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Problem Solving => Daughter in Laws and/or Son in Laws => Topic started by: artlady on June 10, 2012, 11:34:42 AM

Title: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 10, 2012, 11:34:42 AM
This is an update. I spent the night with DD/ SIL and Gs this week. I was so pleasantly surprised at how gracious he was and nice. If you didn't see past post he was in the hospital a week or so ago for a blood clot in the portal vein of his liver. I'm not sure if the blood clot or the baby or both have maybe made a change in him but he reminded me of the guy before the wedding then the one from the reception til of late . He has lost right much weight( not really fat to start with), has to have blood work every week, on cumadin and will see specialist in Oct ( the earliest they could see him) Being that it is rare all of his work has been sent to Mayo. He is only 36 and had a clot in his leg, in 04.  His dad and step mom were coming up that week anyhow for a doctor appt for her so it was not a special trip to the hospital but dropped in when he got home that day from their appt , DD said they were very cold and their main concern was the pics on Facebook( someone told them about from my page) that they had not been shared with them . They have not called back to see how he is or come back. So all in all he should see we are supportive , I send card, text etc to him to let him know we were here for him. I was going up to stay with DD but he was coming home that day , she had to take baby to hospital as she didn't have enough milk to leave him so she had it under control and I was working the first two days he was in so he knows i was coming .  So all in all I have been praying things would change but not by an illness, so i do hope things will turn out OK  for him and that maybe we can all start to heal. DH is still a bit holding back , still hurt . 
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: Beth 2011 on June 10, 2012, 11:41:02 AM
Hope all goes continues to go well for you all.  Wishing you continued peace and happiness and hope that SIL makes a quick recovery.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: lancaster lady on June 10, 2012, 12:22:16 PM
Your love and support will shine through , and he will see you for the kind loving person you are .
Having a baby is like shock treatment for some men and women , they take time to recover .
Sorry your SIL is unwell and wish him a speedy recovery .
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: luise.volta on June 10, 2012, 02:32:10 PM
Sometimes something horrific like this is what it takes. Not anyone's choice...but values and priorities can shift as a result. Here's hoping! Sending love...
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: Scoop on June 11, 2012, 08:03:25 AM
Artlady, something just came to me.  When DH and I were engaged, we had to take a pre-marital counseling class at church.  One of the strongest lessons I learned was that there would be times in our marriage when we would be IN sync, but also times when we would be OUT of sync.  Such that times when we've had differences  I chalked up to us being "out of sync" instead of assuming that we were drifting apart forever.

Imagine if we thought of that with all of our relationships?  Such that your SIL and you were in a period of being out of sync, instead of him having changed.

And now, you can take it as a learning experience, when he's in a high-pressure, life changing situation (marriage, baby, etc), THIS is how he reacts.    At these times, he wants MORE control and more input / consideration.  It will help your future relationship if, when he gets "like that", you can shrug it off, NOT take it personally, and wait until you're back "in sync".

 
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: Pooh on June 11, 2012, 08:06:39 AM
That's just wonderful!  I hope this is a fresh start for all of you.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 11, 2012, 11:06:21 AM
I hear you Scoop my only thought on that is that I think he was on the path of how he was until this illness came along and with looking at his future with new marriage and baby might have been a whisper from above to him. He has been out of sync so long with his own family I don't' think his syncs come and go LOL. So I'm praying this is a new beginning for us all , including his family , although they didn't seem to let up on fussing about unimportant ( but to them it was way too important) Facebook posts/pics they didn't have . I'm going to do all I can to be as supportive as I can being a cancer survivor at 26 from a very rare and deadly cancer , I know how that wake up call can come at an early age , change your outlook on life. So if we are supportive and his own family is not then we will be the bigger adults in all of this . I 'm just keeping my hopes up . Now back to cleaning that has been waiting for months , the heavy duty stuff I hate . Hugs to all, anyone bored you can come help me   
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: elsieshaye on June 11, 2012, 11:51:15 AM
Quote from: artlady on June 11, 2012, 11:06:21 AM
He has been out of sync so long with his own family

