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Pawning Off Decisions

Dads_Wife's picture

Hey All!

Things have been good on the SD front - we have a general understanding of each other and both have our own boundaries. It works well. This blog is more of a DH problem/complaint.

So due to covid, we haven't seen SD since December. Everytime we try to see her, there are travel restrictions and all other sorts of things. We are in New England, and she is in the south. I have plans to meet half way to pick up both SD and MIL for a visit next weekend and dropping them off a couple days later. This is not a covid discussion - we have mitigated risks and made appropriate decisions for our family and our work place in regards to 'outsiders' coming in to our 'covid crew.'

We originally chose driving because it's obviously the safest. MIL insisted on coming because 'she misses her babbbbyyyy' (whatever). MIL calls on Tuesday night asking if they could fly (she doesn't want to be in the car for 8 hours) and what are my thoughts. I said, this is a question for SD, DH, and BM, that it was their decision, not mine. Regardless of driving or flying, we have to quarentine for two weeks upon their departure, since they are coming from a 'hot' state. Well, MIL called DH and said she would prefer to fly. He immediately said he's not sure he's comfortable with that. In my 

Instead of just saying, I'm not comfortable with that, he sticks my sorry ass in the middle of it and says, "DadsWife - what are your thoughts, should they fly or drive?" and I said, I am not involved this isn't my decision to make. Well he then proceeded to get frustrated with me, calling me unhelpful, because I wouldn't make a decision for him. I told him to call BM, as it puts her house at risk too. So he did, and then when BM said she didn't feel comfortable either, so now he finally had someone to be his meat shield against MIL. Shockingly enough, MIL was fine with this decision and no drama ensued except for DH rant once it was over that I 'was rude by not answering his question.'

I will say, occasionally I get anxiety when thrown in the middle of things and can come off has a total bi***, but I know, for a fact, all I said was, they aren't my family and I don't feel comfortable putting my two cents in, this is your decision. So now I'm convinced he's mad with me because I wouldn't make the decision for him, which is ridiculous and absurd. I plan on talking to him this evening about how it is not appropriate to put a SO in the line of fire with your own family. I would never make him make a decision for anything regarding my family that could potentially get thrown back at him. 

This was more of a vent. Sorry guys. I get incredibly frustrated with this type of thing. He hates being the 'bad guy' but there was no bad guy in this scenerio, he just made it out that way. I get he doesn't like disappointing people, but that is his problem, not mine.

Comments

ITB2012's picture

I'm not stupid. BM didn't want me involved until she wanted the skids to do something she knew they wouldn't like. Then it was a "consult DH and ITB" situation. And DH wouldn't want to be the bad guy and the skids knew that so if they got told no they knew to blame it on me even if the parents didn't want it to happen. 
It got so bad they'd just tel them I said no without me knowing anything about it. Exactly the way to make me the evil SM. So I started gushing about how great an idea was and how much I thought DH and BM would love to do the thing with them loud enough for the whole house to hear. And I had a few choice words for DH in private about throwing me under the bus. Those were not as effective as being a cheerleader for something he clearly didn't want them to do. 

Dads_Wife's picture

This is a good tactic that I will keep in my back pocket! I'm not sure how I could have used it here, I think I was in a 'no-win' situation because it then turned into MIL saying, 'should we even come' and DH being all IDK Dadswife, should they come? And me being like IDGAF just please make up ya'lls mind. K thanks.

ITB2012's picture

DH: what do you think?

Me: I think this seems like a tough call for you. 

DH: But what do you think I should do?

Me: You should do what you think is right.

DH: Just answer the question!

Me: I did.

DH: No for real!

Me: I have answered for real. The fact you don't like them doesn't change them. You know I have an opinion. You also know I will not make this decision for you. I am not engaging in this conversation any longer. 

DH for a while would follow me and try tactics to get me to engage. I fell for some but them found just staying mute after I said I was done quickly shut him down. 

ITB2012's picture

There were other times I didn't think a situation was a big deal, expressed a small opinion, and got crucified. So I trot out those times if he pushes too far. 

Dads_Wife's picture

I am going to take this and keep it in my pocket. As for being crucified for small comments - been there done that. I know to never say anything that can be perceived as slightly negative. In fact, I don't say anything at all about SD. Thankfully she has been tolerable, almost enjoyable to be around for the past year or so, so I don't have many complaints.

SeeYouNever's picture

Ugh my DH used to do this, I think it was so he could blame me if things went wrong and take credit if things went well all without the hard work of actually making the decision. The other posts give good advice. If he gets frustrated or prayers you for an answer tell him "well you're the parent so it's up to you" if you're lucky he will say something like "but you live here too" or "but your opinion matters too" and the point is just to make him articulate that! Then maybe you can give your real thoughts.