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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

Is my mother toxic ?

9 replies

BusyBee08289 · 10/08/2019 14:09

Hi all, just after some opinions really. Something my mum said to me a few weeks ago has really bothered me and has made me realise that she isn’t a nice person and just shouldn’t be a mum.

I get married next year - I have been with DH to be since I was 16 and we have been together for 11 years. I was round at her house and she was saying how she needs a “date” to take with her to the wedding and I laughed telling her to put herself out there and consider putting herself on a dating website (for context my mum and dad split when I was 13; messy breakup and I don’t really have a relationship with dad). My mum has been with the same person since the divorce (she met someone new) however she never let him move in with us as she told me and my sister she didn’t want someone to intrude in our lives - and preferred it just the 3 of us (and probably the fact we were both teenagers at the time/emotional age/took the split very hard). Anyhow she has been seeing this guy on and off for the past 14 years - he used to stay over at our house probably once a week and she used to go out with him and get drunk every weekend when I was a teenager whilst me and my sister would stay in. Anyhow this man has told my DM he never wanted to move in with her (even after me and my sister have grown up and moved out). They’ve had a very rocky relationship where he would give my mum NO affection, he stopped wanting sex (I overheard the conversations) and they split up about 10+ times. She would go a few weeks without speaking to him then they would get back together. So, 14 years on, they’re just friends, he never comes over to see my mum, they both just walk their dogs together and that is all. However she is still the same and goes through patches where “she isn’t speaking to him again” (this has happened over 15+ times) then she caves. I understand it is hard to cut contact for someone you have feelings for so I do feel sorry for her.

So I was at her home the other day where we were discussing my wedding next year and how she needs a date. After me suggesting a dating website I asked what the situation is between her and the other guy - she said “oh, we aren’t speaking and I won’t be speaking to him again. He speaks to me like rubbish and I’m not having it any longer”. I rolled my eyes and said “how many times have you said this mum, in the past 14 years this has happened time and time again. I hope you do stick to it, however I bet my house you don’t”. She replies “I will not speak to him again I bet £100 (jokingly)”. I said “ok well I hope not because you have been going round and round in circles for years and friends don’t do this to you, but I just know you will speak in a week or 2”. Her response was “you are marrying someone who cheated on you so who are you to give advice?!”

This was so hurtful. I have been with DH to be for 11 years, and yes, he did cheat on me 3 years ago which I nearly had a breakdown over, lost 2 stone and it honestly destroyed me. My mum was there for me at this time of my life and seen how bad I was. So for her to just say this I was astounded. I just said “okay”.

I have spoken to her since as I don’t want any trouble and she is back speaking to other man... I just said to her “oh ok why ?” And she said “because I needed my car fixed”.

She did the best she could for me growing up; I was not an easy teenager. But I remember we once had an argument and she called me a bitch in front of my friend.

This is a long thread but for her to be “exited” about the wedding then bring up mine and DH’s past has really hurt.

OP posts:
AnotherEmma · 10/08/2019 14:15

Um no based on the example you have given I don't think she is "toxic". There might be other examples and other issues in the relationship. Tbh you were criticising her and being kind of judgemental - you are probably right that her ex is not good for her but you need to have a bit more compassion about the fact that she can't/won't cut contact with him, exasperating though it is. My mum was single at my wedding and I know she found that a bit difficult - in the end she asked if she could bring a friend as a plus one and it worked out well. Perhaps you could suggest that to her.

Her comment about marrying someone who has cheated on you was harsh but I can see why she said it - firstly she felt as if you were criticising / judging her and secondly she is right. Sorry.

AnotherEmma · 10/08/2019 14:18

Also I think this is quite a strong reaction from you:
"she isn’t a nice person and just shouldn’t be a mum."
It seems unjustified based on what you've told us so perhaps there is more to the story that's influencing your feelings?

thumpingrug · 10/08/2019 14:19

You had a dig at her relationship, she had a go back at yours. Harsh, but not enough to be considered toxic. Let her know that you were hurt that she brought this up as its now water under the bridge and let it go. Focus on your wedding and I hope you have a great day.

teachermam · 10/08/2019 14:21

I don't think toxic just being defensive

MattBerrysHair · 10/08/2019 14:27

You were lecturing your dm on her relationship choices. No wonder she felt defensive. Her response was purposefully harsh because she wanted you to wind your neck in. I don't think it's a toxic thing to do, but neither of you were being very caring towards each other.

WhoReallyCares · 10/08/2019 14:32

You hit a nerve, she knows she's letting this man treat her like shit and is embarrassed by it. Don't ask questions about her relationship just leave the subject alone.

Summerunderway · 10/08/2019 14:33

Maybe she touched a nerve? I offer my adult dc advice if they request it. But I would be unable to hold my tongue if my dd had such little self respect...

swissmilk · 10/08/2019 14:54

You both snapped at each other, it's normal in most families.
I think what she said to you was hurtful yes, but it was true and she probably is concerned that her daughter is marrying a cheat, especially as it obviously was so hard for you to go through, she doesn't want to see that happen again.

rvby · 10/08/2019 18:23

You both sound like you dont respect each other much, and that you're both not great at relationships with men.

Don't misdirect your anger about your fiance cheating on you, towards your mum. He fucked you over, not her.

You were judgy about her friendship, she bit back with the truth (that you really have no place to judge her) and now you are sour about it...

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