Artlady, isn't his family the bunch of yobs who showed up and started complaining about pictures on facebook while he was deathly ill, or am I misremembering?  If I'm remembering correctly, it doesn't sound like being "in sync" with that bunch would be a very healthy thing to be, so I don't know that using his relationship with his own family is a good benchmark for his overall relationship skills, KWIM? 
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 12, 2012, 09:55:33 AM
Oh yes they are the ones that pulled the Facebook complaints, but they were told if they wanted pics then if they asked for them they would send them but they never asked and the trip to see him was because they were in the area for a doctor appt for stepmom anyhow. They do not go out of their way for anyone but themselves. He got no skills from his side as it appears , his dad even told dd that when the baby was making ugly faces he got that from his mom ( DD). She didn't like that one and the fil thinks he is making jokes but he has always been known as the most sarcastic person in the world. ( so apples don't fall far  but we hope this one is bouncing back). Thanks
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: pam1 on June 12, 2012, 11:28:58 AM
I agree with Elsiehayes.  From the way you have described his family it makes sense that he has problems with them.  I think any healthy adult would and would probably limit their time with people like that.  However, that is his relationship with his family and not to sound too harsh, he made those decisions for a reason and I don't think it has anything to do with you and his relationship.  That is separate and I assume that as a grown man he thinks through things individually, not a lump sum of relationships.  Just my take.

Sounds like everything is going well though!  Good for you!
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 13, 2012, 06:39:37 AM
True and I just wish his dad and stepmom could be better as I feel all he needs to know from them is that that care and love him but at this point I don't' see that happening , especially his dad , I think he wants that relationship but his dad doesn't seem to care. Breaks my heart as that happens it seems a child only needs to feel and know that a parent loves them and sometimes that can heal so many things . This being his dad's first grandson i would have thought he would be more involved but he hasn't so that is hard to take and to see. SIL has some emotional scars from all of it so we just have to accept it as it is . I do hope things stay on the upward track and that he can get through this illness without much problem for the future.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: herbalescapes on June 15, 2012, 05:58:52 AM
I hope his health continues to improve and your relationships, too.   Good luck.  If you and DH are at different speeds in the relationship, that's ok.  You can't blame DH for being a bit cautious - once bitten twice shy, mutliplied.  Keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 18, 2012, 05:43:04 AM
Now I'm glad I didn't get my hopes up too high , although I was getting there only to be bumped back to reality again. DD said they were trying to decide whether to come on Sat or Sun for Father's Day. Well guess what neither happened. So now DD says they will come this coming Sat. I"m to the point I"ll believe it when i see it . I have all ideas that the reason for this is that they want to avoid the brother of SIL at his dad's house so the trip was moved. So now they r going to do both houses in one day which i think will be hard for both the SIL and the baby ( as it will be his first trip at 5 months ) . WE are 70 miles from them and the SIl's dad is another 25 south of us .  So I think for them we should put all holidays, birthdays etc on one day of the year so they can at least do them lol 
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: luise.volta on June 18, 2012, 10:26:17 AM
In my long life, I have seen logistics often as a mask. When my intention is a positive one, logistics can be surmounted. That may not be true for others, but I have seen it time and time again in my own behavior. I used logistics as an excuse to get around relationship issues. It's a place I had to learn to tell the truth...at least to myself. Sending love...
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 23, 2012, 11:48:49 AM
well now he is back to the other 360 degrees. Came today for a visit with DD and GS( belated ) Fathers Day, never spoke to DH until he was leaving and just said " bye'. Sil really didn't have much to say to anyone , so he was back to his old self. I knew I didnt' need to get my hopes up that he had changed but I just thought maybe with the baby and the illness he was seeing things differently . So we are back to the same old same old SIl .
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: Pen on June 23, 2012, 11:54:29 AM
I know you're grateful that you were able to see your DD & GC. We can't expect our AC's spouses to interact w/us. I'm glad my DIL is more willing to accept DS's desire to see his FOO from time to time. If she sits & plays w/her phone the entire time, so be it.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: lancaster lady on June 23, 2012, 12:03:29 PM
Looks like that's just how he is . At least you saw your DD and gs , my DH comes across as moody sometimes , people just say , that's just how he is . I just go my own way and get on with things . It's really me.they.come to see anyway , LOL  .
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: Doe on June 23, 2012, 12:11:50 PM
Your SIL got the wife he wanted by being who he is, didn't he?  Why would he change?

