyed in small doses

HappyGirlNow · 02/02/2015 09:40

Good attitude OP. Her attitude is ridiculous but just laugh inwardly and avoid this situation again as far as you can. Detach. Try to enjoy the rest of your hols Grin

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