Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

Where is ChopinandChampagne? LB update?

1000 replies

gianfrancogorgonzola · 07/11/2022 12:34

Really hope you see this C&C, I was following your other threads (name change a lot) and wanted to check in to see how you are.

🙏🏼

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
Billybagpuss · 30/12/2022 15:27

The earrings sound a great idea I hope you enjoy wearing them.

Wherearemymarbles · 30/12/2022 15:27

Hi Chopin,

re the French property I think you are perhaps looking at this from the wrong angle.
If you got hit by a bus yesterday LB/DD1 would inherit c£270,000. If you give them £100,000 then that can be the limit of their interest in the property and if you dont need the money you can give £350,000 each to dd2/3.
If they behave according to the script you have the perfect opportunity to tell them their avarice will be reflected in your will.

you can also have the whole process handled by a solicitor.In short you can play this to yours and DD2/3 advantage. Though I admit that getting one over on one of your children sounds somewhat callous and bit petty!

BadNomad · 30/12/2022 16:09

I agree with others. I do think, if DD&LB to try to make an issue of it, just give them the money and be done with them. Let that be what they would have inherited from you, have it documented that this is the arrangement, so that they can't try to get more money from your estate when the time comes.

XVII · 30/12/2022 18:54

I would add if they were to have the money there is absolutely no further need to pay for cows or fancy face cream or play dens for gc etc.

Billybagpuss · 30/12/2022 19:41

Wherearemymarbles · 30/12/2022 15:27

Hi Chopin,

re the French property I think you are perhaps looking at this from the wrong angle.
If you got hit by a bus yesterday LB/DD1 would inherit c£270,000. If you give them £100,000 then that can be the limit of their interest in the property and if you dont need the money you can give £350,000 each to dd2/3.
If they behave according to the script you have the perfect opportunity to tell them their avarice will be reflected in your will.

you can also have the whole process handled by a solicitor.In short you can play this to yours and DD2/3 advantage. Though I admit that getting one over on one of your children sounds somewhat callous and bit petty!

I’ll be honest this thought had occurred to me too. But it’s so hard for you to be in this position 💐

Nepoyeah · 30/12/2022 19:48

I agree with PP that suddenly in this thread it feels like you are really processing some things and getting a bit angry about some of them which is HUGE progress. Previously I have felt the anxious love radiating off the page almost as if you analysing your DD's own behaviour would drive her off in itself.

That's not a criticism because I am really in awe of your steadfast good faith in all of this. I do agree that some therapy would really help you discuss and process everything that's gone on. Though I think your counsellor really, really should not be telling you her problems - to me that is a crossing of boundaries that is inappropriate in the setting no matter how much you like and trust her. I have had similar in a therapeutic relationship - partially my fault because I almost 'charmed' us into blurred lines - but i stepped away from that therapist once I realised 'hang on - surely this isn't right!'

I have had a few therapists to deal with family issues over the years and I think going to the occasional different one can be liberating (I mean not because chopping and changing, just because there were years in between the therapists) and it was ultimately a course I had over some minor issues that was so unbelievably... well, therapeutic and calming and freeing because I finally accepted who everyone else was and their limitations and who I was and my limitations and so I was able to meet people in a different psychological space and it was very calming for everyone!

As in, if you got to a place where you could be 'I love you, I don't agree with all of your choices and I refuse to say that I do, but I wish all of you nothing but the best with the outcome of those choices' or 'I love you, but I have nothing left to spend on you as I worry our relationship could be transactional, but I still care about you and want to be in touch with you' then I think that could bring you a lot of serenity and emotional freedom. You cannot staunch the wounds with cashmere and nice candles and creams and boots and posh pyjamas and designer kids clothes and sheepskin slippers and ranges and cows. You can't staunch those wounds with any material goods at all, but if you continue to try to then you will always be open to opportunistic and avaricious people who will take advantage of you and you will always end up being hurt. Whereas if you could accept that you have done and given a lot and that they have a lot, then you won't be leaving yourself open to these broadsides big and small.

You have been wonderfully generous and kind to ALL of your daughters, but I also think that as they enter 'real adulthood' of their thirties, things can and should change. I often think children of affluent families can experience a bit of kidulthood in their twenties as realistically there is always a safety net there and a cushion protecting against life's hard knocks. Which is lovely, but personally some of the big hard knocks are the things in retrospect have made me grow and have the most self-respect for myself!.

I have seen with friends whose parents have automatically met the bills for weddings and career changes and childcare and schoolfees that sometimes it's like a little bit of them hasn't really developed, because they don't have to really, really think about stuff? But as a kind and generous mother, you should be able to give them the pride and dignity and develop the thoughtfulness to take YOU out to dinner, or a play or a concert, because if you don't in a way you're depriving them of an ability to properly grow up. It is such a pleasure to plan for and treat a beloved parent. So that advice is for ALL of your kids. But I also understand that having worked hard and come to a comfortable place, you want to help the next generations - of course. But it's okay to not meet every single need every time.

Really thinking of you, and thank you for continuing to share this as it is so thought-provoking and illuminating about human nature and I think many of us really have thought about you a lot.