That other SIL that you are hoping for is probably not going to show up.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 23, 2012, 01:06:48 PM
yep just hard to see the SIL we have now vs the one we had for 4 years till the wedding day. LL my DH is a real softy but SIL has really been so rude that DH is no longer reaching out to hug him, greet him etc, he is hoping ( which i think won't happen) he will change. It is like the counselor said he has one of those " prickly personalities " and that is just how he is .  Oh the gs was so sweet and he is growing . I'll babysit for them next Saturday night ( i offered a week ago, mainly hoping they would go to a party for her college roommate who is marrying a cousin of ours that I introduced her too thinking they would be great together, so far DD hasn't gone to a thing for her ) so they r going and I'm sitting   , yahoooooooooooo. . On top of that DH had been working in yard a bit prior to them coming , so before they left I wanted to get a pic of him with baby. DD asked was he going to change shirt/ take a shower i said no he is fine , not really realizing it was not that he was dirty etc it was that he smokes ( not in house ) . So when they were getting ready to leave ( he had not heard dd's and mine conversation just before ) I wanted him to get pic made , he was coming over to get gs, she asked was he going to change his shirt, he said no , she well you have smoke on it , . Oh well he said never mind I won't hold the baby( but he has held him at her house and she never said that but the SIL wasn't there either).  So he said I smoke so , just don't worry about it . It hurt his feelings so bad, he understands the thought behind it but this is the first time he had seen the gs in 3 months , was only going to hold him briefly ( had played with him in the walker) . So now she is sending all kinds of texts, saying she is going to call him, didn't mean to hurt his feelings , so now I'm in the middle of it again .   when does this end ?  So the visit didn't end that well , as I knew DH's feelings were hurt.  Then for the Sil only acknowledge him went he was walking out the door .  Another bump in the road, looking for the newly paved spot soon
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: Begonia on June 23, 2012, 02:00:42 PM
AL: Good for you with the sweet baby!!!

I understand about the smoking thing as both a non-smoker now and a smoker a lot of years ago.  My DD and SIL smoked (still do) when GK were babies and I would just cringe to smell their clothes, even clean from the suitcase. Smokers and people who live with smokers are pretty immune to this smoke smell; I know my DD and SIL did not realize that it permeated everything and I didn't when I smoked. But you sound like how I used to be, trying to make peace with everyone and taking on the responsibility for everyone to be happy.  That's impossible, as you know.  The smoking deal is between your DH and DD, I would let them figure that one out on their own. I would nicely say, "This is between you and your dad," and the same to your DH.  It's a battle you can't win, no matter. 
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 23, 2012, 05:01:33 PM
thanks Begonia, i did text her back as she was sending one right from the car when they left. Strange though she didn't say a word to him about not holding the baby 2 months ago when at her house and hubby was at work, but today she did. well she said she was going to call later, I'd be rich if i kept up with the times she has said she was going to call. She never does anymore . DH smokes on deck or outside , not in the house . I use to smoke . So I understand both sides but it just hurt his feelings so much. Didn't help to have this SIL sitting there not talking to anyone hardly. Glad it was a short visit as I was having trouble trying to keep from feeling the elephant in the room.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: pam1 on June 24, 2012, 01:47:22 PM
artlady, can you help me out a bit?  Since you've been posting here you've talked about your SIL and being rude, but I have not seen you state some examples other than he doesn't like to hug (which I consider somewhat subjective - not rude) and he doesn't talk very much at times.  Is he doing something beyond this that I've missed in your postings?

