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Difficult DIL- time to deal with it?

(79 Posts)
Aggy21 Fri 18-May-18 11:54:29

My DIL has, over the last ten years, become more and more cold and prickly towards me and my DH. Very occasionally after we’ve met I’ve said to my son, was A ok yesterday? She seemed a bit quiet. And he’s just said, yes fine. He had also grown much more formal and distant towards us. She can be perfectly charming to other family members, who have also noticed the way she treats us. They have three sons. I am a very sensitive person who hates any kind of upset or atmosphere and over the years I’ve bent over backwards to be friendly and welcoming but lately I’ve become obsessed with this situation and it’s causing problems between me and DH because I obviously want to see the GC but he groans every time I suggest inviting them over because he hates the sour atmosphere and has to bite his tongue because I beg him not to rock the boat. What do other folk think-especially anyone with a counselling type background? Should I ask to meet her for a coffee and say that I think it’s important that we get along and is there any more I could do to help out with the boys? I certainly don’t want to start listing all the times she’s been weird with us and neither do I want start by asking her if we’ve done anything to upset her. We treated them recently to a long weekend away with us which was a nightmare. ( they go away regularly with her parents). She was moody, abrupt, bad tempered and obviously did not want to be there. I think that is what has brought matters to a head.

JeannieB44 Tue 03-Dec-19 10:20:00

This post has been so helpful. I have a lovely DIL and 2 GC. But the relationship is not easy. From the beginning her mother at her own admission has been obsessed with the GC. We are lucky we see them often but sometimes it's hurtful as we seem to be second best. I think that I do try too hard and the only one that hurts is me. The advice of backing off is very good but not easy. I do not feel talking to my son would help, he is more than happy to take no responsibility for arrangements and leaves everything to DIL. They tell us if there are any problems to tell them but in practice I do not think that would work out well. So head up, deep breath, smile and cry in private when it gets overwhelming.

Smileless2012 Tue 03-Dec-19 21:13:21

I think you're handling it the right way Jeannie and it's probably wise not to mention any problems, even though you've been told it's OK to do so.

Mommie6 Sat 07-Dec-19 10:00:08

Daughter in law issues.

One daughter in law is like a bully. Tells me what I needs to do. Yells at me if things aren’t done her way. Makes me feel small. But expects me to hand money to them. When she says so

Very much a drama queen

Other daughter in law loves to stir trouble. Gets just alittle info. And will twist things to cause. Big time drama.

Never had drama. In our house.

Both girls hate me.