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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

Managing things when a partner of a relative has a lot of psychological difficulties

5 replies

QuiteTricky · 21/02/2026 16:33

DB girlfriend has autism, adhd, ocd and rejection sensitivity. They’ve been together 4 years and have a dd. Any family get together they tend to avoid. If they do come it’s very difficult and they frequently leave early as she gets upset or overwhelmed.

it’s clear she feels threatened (from what I’ve read this is the rejection sensitive problem?) she seems triggered if DB talks to us or if she offers him something or suggests something and he declines she takes it personally. We are keen to help her feel more relaxed as things do seem worse than previously. It’s obvious she struggles being out or with a lot of people we were wondering about trying to pop round to them more individually so she’s not stressed out. DB said it’s a good idea but had to run through the rules (shoes off house, wash hands on arrival don’t wear outside coat if sitting on the sofa etc which is fine) I asked him is there anything else we can help with he said he will think and let me know.

Things do seem worse since their dd was born (maybe pnd?) I don’t want to overstep or make things worse but want to help the situation get better and not that they drift away from the family. Keen to also support DB as I imagine it can be hard at times.

Is there anything else I should / shouldn’t do? Or to be aware of ? I don’t want to push socialising onto her if she hates it but want to make the effort to ensure they are included and feel part of the family.

OP posts:
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 21/02/2026 19:00

Would it help to write a letter, explain that you truly want to make her feel at ease but that you are not sure how to? If she could be kind enough to give you guidance on how to make her feel welcome and keep it from being overwhelming, you would be really pleased.

Perhaps something about her always being welcome as she clearly makes your son so happy, and could she let you know how that would work best for her?

Maybe run it by your son before sending it.

mindutopia · 21/02/2026 19:06

Could you just invite them individually to yours? I think invading their house for a forced visit seems very stressful for them (hence all the rules). Invite them to yours, not a big family gathering. Or offer to meet at a cafe or go for a walk. Also can you not also just meet up with your db? I hate that Dh is reluctant to see his family without me trailing along to chaperone and do all the talking for him. I find it exhausting. So I often turn down invites. It’s totally okay for db to come on his own and I’d be encouraging that.

IDontLikeTuesdays76 · 22/02/2026 09:42

'she seems triggered if DB talks to us or if she offers him something or suggests something and he declines she takes it personally. '

Others may disagree but I think there may be a limit to how much you can support her OP, considering what you've written - in fact, it suggests DB may need support as this sounds quite controlling... I'd focus on supporting DB and offering to be there for him. If you're close, I'd mention perinatal mental health support. How old is the child?

Pollyanna87 · 22/02/2026 18:56

I’d be concerned your DB is in an abusive relationship.

toodleoothen · 22/02/2026 20:52

Well done to you for trying! I am a terrible person, I know but I would not have the patience and I would be urging my DB to run for the hills. This relationship doesn't sound sustainable for your DB or the extended family.

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