What to do about adult son's girlfriend you despise vice versa

I should have prefaced this with saying that I and my daughter caught her in the embrace, "new love" kind of goo goo eyes with another man almost a year ago. She walked right in front of my car while I was at a stop sign. We had the windows down and called out her name thinking we were mistaken - this other man clearly had his arms around her and they fought off each other in saying goodbye. Yes, my daughter and I watched from about 25 feet away. I was struck so much by this, but didn't tell my son. Neither did my daughter but she did, saying whatever I tell him about her is a complete lie and not to believe me. So the score is #1 - I am a liar; #2 I am an alcoholic (drink to celebrate my birthday at a restaurant) and #3 I am a lousy cook. Yes we have invited her to things and yes we have included her from day #1. So now almost 2.5 yrs later I should try harder? Ladies please. I give up. Enough advice about being the bigger person. Our entire family and circle of friends have witnessed her rudeness at family bbq's, birthday parties etc. Holidays are the worst.

My highly educated son, YALE GRADUATE, UCLA LAW SCHOOL grad, just passed California Bar 1st time, so now he is a lawyer AND has a job! But this incredibly dumb girl - but oops she does have a B.S in Communications - is so not for him. They have been dating over 2 yrs which to our family is an eternity, and no signs of breakup soon. She is a money grubbing very needy (emotionally and materialistically) girl - actual she is 26 yrs old She can't decide on what job she wants but knows what she wants HIM to do for her. Picks out COACH bags for her gifts, also takes him to Tiffany's for anything else she wants. She contributes nothing and right now is in her 3rd career. He deserves so much better and she is extremely RUDE to his younger siblings ages 14 and 20, needless to say she is HORRIBLY AWFUL to me especially. She has called me an alcoholic while I was in a restaurant celebrating my birthday, she has insulted my cooking on so many occasions, I stopped including her to dinners, both here at the holiday time and in general even if we are going out to dinner. She dresses terrible for really important occasions and was texting her friends during his law school graduation how bored she was during the speeches given. I can go on and on.

Unfortunately there isn't much you can do. You can attempt to speak to him about her, but more than likely it will only cause a rift between you and your son. You have every right not to invite her, but sometimes killing the enemy with kindness works better than pouring salt on the wound... or keeping your friends close and your enemies even closer. Hopefully he will wake up and realize what type of woman he has... either that or maybe he is the type of man who wants that trophy by his side or on his arm and he could care less what it takes to keep her...

Yep, nothing to be done. This is coming from a mama who would kill for her child... Who he dates (at this point) is none of your business. I feel you have every right to set boundaries (carefully) about how she speaks to you and your children, but how she dresses, what she wants from your son, her personal choices about her life have nothing to do with you. You don't like her, but if your son asks her to marry him, she will be a part of your family. Think about the rift it would cause between you and your son if you were to be rude back to her, or ... For some reason your son is choosing to have her in his life right now. Let him make his own mistakes. Uhg! So painful for me to write and I don't think it's what I'd want to hear.

Best to you and your family!

Jen

Your son is a grown man, with his own life.

Now- MOST mature men/women... know that there are 2 kinds of "dating." ie: those you marry and those you don't (and are just for fun).
Maybe your son knows this. Maybe he does not take this girl "seriously." For him to allow his girlfriend to act this rudely to you... and the others, is reprehensible. So, Thus, maybe he does know that this girl is not a marrying kind... and so does not really care how she acts... but probably, for now, he does not want a serious girlfriend anyway. Many men (or women) do that ie: they don't want a serious relationship so they don't obtain a "serious" caliber/level girlfriend/boyfriend. THEN, when they do decide to settle-down... then they choose another girlfriend that "is" the marrying kind/marriage material so to speak. Tis' the reason for many changes in relationships.

Being your son is so smart... and successful... maybe he knows this. Or, he is just doing it to irk all of you/his family... and so he chose this dumbo/gold-digger of a rude girlfriend to rebel. But I doubt that. Girls of this sort... could literally spoil his career or the way people perceive him. I assume he does know this, because he is smart and well educated.

