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Original poster

Friend giving safety tips for London?

237 replies

breezeofqinter · 02/08/2024 16:24

Maybe I sound horrible but me and a friend are visiting our mutual friend in London tomorrow, she’s lived there for maybe a year.

Shes just text us to give us safety tips. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve been to London, I even work from the London office occasionally.

I know she means well but aibu to find it a bit patronising?

OP posts:
DreadPirateRobots · 02/08/2024 16:32

YANBU but half of MN thinks that London is a postapocalyptic wasteland roamed constantly by terrorists, pickpockets, and people who want to sell day trippers into slavery.

Nobody who isn't Country Mouse needs "safety tips" for London.

Heliotropolis · 02/08/2024 16:32

Honestly, I’d feel a bit patronised unless it was genuinely good local knowledge - e.g. don’t go in that pub, it’s dangerous, go to the other - that I wouldn’t otherwise be aware of.

BobbyBiscuits · 02/08/2024 16:31

I'm sure they meant well. She may have been robbed/pickpocketed/scammed there in the past. Of course it's no less safe than anywhere else but I would just politely thank her. And hope you don't need any 'safety tips'.

DappledThings · 02/08/2024 16:31

I'd find that patronising too. Really want to know what she said.

SilenceInside · 02/08/2024 16:31

Even if it is a bit patronising, surely the thought behind it is caring for your well-being, so I'd let it slide and make no comment on it.

Mrsjayy · 02/08/2024 16:31

keylimedog · 02/08/2024 16:27

Sounds like a kind and considerate friend tbh! I wouldn't be bothered by it, unless it's literally "look both ways before crossing a road". Especially if she's warning you about things that have happened recently in her area!

This, she's just caring about you just send her a smiley or a thank you, she's your friend don't take it to heart.

Hotgirlwinter · 02/08/2024 16:30

Perhaps it is her way of dealing with her own anxiety? Or maybe she just enjoys the feeling of being the big city yoke? I had a friend like this, she would insist on giving me directions and telling me which station and tube to use despite the fact I was born and raised in London.

Just a thumbs up emoji and say thanks, always better to be safe than sorry and change the subject. It is annoying and patronising but people can be weird and not particularly self aware at times!

Hotsunights · 02/08/2024 16:30

That would annoy me! If she lived in Harare or somewhere then fine but not London if you're a frequent visitor.

Darkfire · 02/08/2024 16:29

What were the tips?

HungryWombat · 02/08/2024 16:29

What were the tips BTW...

HungryWombat · 02/08/2024 16:28

I think it's a kind thing to do.

keylimedog · 02/08/2024 16:27

Sounds like a kind and considerate friend tbh! I wouldn't be bothered by it, unless it's literally "look both ways before crossing a road". Especially if she's warning you about things that have happened recently in her area!

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