If not, it sounds to me that it is just plain ole differences.  SIL sounds like he is under a lot of scrutiny by you and I wonder if he has picked up on that or as well, if your DD has and that is why you're getting mixed messages from her.  I say this from my own experience, my DH picked up on his mothers intense scrutiny of me and our marriage and *he* felt uncomfortable for me.  As well, your SIL just had a baby, pretty serious illness and yet drove to your home.  I think that what he does do is going a bit unappreciated and as well, this added pressure to be more talkative. 

Maybe I'm way off base, it's just how I have been reading your posts.  I know that putting myself in their shoes that it would be difficult and I think that is the last thing you are going to want them to feel when it comes to visiting you, they will distance.  Most people will when things become more difficult.

Have you thought of any solutions for yourself, artlady?  Ones that don't involve other people changing?  What can you do to help yourself feel better?
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: tryingmybest on June 24, 2012, 02:50:46 PM
People really sense when they are being judged. iMO the best way to go is have no expectations, zippo. Surround them all with love and let them find their way, but sorry I've got to agree with your daughter about the smoking and your DH's shirt. the toxins on the fabric are called "third hand smoke", I wouldn't want a baby exposed to it either. May-be your daughter felt stronger establishing a boundary on the that particular day, and that's a good thing, she's asserting herself.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: Begonia on June 24, 2012, 05:49:58 PM
I think you are right about feeling like "an elephant in the room."  (Not meaning you are an elephant). And if you feel it, then everyone does, especially SIL since he is not a birth member.  I have been in these situations where I am the elephant and where someone else is (like the drunk person) and everyone just wants to go home...lol.  Something that helps me is to draw a circle and put myself in the center, then draw lines to how close or how far from you others are. This sometimes comes out way different than I think.  Just a thought. 
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 24, 2012, 06:16:21 PM
Pam, he did his 360 degree turn around for all to see at the wedding , he was mad , mad at DD , he even left and came back. anyone who said anytying to him got how mad he was over the mascot dancing with DD and the bridesmaids doing a little dance and taking DD on the dance floor. So from there it has been down hill, he avoids all friend and family functions, doesn't talk to anyone , you have to talk to him , then he is very cold. He has said ugly and rude things to us , we have been as good as gold to him, catering to him at everyone expense to make sure he is happy because if we don't' then i get emails and texts from DD wanting to know why no one is talking to SIL. It is hard to carry on a conversation when that person clearly doesn't like you , respect you or want to talk to you. So the hospital was what really put us in a really bad place , my first gc with only child , have 2 step gs.DD called us afterwards, when we got there it was very evident he didn't want us there, never spoke to us , acknowledged us . WE are not bad people , quiet the different , very loving , big hearts and want so bad for him to want to be apart of this family . So when he said two times he thought he was time for both of us to leave , as the baby was crying and i had mentioned might be good for us to leave ,now mind you we had only been there 30  minutes ( this was 5 hours after we had been there that morning so we give them lots of space ) . We only visited about 30 minutes that morning when we arrived. DD was texting saying we hadn't visited enough or had enough time , where were we? No I don't' think he feels the scrutiny from me as I am myself always in front of him, joking , laughing , talking like there is not a problem so to keep things happy for all and especially for DD. Now DH has closed up as he has had SIL"s silent treatment long enough , the counselor said if he isn't talking them don't push him to talk so to follow his lead, so DH is doing that. It is not just with us , he does it with everyone that is visiting us. Oh he was so talkative when i was up there 2 weeks ago, nice as he could be to me , i was in shock, so I was hoping the SIL came to our house but the old one was back. Oh I'm going to be distancing myself , that is for sure . I've got lots of things i can do and I was doing great til the visit as I'd given to God and my heart was feeling so much better.I agree with you about the smoke , we understand but I think it was confusing for it to happen when before it was fine . we are fine with it but hope she knows there are other friends and family that smoke so hope she sticks to her guns. that is fine it was just the surprise and all i wanted was that special pic for memories but not going to happen. Worry about the bonding with DH.TMB  I do show them both love , bend over backwards to do for them , I'll be going up to spend the night and babysit this weekend, I offered knowing about a party they had been invited to. So yes i do all i can , but I'm letting go after this weekend they have to find their way and I've got to heal my heart. The stress from it all has caused my illness to flare up worse so now i feel like hot acid is running in feet and legs. Not fun.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: pam1 on June 24, 2012, 07:25:25 PM
Artlady, thanks for the explanation.  I do remember you talking about the wedding incident before, however, I took that as more of a clash - rather than rude behavior. 