Give him some trust... that he knows all this... and trust that he will NOT marry this type of girl. And mostly because she treats you ALL (including him), so reprehensibly.

many many people, are involved in years long relationships... but it does not mean they end up marrying.

All the best,
Susan

Sounds like the girl is one of these types that feels really really entitled. Someone else should be taking care of her...she takes care of no one. It is unfortunate that your son has gotten attached to her at some level. How deep is the question. Does he hope to marry her? You might ask him if he has long-term goals with this relationship. He may or may not.
Try not to take all the rudeness too personally. She would be this way with almost anyone. But certainly do not feel compelled to invite her to family events. Does your son understand why you do not want her there? Does he care? You sort of left his perceptions (if known) out of your description of the situation.
You will not be able to do much to about the girl's personality and behavior, but the depth of the relationship and communication with your son will determine how much peace you can make. Good luck.

Hi Lori,
Sounds like her social skills haven't been cultivated, nor her ability to show empathy. On top of this, her self-centered motivations with material accouterments sound like she may be high functioning autism called Aspergers. But I work with these people and see these qualities daily. This may never change, however, addressing you son with these concerns about social skills and not attacking her may soften the blow. Also, you may want to increase your ability to deflect her abrupt comments, maybe even take her aside and let her know you are hurt by specific things she says.

Good luck,
Wendy

Oh dear. This has happened in my family, as well. On my side with my brother, and on my husband's side with HIS brother. Both men made terrible matches. The families on both sides could see it right off.

One side (my husband's) said nothing and slogged through it and their son's/brother's marriage. My side asked subtle questions, gave subtle hints regarding their incompatibility and yes, they still married. Both marriages ended and took their natural, terrible courses with a home foreclosure for my brother (he worked his butt off to save their (HIS) credit but she couldn't care less she was completely lazy and self-centered) as well as dealing with his wife's affair.

On my husband's side, my brother-in-law had to make financial payments to his ex for many, many years - even though she had gone back to her home country, England.

The silver lining is that neither marriage produced children (thank God). Both men recovered emotionally and financially eventually and now are happily married, successful and have beautiful children.

What can you do? Ultimately nothing. We must all make our own path and find our own way, learning as we go along. You might have a heart-to-heart (carefully and gingerly) with your son about his intentions with her (marriage or just hanging out) to satisfy your questions, but he must make his choices. I would continue to try and limit your exposure to her and let her foul behavior and attitude roll right off. I wish you the best in this difficult situation.

dear Lori

so so so sorry to hear about it:) But I believe that if you treat her bad or show your son that you dislike her he (son) will look at her more with love. Try to be indiferent towards her and treat her nice. Maybe if he sees that you don't care much might wake up from this dream girl:) I will say a prayer for you and your family:) You might want to get your son do some pro bono work for the holidays and he can see how other people struggle and be so busy he can't think about this girl and change his priorities:) Maybe have all the family volunteer this holiday for under privilage people and include his girlfriend and he will see that she really doesn't care much for them and might wake up? wish you the best keep in touch I live in California how about you guys:) I have several organization you might be interested in helping:)

sincerely
dinorah:)
married with 2 boys well teens:(

I can totally relate to your feelings. However, you need to make the best of it. Your children will make choices you don't agree with, but you need to support it. If you make a big deal of it, then you'll be the one pushed aside, not the girlfriend. Furthermore, if the relationship progresses to marriage and/or kids, the girlfriend will then have control over a lot more than just your son. Your relationship with her is important also so you won't be seen as the "evil mother-in-law". Your son is a smart man and obviously sees something he loves in this girl. The best gift you can give your son is to accept his girlfriend, include her as part of the family, and be happy for him.

