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Mom spends two months making one of those scrapbooky picture albums of her one and only grandchild for son (the dad). (Son had lost all pics in a fire a couple years ago.) The gift was to commemorate grandchild's first 10 years. There are two pics, out of about 100, that have son's ex wife in them (with the kid). Pics were taken by grandparents and other siblings over the years. Son has been divorced for 8 years. Son was very upset, embarrassed, and eventually got mad, because this gift was presented in front of his new girlfriend.
Son is now not talking to his mom. Is his emotional response normal? I know not speaking to her is over the top, but it never would have crossed my mind he'd flip about two random pics of his ex. (I'm a sibling, also married to someone with an ex. But I don't get his embarrassment and anger). Throwing it out here for feedback. I'm trying to see his side, but it's difficult for me. |
| No, that would absolutely not cause friction in my relationship. Or any normal person's! |
| This makes me really sad. Mom did a very thoughtful thing and Son behaved like a dick. Son has a kid, so it's pretty obvious to the new girlfriend that there was a woman before her. Son needs to chill the F out. |
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It's the kid's mom, geez. No, I don't understand his reaction.
Is he upset with her for other reasons? A history of issues between them? |
| No wonder son is divorced. What a jerk. |
| Maybe he could just take out the two pics that offend him. There must be a pretty nasty back story because his reaction is harsh.. |
| Son has serious issues. No way is that normal. |
OP here. I agree. Makes me sad too. Grandchild gave Grandma a huge hug of appreciation though. |
No history. But things aren't good right now. We are all walking on eggshells. Trying to figure out why.... |
| He totally overreacted. It not a big deal at all. Maybe he still loves her? |
He's a dick. Probably abusive to his partners given his response. |
| Is the new girlfriend the jealous type? Could his reaction be to please her? |
OP here. Maybe. I guess I'm trying to figure our if he's insecure and is scared she will be jealous, or if she actually is jealous. And it really doesn't matter, does it? Not anything I can do about it I guess. Just sad to see my mom sad. |
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No, there is nothing you can do about it. But maybe your mom can approach him very cautiously to try and discuss the situation.
He seems like a hot head, obviously...so that may take a while. But any normal son would know that not talking to your mom b/c she made a scrapbook for her grandchild is nuts. I'd say it's one of the two things you suspect -- him or the new GF. Neither screams healthy to me. |
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I do agree his reaction is a bit extreme, however if the relationship ended on REALLY bad terms then I can see his side.
For example, if she cheated on him or took him to the cleaners in court, etc. Regardless, there are worse offenses a mother can do to her son + no one knows what tomorrow will bring or not bring, and life is too short to stop speaking to your mother over such things. I say the son lets this one go. |