In fact, with more of your explanation I kind of see a pattern with you and SIL.  These are all clashes on major events, mostly ones that are big for him and DD, in fact.  Could it be more of a culture or personality clash rather than rude behavior directed toward you? 

I don't think you're wrong and he's right, I do think it's more complicated than that.  Without his input you probably won't ever know the exact reasons.  But from what you're saying, both you and he have very different ideas of how things are supposed to go - in particular, how things are supposed to go that are big for him. 

All in all, I just don't think it's very good for you to concentrate on some of these things.  They can easily take on a life of their own and that's a road no one wants to go down on.  I also agree with Begonia, if there is an elephant in the room, most likely everyone is feeling it.  Because they act different in regards to the elephant, it doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing and maybe it's better if you reframe it in your mind that it's not bad on his part.

Just for example, my MIL would complain that I was punishing her when I would pull away.  (I learned early on that I couldn't talk to her for various reasons) Usually, when I pulled away I was too angry to deal with her.  I used to wonder if she'd prefer my angry, nasty presence over what I saw as a nice, polite distance until everything cooled down.  In hindsight, I think she would have liked angry me around, that's just how she is.  Nothing mean or untoward meant to her, that was one of our clashes however.  I saw my pulling away as the only polite thing left to do. 
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 24, 2012, 08:49:47 PM
Pam just so it is easier to understand , I"m the only one that he joins in a conversation with , that is why i feel the elephant. I laugh, talk , so interest in what he has to say , when he does talk , so I've done everything in my power to be myself , keep the peace and not to let on that my feelings are hurt . His family doesn't have the family closeness , traditions etc that we do so he is not use to the togetherness, the outgoing as they are more on the introverted side. I hug him bye and hi and sometimes he is the one that hugs first, but there are times he doesn't hug and I just don't step the line . To give you an idea when they drove up Saturday, DH was in the front yard working on a bush ( trimming) DD got out of car went over hugged him , SIL just walked on in the house . This SIL and DH were so close before the wedding closer . DH was a close to him as his own sons and looked at him that way , SIL looked up to DH and seemed to just adore him as he was getting Love and attention from DH that his own dad never gave him and still doesn't really act like he cares . DH/sil played golf, fished , emailed , text ed, shared. grill info , called . SIL wanted dh to stand up with him at the wedding after he walked DD down the aisle even with his own dad as best man. So this is and has really been super hard on dh, he feels he has lost a son and best friend and we along with everyone else at the wedding that saw how mad he got just can't believe it and no one still thinks it was from the mascot dance , but we have no clue what sparked the anger. DH has no clue but since then he has not been at all close to DH and has taken a while to warm back up to me but I kept reaching out to him over , and over and over, . DH has done the same but he can't get him back and so now he is done . So it breaks my heart . WE care about him and know we can't replace his dad but DH can and would love to fill that gap , where the pain is from how his dad treats him( we know his dad ) and I can't replace his mom ( she died 12 years ago) but I'd be there for him if he needed a mother figure ( his stepmom rides a real broom , we know her too ). I'm worn out right now , so I'm going to let them find their path, I've got to take care of me , Dh , other 2 gs and family so I can't ruin my health with all the issues. I'm just hoping and praying his medical issues turn out to be good and will not be a life long situation for them . Thanks for listening as this is the only place I can feel down, truly vent ( i do have close friends and family but don't 'want them to know how low I can get they will worry) as I'm always the one cheering everyone up, making them all laugh and look like i dint 'have a care in the world. I"m good at the happy face , very good .
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: tryingmybest on June 25, 2012, 04:39:09 AM
I'm going to pop in one more time with a clarification. It sounds as though you've seen some serious red flags here. When I saw have zero expectations I don't mean distance yourself from your daughter and grandchild, I mean don't expect him to be any different then he is  It sounds as though he may either be having a hard time dealing with a close family, or want to isolate your daughter from the kind of support he never had. The fact is the closeness and connection he allowed before the wedding may not have been genuine, and you and she may be seeing " the real guy" now . if that's the case the worst thing you can do would be to pull away from her. I would stay close and keep my eyes open but don't spend a lot of emotional energy on him.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: Pooh on June 25, 2012, 06:42:19 AM
I found with my OS/DIL, the first two years of issues, I kept saying, "They do this...They do that....I am always nice, polite, helpful, non-intrusive, etc."  I wasn't wrong...it was the truth.  I'm not perfect by any means but I as putting forth all the effort.  It took me two years of it to finally get it.  It didn't matter what I did or how I was with them, I was expecting them to be a way that they were not.  I don't have to like how they are, I don't have to agree with how they are but I had to learn to accept that was how it was and nothing was going to change until they decided.