Hello, Good luck with this one. I have never tried to talk any of my children out of having a relationship except where my two daughters were in an emotionally abusive one. With our oldest son, he became involved with a girl whom I didn't approve of. However, this son had become involved in drugs. When she became pregnant, we ended up with them in our home. I was concerned that they would end up using and put the baby in jeopardy. Well, guess what? They ended up using in our home. I ended up kicking them both out and my husband and I got legal guardianship of our little grandson. We had him for 3 years (from 5 months to 3 1/2 years). Since that time, she has told me that she lied about and to me, but wouldn't tell me what she lied about or who she lied to. My younger son came to me and told me that she had introduced him to crystal meth and used it with him. He has moved away from San Diego to stay sober. She cheated on our son (her then boyfriend and now HUSBAND) She abused our little grandson several times. She has been rude and disrespectful to me. When CPS was called several times, I was blamed each and every time and then chastised by all of our children. Now they all act like she is the sweetest most wonderful parent and person in the world. My son has told me that I need to work on my relatinship with this person. I told him there is no relationship and therefore nothing to work on. I have never heard an "I'm sorry" or a "thank-you" from her mouth for all of the things she has done to me or my family and I am supposed to be kind to her? My grandson told one of the people from CPS (when he was asked why I hate his mom) that I don't hate her, I'm just done with her. I don't initiate any conversation with her and she only speaks to me about things which pertain to our grandson. We can be in the same room without me feeling uncomfortable at all. I have never told her that she can't be in our home and yet, she will not step in here. My son once tried to tell me that because his son was so bonded with my husband and I that he was not going to allow him to spend his one night a week with us anymore. I called his bluff and told him that was fine, but to find a babysitter for when they are at work because that might be too much bonding too. Our grandson still stays once a week. Childcare would be too expensive and they won't pay it. Our grandson says that they fight and scream and cuss at each other a lot. However, I would never tell him that he should leave her or that she is wrong for him. This has been and continues to be his decision.

I hope that your problem is able to be resolved.
Kathie K.

It sounds like you have raised an intelligent man, and unfortunately for you, it sounds like this woman makes him happy. If you complain to him, you will only end up driving him away.

Also, it seems a little rude to put down her choice of major in college (while building up your son's accomplishments in ALL CAPS).

Plain and simple, you are treating her the way she is treating you. With total disrespect and disregard. You are creating a wedge between your son which you adore and will drive him away if you continue to voice your opinions and treat his girlfriend this way. You need to be the adult and suck it up. You're never going to welcome her the way it should be, but for the sake of your relationship with your son, you need to put on your game face and let him make his own decisions and live his own life. Either he will realize this girl is not a good choice for him or you will end up being removed from his life.

Dear Lori;
It is amazing what we see on the outside looking in. :) Killing them with Kindness will usually let their true colors show. Set your bounderies, on how she treats and talks to you and the other family members, that is esential!Your son being so smart should see how she treats the others and not put up with it, I would think.
I agree with Dinorah and Elizabeth, as well, on the more humorous side, hahaha. There are quite a few Movies that deal with this type of situation that will be great things to think about. hahahhaa. However, the only thing you can truly do is ask your son what he see's in her and ask him what his intentions are? Perhaps before or after you may decide to show him that she isn't in Love with him, only his Money, A great way is like one of the ladies suggested pro bono work and helping with charities and let HIM see how she reactes.(The parent trap is a good one to get idea's hahahaa. 'movie' ) If you can proove that with out ruining your relationship with him you've just saved a divorce later on. But sometimes it is their Journey.

I don't envy you, Prayers and Blessings.
Heidi

Wow. Sounds like my cousin's girlfriend, except that he's 27 and she's only 19. Nothing that his parents have tried. It's been at least 2 years and she still comes around almost every day. They fight like cats and dogs, but he doesn't seem to want to break up with her. All we can do is cross our fingers at this point and hope he gets tired of the fighting. He doesn't seem to care about anyone else's opinion of her.

Your son sounds very educated maybe you should trust his decision. As far as MIL's go, I don't know many that approve of their perfect son's choices in women. None seem to be good enough. He obviously has seen something in her that you are missing and maybe you should try to get along with her, sounds like she may be around a while.

