I really am not sure about this one.
DH and I went out together Christmas Eve and had a lovely time, seeing old friends of mine and socialising. It is important to note that whilst we were imbibing, we were by no means drunk. We were happy and looking forward to Christmas.
My Dad made us a cup of tea when we arrived back at my parent's house, where we were staying for Christmas. Our DS was asleep (it was late, 10.30pm) and we were tired but wanted a warm drink before we went to bed. My Dad has a terrible habit of over reacting. My mother has a terrible habit of...well, following suit and making assumptions, thus driving everything out of all proportion. This often leads to frustration (mine) and hurt feelings (hers). I am making attempts to recognise the destructive behaviours as it occurs and just walk away from it before things can be said in the heat of the moment and regretted later.
Anyway. My Dad handed me my cup with the handle facing the wrong way. I made the (elementary) mistake of trying to grab hold of a very hot cup of tea. This resulted in the tea jumping out and a small amount landed on my leg. None was spilt, there was no mess to mop up, just a small amount landed on my leg. Cue my Dad's wheeze of "Oh my God! I'll get a cloth! Now! You're soaked!" I rolled my eyes inwardly and smiled, protesting I was fine. My Dad ignored me and went into the kitchen (taking said cup with him). He came back with a cloth for me to wipe my leg, which I did, and gave him the cloth back. He put my tea down very deliberately on the table with a coaster and said loudly (enough) "Now don't spill it this time!" I was just shocked. I said nothing.
My mother came downstairs from sorting out DS who had woken (teething and a slight cough associated with it) and scowled at me, livid, telling me to "Just quit it, now." I tried explaining what had happened and she cut me off with a curt "I heard what happened. You've been drinking. Now shut up and go to bed." DH was embarrassed, I was mortified and my Grandma who had seen the whole thing stayed quiet. DH admitted to me that he was quite hurt for me. Well I found it hurtful that neither of the two other people in the room chose to speak up for me, but didn't say anything.
When my mother started cutting me off mid-sentence, which she did a couple of times over Christmas, I tried once talking to her rationally and the next time she did it, I walked away from the situation totally. It is literally the only way I can keep my sanity. Talking to her makes it worse and makes her more angry and I don't want to make her angry when she is the one looking after my DS. Before anyone takes that to mean would she hurt him if angry, no, that is not what I mean. I mean, she did us a huge favour looking after him over Christmas (it means the world to her to do so, but still) and I didn't want to come across as ungrateful.
Am I OK in doing this (walking away) or am I PA?
I would really appreciate advice on this, and only this matter. Thanks.