I understand AL your position and where you are at.  I truly do.  I do think you are going to have to reach that place where you let DD worry about her life and SIL and you just enjoy your time with GC.  You will have to do this for yourself and your DH.  It's hard with SIL causing tension on visits by being aloof, but don't worry about it.  It's his choice.  Spend your energy with GC and don't worry about him.  I think you need to have a heart to heart with DD and tell her that you love her, you will support her, but can't be her sounding board for her marital, finanacial, etc. issues any longer.  It's dragging you into the middle and making you worry too much. 

I spent way to much effort and energy figuring out what OS/DIL's problems were.  Pssshhh...let them figure it out.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: NewMama on June 25, 2012, 06:51:46 AM
AL, you remind me very much of my own mom...she's a worrier, to the point where it adversely affects her health. She tends to take on other people's stress as her own. I wish for her own health she wouldn't get so worried about things she has zero control over.

I've read a lot of your posts, and from what I gather you had a good relationship with your SIL until the wedding when this mascot thing (that I'm still not sure I understand) happened. If your SIL is the kind of person who's organized, carefully plans/researches and doesn't care for surprises, there's a pretty good chance that may have done some damage to his trust in you. DH and I meticulously planned our wedding and if someone had hijacked it, neither one of us would've been very happy. It may seem like it's not a big deal to you but maybe it's not about mascots and maybe more about the fact that you blindsided him with something on his wedding day. If you're a go with the flow kind of person, it's hard to understand why someone who doesn't like surprises would get upset about that. That's just a personality difference.

Wanting him to look to you and your husband as sort of surrogate parents is your expectation, and clearly not something he wants. As long as you keep holding on to that expectation, you're going to be disappointed. His tumultuous relationship with his dad/sm is his business, and not something you should be worrying about.

And just about the hospital thing with your gs - I'm a nurse who works in that setting. I frequently see new parents who put off attending to theirs and their baby's needs in order to entertain visitors. I've had moms who won't breastfeed their crying babies because there are visitors present (whether it's friends, GPs, aunts, uncles etc) and won't tell them to leave for fear of being rude. We encourage dads to be 'bouncers' - tell the visitors to leave if baby needs to eat, mom needs to sleep, etc. And if they're not comfortable doing that, we'll step in and do it if they ask. I often end up trying to calm down a new mom at about 3 o'clock in the morning when she's hysterical crying because she hasn't slept all day due to visitors. It's quite possible that wasn't about him not wanting you there, and more about him trying to get probably exhausted and overwhelmed new parents some quiet and rest.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: Doe on June 25, 2012, 07:54:42 AM
Quote from: artlady on June 24, 2012, 08:49:47 PM

"..I'm going to let them find their path, I've got to take care of me , Dh , other 2 gs and family so I can't ruin my health with all the issues. "

Great idea!  By the way, my DH is not at all comfortable hugging people he isn't related to, especially men.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: Pen on June 25, 2012, 08:07:07 AM
AL, be grateful your SIL isn't preventing contact between you and DD/GC. It could be way worse. He sounds like a difficult guy to deal w/ but fortunately you don't have to very often.

