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AIBU

A bit more thoughtfulness from adult son

(85 Posts)
Calendargirl Thu 13-May-21 14:36:26

Our DS mentioned a bit ago that when we can meet up properly, they have various decorating jobs need doing. DH always lends a hand when such jobs arise, also gardening projects, but it doesn’t work the other way round.

Love him dearly, but he can be quite self centred. He has a demanding job, studying for another degree and two teenage children, but sometimes think he doesn’t give us much thought.

Antonia Thu 13-May-21 14:28:02

I don't think many adult children would offer to help in that situation, and you did say that he had offered you the use of his bathroom. Maybe it would have been better to ask directly, for help with a specific job.

Kali2 Thu 13-May-21 14:27:01

Perhaps you should just ask for a bit of help this week-end. Just be honest, say you are exhausted and a hand would be really appreciated.

timetogo2016 Thu 13-May-21 14:23:50

I woudn`t take it to heart tbh,at least he was thinking of you.

J52 Thu 13-May-21 14:02:50

AC children can tend to focus on what they find important. I think it’s a left over from parent/ child days. For example how many times did we ask ‘ have you had a good day at school?’ Rarely did they asks us did we have a good day at work.
I’m sure he was keen for you to see something interesting.
As regards, cleaning the house have you thought of asking a cleaning company to do a one off blitz.

Namsnanny Thu 13-May-21 14:02:03

I have to say all my children have different levels of thoughtfulness towards us.
One I can rely on to be helpful in most situations. One I can rely on to be obstructive or unhelpful in most situations, and others of varying degrees in between!

It's such a joy when one of them shows they care through their thoughtfulness.
Not duty or habit just love.

Namsnanny Thu 13-May-21 13:56:40

I think an act of thoughtfulness is what the op actually wanted Hithere
The physical 'helpfulness' was secondary.
At least that's how I read it.

I would and have felt similarly to yourself Grandmadinosaur.

Sometimes all it takes is a chatty conversation showing someone cares.

Hithere Thu 13-May-21 13:51:49

He doesnt live with you, right?

Where did the remodeling idea come from? Yours, his?

What kind of assistance would you be expecting from him?

Newatthis Thu 13-May-21 13:48:56

Yes, adult children can be rather selfish at times. Does he know how exhausted you are? Have you asked him for help? You know sometimes we assume that people have crystal balls and can see us and our lives and really they have no idea and this could be the case. Ask him for help, you might be surprised at the response.

Grandmadinosaur Thu 13-May-21 13:45:31

We have just gone through a month of having various building work done in the house. Was completed yesterday and now the whole house needs a thorough clean. I’ve made a start this morning on a couple of smaller rooms and I’m done in. OH may be able to get away from his office tomorrow to break the back of it. Whilst interested in the work being done our DS only offered help in using his bathroom when ours was out of action. It’s been quite an upheaval and we are both shattered. He’s been a bit quiet textwise this week which doesn’t bother me too much as it works both ways sometimes - I’m not a demanding mum at all.
AIBU to be annoyed that he has just sent me a message to say a minor celeb he knows from Uni days is to be on a TV programme tonight that has a bit of a local interest. No are you both ok, need any help etc. I’m always on hand to help out with DGS when needed or in emergencies but getting rather tired of his selfish attitude. Sorry rant over.