My brother did the exact same thing....but he's not highly educated, although I am. He took a few classes at a junior college...she took a few. Both of them can barely spell. My brother however is an entrepeneur and started his first business at 12, which he sold to a company at 18. Then he started another business and sold that a few years later. She has had mediocre jobs, that is, until she got pregnant and started using the kids at pawns. She shops and spends money like he earns that much. She bad mouths everyone. She even talks about her own grandmother and then sees her grandmother and acts all sweet and kind to her....so you KNOW she's doing that to you.

When my brother started sating her at 18 years old, she told him to lie to my mom - and my mom heard it. My brother told her no. I told her that she was a parasite trying to live off my brother and get lost - it only drove them closer together. He finally proposed to her after 6 years and when he told my mom and dad that he had propsed, my parents said, "Oh, ok. Congratulations." He asked them, "Why don't you sound happy for me?" My mom replied, "Should we be?" She gave him one last warning, "Chris, she will use you until you won't allow it anymore. She will have 2 kids, use them as pawns and pull you away from your friends. You'll end up looking back on your life and see how miserable it was. I won't say another word, but I can't be quiet, for you are my son and I love you. If this is truly what you want to do, then I have to support you, but I don't have to like it." My brother simply reposnded with, "Mom, you don't understand." My dad responded with, "We really hope we don't."

Here we are 14 years later....2 kids, she doesn't work, doesn't clean, feeds the kids sugar all of the time, so they are constantly sick and my brother is up all night with them. She went 2.5 years calling her sister a bitch and didn't talk to her....now they are best friends. Called her dad a sperm donor for almost 2 years, but now lives down the street from him. Hated the neighbors, whom her sister married their son. And now they haven't talked to me in over a year...and the last time I was on the phone with my brother, she was screaming "F---ing bitch" into the phone. My husband just says it's our turn for them to hate us. My brother's friends see me more than him, because Psycho Sarah hates all of his friend's wives and even bad-mouthed one of the wives while attending their wedding.

One time, my mom was talking and Sarah took something she said wrong, so instead of talking to my mom (and my parents treat her SUPER nice, so do I....so that she dosen't WIN and if my brother ever wants out, he knows we are there for him and he has a safe place to fall) and told my brother to tell my mom (so junior high-ish) that if she ver wants to see her grandkids again, then she needs to write an apology letter and sign it. My mom did. She's has had to swallow her pride to keep her son. It's very sad.

So, he has no friends, works so hard that he's home for maybe 2 hours....to sleep. He cleans the house, does the yard, and is losing his house that he bought at 23 years old on his own. He knows if he leaves her, he will never see this kids again...and he will lose what very little he has. He's 32 and is almost bald from the stress in his life. She won't work. I can't even joke with him anymore, since he takes everything seriously and personally.

He called my mom a few days before Thanksgiving and said, "Hey, what are you doning for Thanksgiving?" My mom replied, "I'm having dinner at 4pm. Are you coming?" He repsonded with, "You didn't invite me." My mom said, "Yes, I most certainly did. I called you and you said you would call me back. You never did. Are you coming?" He didn't come, but spent the day on the beach with his mother in law and wife and kids....get this...below my parent's home (they live on the bluff overlooking the beach) and we could see him. He called back and told her that he will be coming for Christmas for an hour with his sons, but Sarah will be at her dad's house. My mom doesn't react anymore....but just says, "Ok." Then he called back and starting saying that this family is falling apart, but I quickly realized that it's his life and her manipulative plans that are falling apart, since no one is reacting anymore.

It's sad. He was a really fun and likable guy. Very successful in his businesses and his life has gone to crap. He's not happy and if you ask him in a gentle way if he's ok, his eyes well up with tears....but replies that he's fine.

He has stopped inviting us to his home for birthday parties, etc...but I haven't. I still send a mailed invitation for every event at our home, but he never RSVPs. He will send a card....and send $10 to my son with a note that said, "We miss you!!!!" I was like, what???? For years before this, I would ask weekly, when can we get the kids together at the park? His reponse was always, "I need to talk to Sarah about it," and then I never got a call.