That's how I now view my DIL - as long as I can communicate/see DS every now & again, I'm happy. If she's there, fine. If not, fine. If she's present but not communicative, no big deal. I refuse to buy into her sulking & manipulating anymore - I was giving too much power to her. Time w/DS is precious to me & I'm not going to ruin it worrying about DIL's mood; that's DS's job. If she has a real concern about me and voices it in an adult manner, I will honor it, but her silent treatment/standoffish behavior doesn't affect me anymore. And I no longer accept rudeness, either. So there!

It used to make me sad, thinking about what could have been. I'm kinda over it, moving on, getting healthy.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 25, 2012, 08:19:49 AM
Pen, I can do that and I have been as I go to visit for day visits when he is at work but sometimes he comes home for lunch. I was just up for overnight and I will go this Sat to babysit and spend the night. I can handle the non communicating better than DH, it drives him up the wall. DH is outgoing , loves everyone and enjoys guests in our home . So very hard for him. I do better I think if maybe in the future he does as he has been ,DD comes alone but with baby so far that has happened. Counselor said if he isn't talking don't talk to him, if he opens up and talks talk to him but don't' try to get him to talk more or he'll back up. Just follow his lead.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 25, 2012, 08:44:15 AM
Pen just to clarify he has never shut me out , no problem talking to me it is to others he won't carry on a conversation when he is around them.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 25, 2012, 08:45:42 AM
oops Pen now there have been occassions he doesn't talk to me either but those are times you can tell he is p----- off about something , or whatever, I just ignore it but it still hurts like the dickens.
Title: Re: Another 360 degree turn
Post by: artlady on June 26, 2012, 11:42:23 AM
Clarifications
Begonia- I did tell her it was between she and DH. WE all talked DD, DH and me as usual, he didn't talk and there has not been a personality clash .
Pam- He showed his temper , mad at the wedding to all
TMB- Yep the red flags worry me and you have it , isolation is the main word along with control
Pooh_ I'm focusing on Gs, cherish those times, keeping a little protection around my heart though, just wish for respect from Sile , ( although he is nice to me on a one on one ) , can accept the way it is with respect not rudeness.
NM- You got my number , like your mom, always been a worrier , fixer and make others happy at the expense of my own. Something happend prior to mascot/ bridesmaids dancing we don't 'know and may never know .WE paid for it all even some of his parents expenses for rehearsal not to count they got the place for free due to DH's connection with golf course. SIL's parents have yet to thank us , nor did SIL. They were very involved and alllowed to do however they wanted for the wedding , no problem , it meant less for me to do to have them do it . ( I just wrote the check , not cheap). now we know he is a life long grudge holder and our fear is we might be on the list , we don't want to be .Hospital we only stay about 20 minutes for 3 visits spread over 2 days, most of our time was spent in the motel are finding an eating place or going to the mall. His rudeness and words kept us at bay, I truly dont' think he wanted us there at all , was shocked to see us as dd called when he was out of the room with gs getting a little tlc ,she was alone for 4 hours after birth , she wanted us , kept calling to see how far how far we were ( 70 miles away). He made mention to her comment in front of me , as she checked numbers for day and night calls , that he hadn't read that gps are called and that was up for discussion ( i knew then no call ). I think he was mad we were there . Didn't want to have to call his parents either i guess. So his harsh words , and DD tried to make light of them , by a nice comment to soothe it , we felt very uncomfortable . So hopefully I've covered all the posts back . As I'm just picking myself up , dusting off and getting ready to go forward again . I was doing good until they came last Saturday, now I"m slowly getting up again from that ordeal.