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AIBU?

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Original poster

Destroying a sandcastle

68 replies

Courtandspark66 · 24/08/2022 10:43

I don't know if I am being unreasonable or irrational or both.

We found a lovely quiet beach and my husband and son built this incredibly elaborate sandcastle. Then, when they finished, they went for a walk.

A young woman and her friend then came along the beach in a dune buggy and to my horror they ploughed right through it. Wheel tracks all across the middle. I actually got the impression that they did it completely on purpose because they changed course as they approached where at first they looked like they'd pass some way away from it.

I realize that the beach is for everyone and there is nothing around that says you can't drive buggys on it. But actually I felt really cross and aggrieved and had to vent somewhere about it. Why would someone just destroy something like that? My son in particular was really disappointed.

Do I just need to get a life?

OP posts:
notanothertakeaway · 24/08/2022 11:21

If their stuff was still there and it was clear that they had just wandered off briefly, then YANBU

If they left the area and the castle appeared to be abandoned, then YABU. I think lots of people enjoy jumping on sandcastles. Not malicious, just for fun

Original poster
Courtandspark66 · 24/08/2022 11:20

What next? Crying over the snowman melting?

I know. But I can forgive the sun no problem. Or the sea. Or even kids.

OP posts:
Damnautocorrect · 24/08/2022 11:20

I’m with you op.
unnecessary destruction of something you’ve spent time on.

we are elaborate sand castle makers as well, we normally end up with a team of tiny builders joining in.

HumptyDumpty2022 · 24/08/2022 11:19

Talipesmum · 24/08/2022 11:05

I’ve cheerily but firmly scooted over to castles my kids have been building (eg when they stopped for biscuits) if others start showing an interest, and bravely engage my cheeriest firm mum approach “oh hello, sorry, my kids are still building this one, maybe try over there?” <big smile>

I hope I’m never on a beach with you! Power mum!!
I don’t think driving over the sandcastle was a nice thing to do, but this approach is next level!

Original poster
Courtandspark66 · 24/08/2022 11:18

It’s nasty, but people definitely will do this if sandcastles etc are left unattended. I’ve found if you leave them alone someone will see it as a fun challenge, or even just kids will think “hey that looks fun to jump off”. In no way always malicious- depends on age of the “destroyer 😀” - but it’s best to hover right by it / surround it with beach towels and spades in a “we are still here” type way. And expect it to be gone in the morning- they are ephemeral things, but it’s easiest if you don’t have to see them being trashed!

Sure. And yes it was always going to come to grief in the end and I did feel stupid retrospectively that we didn't somehow protect it. It was some way away from where our other stuff was. But I did think it was rather splendid and no way did I anticipate that a full grown adult woman would wantonly drive over it purely for a second's entertainment.

I think that's a part of what makes me so cross. I feel a bit stupid that I thought it was completely safe when in the end it was just moulded sand on a beach that was clearly a temptation rather than a barrier!

OP posts:
Hobele · 24/08/2022 11:16

This reply has been deleted

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Talipesmum · 24/08/2022 11:05

I’ve cheerily but firmly scooted over to castles my kids have been building (eg when they stopped for biscuits) if others start showing an interest, and bravely engage my cheeriest firm mum approach “oh hello, sorry, my kids are still building this one, maybe try over there?” <big smile>

Talipesmum · 24/08/2022 11:03

It’s nasty, but people definitely will do this if sandcastles etc are left unattended. I’ve found if you leave them alone someone will see it as a fun challenge, or even just kids will think “hey that looks fun to jump off”. In no way always malicious- depends on age of the “destroyer 😀” - but it’s best to hover right by it / surround it with beach towels and spades in a “we are still here” type way. And expect it to be gone in the morning- they are ephemeral things, but it’s easiest if you don’t have to see them being trashed!

LadyLothbrook · 24/08/2022 10:58

Not just you OP it would really annoy me too. I'd be internally seething 🤣

Georgeskitchen · 24/08/2022 10:52

Even if I had been abandoned it would have been nice to be left intact for others to enjoy. Bit of a nasty thing to do imo

Original poster
Courtandspark66 · 24/08/2022 10:50

They were a bit mean, but perhaps thought the people who had made it had left. I wouldn’t destroy a sandcastle even on an empty beach, because someone had fun making it, but some people just don’t think like that, unfortunately.

I wondered the same thing. But I still found it pretty galling. And in fact I was there and of course had to watch it get flattened by their wheels.

OP posts:
dammit88 · 24/08/2022 10:49

That was really mean of them. I can only think they didn't realise you were still there.

chillipenguin · 24/08/2022 10:46

Part of the joy is that the sea will slowly reclaim it.

chillipenguin · 24/08/2022 10:45

That's so unnecessary and mean. Some people are just vandals.

Newusernameaug · 24/08/2022 10:45

I’d be raging too - some people are just horrid!

Saucery · 24/08/2022 10:45

They were a bit mean, but perhaps thought the people who had made it had left. I wouldn’t destroy a sandcastle even on an empty beach, because someone had fun making it, but some people just don’t think like that, unfortunately.

TrashyPanda · 24/08/2022 10:44

What a nasty thing to do.

AgathaMystery · 24/08/2022 10:44

i’d be raging too.

it’s just the basic meanness of humanity