The last time we got together, she sat there the ENTIRE time at the breakfast table at a place they picked for breakfast and texted. She never said hi to anyone. When my mom when over to their sons to say hi and give him a hug, she told them not to get off their bikes.

All you can do is warn your son in a loving way. This woman has ruined his life and he's allowed it. I hope it doesn't take 20 years before he figures it out. I have a feeling, once the boys are grown and out of the house, they are going to look at each other and realize they have nothing in common....and he might have some sort of a life after her. His sons are 4 and almost 3.

Don't allow her to talk to you in that manner, If she calls you names, clearly say something IN A NICE MANNER like, "Wow. That was a bit rude." And about your cooking, in a nice tone, "You know, you are right. It's not my favorite dish to make. I would really love it, if you would like to bring it next time. Would you mind bringing it next time?" What is she going to say? No?

PS I take pictures of my SIL doing these things and then I keep a log on my computer of incidents, because when my brother screams at me that I have never been nice to her, etc. I tell him I have and he ALWAYS responds with, "When?" I can't remember, since I try not to hang on to this stuff and allow them to ruin another life....so I keep it on the computer....and in the event that he wants details (like usual) or she wants a divorce and takes the kids, I have info.

I just shake my head and hope his life gets better.

Sending you lots of love and strength. I have 2 boys and I dread the day they start dating....I know how some girls are. Hang in there momma.

PS Feel free to share this with your son.

Unfortunately there are alot of girls out there like that. You are sounding very immature yourself right now too. Your son must like her to stay with her for that amount of time. Its probally a sexual thing! If she is cute and gives him lots of attention, then maybe he is needing that. When he gets bored, he will dump her and hopefully find someone that you will like better :) For her being rude to you and your family, thats unexceptable and he should put a stop to it! But if you are rude to her, then she is probally feeling that and just her way of returning it. Good luck and remember you probally wont ever think anyone is good enough for your son.

Gonna have to get all metaphysical on you.

1)
As much as I hate to see my son frustrated, I know he is learning and it is his life to learn in. He will make mistakes, some little and some big. I will be there to provide love and advice when wanted.

2)
If he did not seek someone like you, then look at the example of what love and relationships look like that he was given. He has attracted this person into his life, for a reason.

3)
The more you concentrate on the negative aspects of this girl, the more you will see. Its Law of Attraction 201. Try to always look for something positive in her, about her. Keep your focus there. Make a list and everytime something happens, take out that list and concentrate on it. You will find that you will not notice the negative so much.

4) Continue to not invite her. If her energy does not feel good to you then you should not include her. If your son has not started to insist that you include her, then maybe it is not so serious. If he does insist, then lay the ground rules for how you want to be treated and respected as his Mother. It seems the younger siblings need a lesson in this too, if she treats them badly.

Either she is a good liar or he is blind to her. But he needs to see it for himself. If he is well aware of how she is and how she treats his family, then it would seem that you all let people walk over you. He is not demanding respect for himself. All you can do is be the example of how you want to be treated and let it trickle down.

Peace and Good Luck

Wow, I find just reading this pretty off putting. You're being overbearing. I always believe that positive attracts positive and negative attracts negative. I understand your concerns but its very over bearing. Your son is a young adult that needs to make his own decisions and needs to make his own mistakes and learn from his lessons. This may or may not be the right person for him but that is not your decision to make. Maybe your son finds her to be his equal emotionally. Be the parent and the bigger person. Surrender! You have no control over this matter except to be as loving as possible.

You may not want to hear this but the part of your sons life where you get to make his decisions ended a long time ago. He is an adult and he gets to choose whom he wants to share his life with. The only thing you can and should do is support your son. You say he's smart so trust that he's made the right decisions for him. He may end up marrying this girl someday, if you can't find peace with her and his decision making as an adult it will really drive a wedge in your relationship. As an adult he needs less of a mother figure and more of a supportive friend.