Girlfriend staying in the car 'with the dogs'

Apologising was brilliant. Son's mental health issues are his alone, none of the car incident goes to you.

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@Sara, It’s not about people being precious about their dogs. It’s about wanting to treat them and care for them properly. Dogs can die in cars when left alone.

I know many of you will not agree.
When you have pets, they become your family. They depend on you for health care, food, shelter, love, everything. They live with you 24/7.

It is not unusual to take care of them or "put them above" (as some of you have written) visitors you may have.

As a pet parent, I am not willing to out guests' wants and expectations above my pets' needs, regardless of the blood link we may have

Starlady is probably right, a lot of people are very precious about their dogs, probably more to do with them than you, but it could have been handed better

Mosaid, I'm another one who thinks you're doing very well. Also, I agree with MamaCaz that since DS has mental health issues, GF might have some, too.

"I only ever comment when her dogs win prizes at the dog shows. There is a lovely photo of the two of them with their dogs."

It sounds as if GF's dogs are very important to her and her lifestyle. That may be why she wouldn't leave them alone in the car, even long enough to just say "hello."

Ease up sorry

Mosaic,

You are doing great!

I would caution you against giving him presents that eases up your anxiety (re: dashcam for his taxi).
If he asked for it, well done! If he didn't ask or even hint about it, it could get misinterpreted as you not trusting him or overworrying - I am not saying that you do not trust him.
If that's the case, find ways to manage your anxiety instead of making him responsible for it

Mosaic I think it’s so wonderful how you’ve taken this bad day and grown from it.

Expectations really are hard to deal with on all sides of relationships.

Keep communicating openly, honestly and kindly and you will make the best of it.

My son starts with a new taxi firm this morning, I'm keeping everything crossed it works out for him. He was paying the other firm £150 for the car hire, £100 for the insurance - this firm is slightly cheaper. His girlfriend's Dad also works for the firm, I hope he looks out for him.

I do suffer with 'expectations' - I had never expected my son to be a taxi driver. It worries me that he is out on the road in all weathers, I have bought him a dash cam and hope he uses it.

My son lost his job three years ago through grief and I've been supporting him financially, at least he has started earning a living.

I am writing Friday off as a bad reaction day and hope we can all forget it.

I was surprised yesterday though - I am on Facebook and friends with his girlfriend and do 'follow' her posts as my daughter said it would be odd if I didn't. It's very odd - she has just posted a very effusive thanks to her parents for allowing them to stay at their caravan. They always go to her parents caravan, I've never seen her do it before. I only ever comment when her dogs win prizes at the dog shows. There is a lovely photo of the two of them with their dogs - and my son looks happy.
That's all that matters isn't it

I imagine they (or she) provoked you so you would overreact and be in the wrong

Goodness lilyflower are you deliberately trying to upset mosaic?
Never ascribe to misunderstanding that which you can attribute to malice, eh?

I imagine they (or she) provoked you so you would overreact and be in the wrong.

Yes loveOc I read it somewhere and I'm sure it's true.

KatyK, what a lovely saying! I will try and remember that as I really struggle with some people who are really unkind and hurtful.

I agree MamaCaz I believe there are very few people who do these things to deliberately hurt others. There is a saying - be kind - everyone you meet is struggling with something.

I have a feeling that there could be more to this than any of us, including the OP know.

mosaicwarts, you mention that your son has mental health issues, which I imagine has caused you a lot of anguish. Please bear in mind that it's possible that your DiL might also have such problems.
I am only saying this because of something that happened in our own family some years ago, where one inlaw refused to get out of the car when 'attending' a family event. Eventually, that person agreed to enter the house, but all except the person whose big birthday was being celebrated (plus partner) had to remain in the garden or another room. At the time, it caused a huge amount of (largely unspoken) upset (especially to me, who had organised the celebration for one of my parents), but since then we have learned of the previously hidden/unacknowledged mental health issues that were behind it.

It's just possible that your DiL struggles with issues of her own and simply couldn't face you, for reasons that are beyond her or your control

Oh yes I agree Starlady but the fear of being cut out or having contact reduced, be it real or imaginary, is giving some AC a blank cheque isn't it.

They can treat their parents like shit rubbish and get away with it.

Usually when our DD visits us, the first thing she says is ' can't stop, just a flying visit' .

I think it was rude and disrespectful to sit in the car.

yes I think the dogs are a red herring. Your son's girlfriend is rude and your son is tolerating it. Perhaps she has the upper hand...perhaps he just wants a quiet life. But we all know it's not on. Not respectful. Not kind. Don't apologise too much

Selling your house is always such a mess of emotions.

I wasn’t trying to keep at it, just offering other reasons. We truly never know others intentions. I just prefer not to assign malice when there might a reasonable explanation.

Keeping you in my thoughts mosaic. Try to get out and do something you enjoy today

You're very welcome, mosaic.

I know how stressful selling a house can be. Been there, done that!

Sorry about DS' mental health issues and how it affects your relationship w/ him. Hope things go better from now on.

Thank you for all your kind comments and support. I can't believe I made such a drama of it now I've had time to reflect.

Trying to sell the house for the past nine months has been extremely stressful and I need to take stock.

Unfortunately my relationship with my son is very delicate because he has mental health issues, I really appreciated all your input.

Thank you.

Points well-taken, Smileless. But, IMO, parents have to realize that they are taking a risk if they deliberately crack one of those eggshells (NOT saying that's what you and Mr. S did, this is in response to what Saggi may be suggesting). If they're willing to take the risk of being distanced or if they believe they will actually feel freer that way, then I can see going ahead and cracking that shell. But if they'd rather continue their relationship w/ their AC and any GC (mosaic doesn't mention GC, of course), despite having to bite their tongues, etc., that's a different story. But if they're aware of it, they can make the choice.

OP only seeing the girlfriend eight times in eight years though?
Seems a strong message may be being sent out by girlfriend or perhaps the son too?
Try and not mind as much it is possible to do so. Your son visits you, show you are pleased to see him and forget the rest.

I’ve just noticed something I (and I think others missed). It sounds like OP was invited to lunch but said she didn’t feel well.

GF might have been trying to avoid getting ill.