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Terrible relationship with DIL - am I the problem?

(9 Posts)
CelloPlayer Sun 19-Apr-26 09:46:48

My eldest, C (22 years old) started seeing his current partner, A (24 years old) three years ago.

I will be honest, I was, at first, not thrilled with the relationship. First, I was a bit jarred by the age difference. C was born in 2004 whereas A was born in 2001. I worried she might have an upper hand in the relationship, and her experience with life could place him in a subservient role, even though I've raised him to be an independent, assertive young man. Second, I am Korean, and I always imagined my sons - I have two boys, aged 28 and 24 - would end up with Korean women. I would ask him from time to time if he had met any cute Korean girls at university, and every time I would get the same response: "No mom, I have a girlfriend and she is white just like your husband is white." I did not think that was very respectful, but I let it go.

We had a lot of arguments over the years due to some unfortunate statements I made as I suspected the relationship wasn't serious... I may have suggested once or twice that it might be good for him to “keep his options open” since they were still so young. At one point C stopped speaking to me for a bit when I tried to explain that cultural compatibility matters and that Asian women are often better mothers, partners, lovers, etc. In my experience, that is the truth.
To be clear: I apologized if I offended A, as this was not my inten. However, my son and DIL have not been able to let these "rocky beginnings" go, unfortunately.

They eloped in early 2025. It was literally just C, A and their dog. I tried not to take this decision personally. That said, it is hard to come to terms with the fact that my own son did not want me to share this beautiful moment with them... I had to do some reflecting, especially in regards to what kind of mother (and mother-in-law) I had been over the last few years. So I have tried very hard to make things right since she got pregnant. I bought gifts, brought over homemade meals, sent articles about baby care, and apologized, time and again, if I had offended her. I explained myself and even offered some reflections on cultural differences, tips for how to make different worldviews work within a marriage. My husband is white, British born, so I have had plenty of my own experiences. Nothing worked... none of my affection or generosity was returned. It's like talking to a wall. But apparently I am the problem.

A had their son in March. My husband and I were not allowed to be present during the birth or even visit afterward because she "didn't feel right". I understood and respected that at face value, though I heard (from mutual acquaintances) that her parents were there the entire time. I didn't want to assume the worst, but it was more and more difficult not to feel singled out... In the meantime, I tried to be thoughtful, bought lavish gifts for both the new mother and the boy, offered homemade meals. He said they appreciated my effort... but she still "wasn't feeling OK yet", so I was not allowed to see the baby.

I saw my grandson for the first time last week. I felt this had gone on long enough and took initiative, took time off work, and let C know I would be coming by. I don’t think a grandmother should have to beg for permission to meet her grandson. Since this visit, however, C and A have been ignoring my messages and calls, not a clue as to what is going on on their side, as my visit was pleasant and everyone seemed content. A was looking radiant if a bit tired, and the baby was peaceful and calm when I held him.

Have I gone wrong? At this point, I am at a loss. I have reflected, apologized, made efforts, been generous, and shown nothing but love. Meanwhile, A continues to keep me at arm’s length while allowing her own family full access.

How can I get through to A and win her over so that I am allowed to care for my grandson and share special moments with him just like her mother does? Have any of you gone through anything like this?

Aveline Sun 19-Apr-26 09:54:26

For goodness sake stop. Just stop. They're all wrapped up in their baby and their own lives. Stop trying to force yourself into their lives. You are making this all about you and your feelings and opinions. Step back. Focus on your own life and wait to be invited to get more involved.

Pleasebenice Sun 19-Apr-26 10:08:08

I agree. You have over stepped so many times. It fells like you now feel entitled to see the child. You are not. Sending articles on child care. What were you thinking. If you want to fix this you need to back off. Send them a voucher for a takeaway and say you remember how hard it was. Offer to help if they need it. Send small thoughtful gifts to mum and baby and then just wait.

Grandmabatty Sun 19-Apr-26 10:13:23

If this is real and not a reverse, then, yes, you are the problem. You have crossed so many lines.

Luckygirl3 Sun 19-Apr-26 10:20:10

Heavens above! As we say here - you have made your bed and now you must lie in it .....

Sad though it is I do not see any easy way back from this. You may have to just accept it and develop your own life.

petra Sun 19-Apr-26 10:28:22

If your for real I wouldn’t let you come within a hundred miles of my children.
I hope for everyone’s sake you’re a BOT.

keepingquiet Sun 19-Apr-26 10:37:23

There are two threads on the same topic from the same OP. I am wondering if this is genuine?

HeavenLeigh Sun 19-Apr-26 10:52:11

I’m not sure if this is genuine but for goodness sake calm down woman what a controller you are, I’d certainly cut you off this can’t be real

crazyH Sun 19-Apr-26 11:02:21

Obvious culture clash.
You just don’t call in to see your grandson, just because you are driving by. Wait till you are invited.
We all say things that might ‘grate’ a bit. I have done it . But I always apologise, One d.I.l. is very forgiving, but the other isn’t. Tbh, we can’t do much about it.
I understand your situation. Hope things get sorted.