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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

Brother issues - any advice welcomed.

5 replies

munz · 08/06/2007 11:04

I know I prob shouldn't but into my DB's life, but we've v v close as a family (and hear me out)

DB has pretty much been with SIL (DP live in partner thingy) for the last 7 years DB is 27. for the last year they've been living together in a house they own jointly. he has cheated on SIL (and gave her an STI as well - git he knows damn well he was wrong with that I posted on that at the time I think??) SIL slapped him etc anyhow they were manageing to patch things up, but obv SIL is still insecure. DB confided in DH which caused issues between DH/I as DH didn't tell me, anyhow.

for the last 2-3 months ish DB has felt unhappy within the relationship, he's told SIL he's leaving her once already but within the week went back to her. I told DB this is v v unfair on SIL as tbh she doesn't know if she's coming or going with him - i've tried to be nice about this and said if you want to end it end it cos it's not fair to keep her on a string but he's dithering all the time. (althou apparently today he's asked her to ring for an estate agent to gome and value the house.

anyhow. prior to those to moving in together they had a long distance weekend relationship (yes for 6 years! lol) I think (and it's only a think) he's cheated on her during that time as well - but DH won't confirm anything to me weither way althou I know DB will have told DH. the main reason they moved in together was DB's insistance that he wanted a committment then when he got it it's almost as if he's scared now.

I know he wants children which is again c ausing issues as SIL has epliepsy (sp) with v v strong tablets. and apparently her children will be at risk - prior to them moving intogether DB claimed he didn't care aboutt eh children, however I think since my DS has come along his view has shifted somewhat

I know they're having terrible money probs and can't always afford all the bills, esp with the bank charges etc. and is often asking mum for a helping hand, i've tried talking thru our budgeting tiips etc and they don't live a 'lavish' lifestyle partying etc all the time, but SIL works in the city and the train fare alone is nearly £300p/m.

I think contributing factores are SIL's mum/dad esp mum, who pretty much takes over everything (DB has mentioned several times when she's come intot he house and claimed to ahve a sharte in it as they helped out wiht a deposit) and painted the rooms colours she likes with DB doesn't - little things he'd like to do himself. iycwim. SIL also stopps in the city with her mum when she works nights - she's normally there at least 2 nights p/w at the moinute I think.

I know it's 6's and 7's as beleive me SIL is a lovely girl and god only knows how she puts up with DB but I still feel that DB should either stop it all or committ fully. how can I get him to understand he's really not being fair to either of them SIL esp, the poor girl is verging on depressed tbh, and as I understand being bullied at work. we dopnt' live v close, and SIL and I don't have a particually close relationship but obv DB is being a bit of a shite to her. iycwim.

ooh and to add insult to injury apparently ther's another girl 'after' him - which i've told him he should tell the woman to back off cos hes' with SIL, but he just said

OP posts:
munz · 08/06/2007 11:04

sorry that's long. (can I just go up and slap him round the face and say you have a decent girl there who's stuck by you, stop treating her like shit?)

OP posts:
Sobernow · 08/06/2007 11:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

munz · 08/06/2007 11:11

no they've bene together for 7 years, but only living together for 1. (as in living in a jointly owned home) prior to that they were both with their respective parents.

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ShinyHappyPeopleHoldingHands · 08/06/2007 11:14

Munz, bless you for caring but you are pretty powerless to do anything much aren't you. Unfortunately, most of the time we have time stand by and watch our adult siblings cock up! (tell me about it!)

You sound as if you really like your SIL (which is fab; I'm not altogether sure if my 2 SILs like me all that much; I don't think we'll ever be close) so perhaps there is potential for having a closer relationship with her. It may or may not piss your brother off, I'd see that as irrelevant really in the light of his wrongdoings (he now doubt knows you will love him whatever anyway, as we do! Sigh!), but SIL may well gain from having you as a friend as she really sounds like she needs it at the moment, poor girl. She really must be very freaked out by what has happened and some support "from the family" in the shape of you, may make her feel better and maybe decide what she wants to do. Because obviously if he doesn't shape up, she derserves better.

How much does your bro listen to you? You could try offering him the "woman's perspective" on everything.. say you want to help.. and point out to him how he might not be realising what he has until it's gone!

munz · 08/06/2007 11:21

quite a bit shiny tbh, it's the old cliche thing, we talk a lot and mum asks the other to find out what's happening etc! lol. he also talks to DH a lot (I think the whole brother he never had thing)

I really do want to slap DB around the chops and scream pull yourslef together man for the love of god! lol - but ah can't do that - (for a start i'm about a ft too short ) so I know I can't do much bar listen and advise/give a differnt POV.

I do like SIL - she's a lovely girl - bit of a city girl (likes the lights and hussle/bussle sort of thing) obv as it's where she's from, and like's the finer things - which I do ok from as she passes over a lot of her designer stuff when she sorts out! lol. but honestly I think DB is being a git - and what's more, he shouldn't be thinking about cheating on her - a v sore point and he a;ready knows my thoughts on that front from b4.

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