BTW I am the pp who suggested they are inspired by some of the homesteading christian US blogs. Interestingly in those there is a HUGE emphasis on supporting and respecting mom and dad and intergenerational relationships and the fifth commandment. So let's see if any of that seeps in!

FINALLY on this epic post, I was just reading a fabulous escapist saga by the wonderful Susan Howatch - The Wheel of Fortune. I don't think it's her best, but the principle she expounds in it, is that life is like a wheel of fortune, always moving away or towards ones ends, or like a spiral where the relationship sometimes feels like it is moving irrevocably away, was very apt for you. You're spiralling away from her at the moment, but it's okay, because it's really quite likely you will spiral back towards her - and be in a slightly different place, but closer.

LittlePearl · 30/12/2022 19:49

Chopin, I just wanted to add my good wishes to the many others and say I hope 2023 will be full of good things for you, and that you will be able to navigate the challenges with your DD and LB with a steady heart and your head held high.

I have three adult children and, so far, have managed to establish good relationships with their other halves. I'm well aware, though, how many families have complicated and painful dynamics and I can only imagine how difficult it must be that your beloved daughter has caused you so much pain.

I think, as loving parents, it's very hard to admit that our children have unattractive personality traits, are deeply flawed, or are actually unlikeable. We naturally want to see the best in them, to believe in them, to keep forgiving, to absorb the body blows again and again.

But I also think there is peace in accepting that a situation is as it is, in being honest with ourselves, and in recognising that our children are their own people and not purely what we have made them. Your DD has intelligence, choices and freedom. She must make her way in the world, as you made yours.

I am convinced that she knows you love her so please rest in that certainty. What happens in the future is up to her.

Great idea about the crosses! I hope the jewellery looks good and brings you pleasure.

Wishing you every good thing for 2023. Keep posting, all the responders here care about you and your well being.

Welllookiehere · 30/12/2022 19:50

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

SirVixofVixHall · 30/12/2022 19:51

Before your comment about BPD I was going to say that your dd sounds as though she has some form of personality disorder. She does sound utterly lacking in empathy, and self reflection. There has been no change with motherhood and maturity.
I think you are doing all the right things. I hope you can allow yourself to let go of the worry and guilt, and know that you have done your best as a mother, you have reared her safely to adulthood with love and care, but that she is an adult and a mother herself now and responsible for her own life.

Glindara · 30/12/2022 19:51

I would get the big gun lawyers in to start with the first approach of it being a formality / rubber stamp signature to honour and respect her fathers wishes.

Lay on the facts and the emotion. I would give a tight turnaround for return.

If they obfuscate (and there is no other legal wriggle room) and demand £100k off you and not honour her fathers wishes - I would let them know that they sign or they forfeit any further inheritance for them or their DCs. They would be making an informed decision. They can do the maths.

Glindara · 30/12/2022 20:05

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Someone is enjoying themselves.

But sorry to burst their bubble. I have been in contact with C&C for a few years now directly, off MN and we have met in person. She has been an amazing support to me personally with her warmth, wisdom and compassion and I can verify everything that she been through.

ginandlemonade23 · 30/12/2022 20:07

Hi Chopin, just wanted to add to please be careful about writing pensions into trust. Pensions are already outside of your estate for IHT purposes but writing them into trust can bring them back into your estate. If you have a financial advisor it's best to discuss this with them

Rogue1001MNer · 30/12/2022 21:38

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

LadyEloise1 · 30/12/2022 21:43

Oh lordy - was there any truth in the post re Tattle ?
Sad

Glindara · 30/12/2022 21:46

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Nope.

You can ask MNHQ. I have been on here under multiple names for many years.

However I would value C&C as a sister as my own “sinisters” as I affectionately refer to them have caused tremendous pain - as per my posts on The Stately Homes thread.

BaublesandBangles · 30/12/2022 22:34

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Rogue1001MNer · 30/12/2022 22:45

@BaublesandBangles 🤣🤣🤣🤣👏👏👏👏

My prediction......

C+C won't come back to this thread,

But will reappear in a few months, when the newly cynical amongst us have hopefully buggered off.
They won't link this thread

I'm genuinely so upset

BaublesandBangles · 30/12/2022 22:47

I'm gutted. My pom poms need shaking baby!

Sunnydays0101 · 30/12/2022 22:49

What’s happened ?

CarpeVitam · 30/12/2022 22:55

🤔

BaublesandBangles · 30/12/2022 22:57

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Glindara · 30/12/2022 22:59

A team of troll hunters / sock puppets have descended to derail. MNHQ are on it - deleting one by one

BaublesandBangles · 30/12/2022 23:04

Glindara · 30/12/2022 22:59

A team of troll hunters / sock puppets have descended to derail. MNHQ are on it - deleting one by one

What a shame. And you knowing her off board too.

Rogue1001MNer · 30/12/2022 23:14

So far, mnhq have only deleted one post.

I wonder if this thread will still be here tomorrow 🤔

CarpeVitam · 30/12/2022 23:36

I don't think there's anything to indicate that this thread (as with the earlier threads) is anything other than genuine? 🤷‍♀️

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is not accepting new messages.