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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

SILs Leaving Me Out

34 replies

Asvan · 31/01/2025 17:41

I would really appreciate some advice please.

Background - I'm early 40s and have always been quite a reserved person. I avoid any kind of conflict and confrontation and don't like kicking up a fuss. On the whole I am easy to get on with because I can be easily led. Sometimes I really don't like the way I am but don't think I can change my personality.

My DH has 2 brothers and both are married.

Sil1 is headstrong, confident and likes to get her own way. She has caused trouble between me and mil in the past so I have always kept her at arms length. We weren't best friends but have a cordial relationship. Her and bil1 moved abroad 6 years ago and since then we speak to each other a couple of times a year on birthdays and other occasions.

Sil2 is 2 x more headstrong than sil1 and she came into the picture after sil1 moved abroad. She likes to get her own way and will go to any lengths to do it. I got on quite well with her at first and she would constantly give me advice on how to stand up for myself etc. I found certain aspects of her personality difficult to digest and found her to be quite toxic and manipu especially when dealing with people she didn't like for one reason or another but she was always OK with me and I started seeing her as a friend. However, a few months ago she completely cut me out of her life after she didn't agree with me over something minor over whatsapp (first time I disagreed with her about anything). She sent me a series of very horrible messages and blocked me. I didn't even get a chance to respond. After that I've seen her a few times, tried to greet her but she just gives me the cold shoulder. When I was close to her she used to tell me about several people she had cut out of her life and always made out it was their fault so I'm sure she thinks this is all my fault. I've never had anyone cut me out of their lifel ike this before so this really upset me and I have almost been grieving our relationship. I just don't understand how we can be really close one minute and enemies the next (over a minor disagmeement).

Sil1 and sil2 had never met in person or had a phone relationship but a few days ago sil1 and bil1 came to stay at mils. They are staying for 10 days. I was planning to spend some time with sil1 and had messaged her about it before she arrived but now it seems like sil2 has taken over her whole itinerary. I've messaged sil1 a few times to ask when she would like to meet up but she always has something planned with sil2. I then see all their outings posted on sil1s social media. I don't know why but I feel really left out and hurt by this and feel like sil2 is doing this on purpose to get back at me. From what I knew of both of them I really thought they would clash and not get on but they appear to be getting on like a house on fire.

I'm really upset and don't know what to do but I'm sick of being a walkover. Should I just leave them to it or should I speak to sil1 about this? I'm afraid whatever I say to sil1 will get back to sil2 and it will only cause more trouble.

OP posts:
IsawwhatIsaw · 31/01/2025 21:02

You say you actually don’t even like them.
So leave them to buddy up together. Spend time with people you enjoy seeing.
And thats all you need to do.

Olika · 31/01/2025 21:05

You don't even like these two ladies. Let them do whatever they are doing. You should stop caring so much of what other people think and concentrate on what you want. They don't want to spend time with you and you don't really want to spend time with either of them for right reasons. Win win if you just leave them to it and get on with your life with people you actually like and who care about you.

Asvan · 01/02/2025 12:11

Thanks everyone for your responses, especially @MayaPinion . I can clearly see how sil2 lovebombed me and now she is doing the same to sil1.

I'm just going to sit tight and not do anything but I do realise that I need to work on myself.

OP posts:
Raininginparadise2 · 01/02/2025 12:17

They both sound hideous. You are worth more. Ignore them both and live your best life.

CrispyCrumpets · 01/02/2025 12:51

Agree with everyone else. They will probably fall out at some point. Then you will likely be the favourite SIL again! Keep them both at arms length and spend your time with those you genuinely like and care about, and who care about you.

MajorCarolDanvers · 01/02/2025 12:54

You don’t like them.

they are not nice people.

leave them to it. You will be happier without them.

category12 · 01/02/2025 13:19

Cover your arse by messaging something like suggested earlier in the thread: "Would love to meet up if you have time, if not hopefully next time!”

And then relax.

Asvan · 03/09/2025 23:10

Just came back to update and tell you all that you were right - both sils have had a MASSIVE fallout!

I've been doing a lot of work on myself and have realised that they are both best kept at arms length. One of them has been trying to get pally with me again but I'm just not going to get reeled into it. Life is so much better without either of them.

OP posts:
thepariscrimefiles · 04/09/2025 07:00

Asvan · 03/09/2025 23:10

Just came back to update and tell you all that you were right - both sils have had a MASSIVE fallout!

I've been doing a lot of work on myself and have realised that they are both best kept at arms length. One of them has been trying to get pally with me again but I'm just not going to get reeled into it. Life is so much better without either of them.

Good for you OP! Don't get sucked back in. They are both very shallow and probably incapable of having real friendships. Their former closeness with each other was performative and designed to make you feel excluded.

Ignore the SIL who is trying to get pally with you again. She would exclude you again at the drop of a hat if the other SIL came running. I'm sorry that your in-laws are so toxic.

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