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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be sick and tired of being asked where I am from

756 replies

Playdoughy · 21/12/2025 00:36

Just that really.
I am not from the UK, I've lived here a good portion of my life, my child was born here, my husband is also not from the UK (different country than me), and every single time everywhere - restaurants, get-togethers, parties we are invited to, standing in a queue, riding a bus, paying for a book in a bookshop - I really do mean everywhere and every single time - we both get asked where are we from - nicely and in a friendly manner ofcourse.

Now, to be clear - I am proud of where I am from, I don't mind talking about my country, a lot of beautiful things to say. I also don't expect people to assume I am from around here - I am aware of my accent 😁 so it's not like I am 'offended' that I am recognised as a foreigner...
I am just simply tired of the one and the same conversation every single time, day after day, all these years. If after my response I get - 'ah interesting I was wondering about accent' - fine, topic finished. But 90 percent of the time this goes into full conversation - Oh interesting, so what about xyz, how is xyz, do you xyz, how do you xyz.

When people engage into these conversations - does it really never cross their mind that this poor person you are about to interrogate about their roots probably gets that same question all the time and maybe just maybe is tired of it.
How about a good old weather themed conversation? Or asking about where I bought my bag, or recommend a movie, or simply rant about the ridiculous prices... anything but - 'so where are you from?'
And yes I know that the default answer to my post may be - 'If you don't mind me asking but - where are you from?' It is not even funny anymore.

Also is there anything I could potentially do to communicate that these questions are not exactly welcomed, without being rude or sounding like I am trying to hide something or being a weirdo.

OP posts:
Bottlesofrumonthewall · 21/12/2025 00:52

I am white British, my family for the past thousands of years were Irish, German, English, and Scottish. I have a non-regional accent, live in Scotland, have done all my life (but have also visited England regularly) and whenever I have someone meet me from England, they love to ask me where I am from “originally”. It happens to us all - but I understand why it stings happening to someone who is not “from” here

Itiswhysofew · 21/12/2025 00:49

Have you got a lovely accent? Are people curious for that reason?(edited, as missed question mark)

I don't ask people where they're from. It's been drummed into us not to, as it could offend. I lived overseas and was often asked where I'm from. I still live overseas, but not too far from the UK, and get asked where I'm from, but not as much as you seem to.

Elopeme · 21/12/2025 00:49

YABU because I love meeting and chatting to people from other countries - much more interesting conversation than discussing the weather or where your handbag is from.

Playdoughy · 21/12/2025 00:45

HeddaGarbled · 21/12/2025 00:38

Move to a city?

I am in London. But yes I am aware I am free to move if I don't like it somewhere. I happen to like it very much - it is just this minor conversational point really 😅

OP posts:
InterestedDad37 · 21/12/2025 00:41

I've lived abroad, and I used to get it all the time, plus people wanting to practice their English.

HeddaGarbled · 21/12/2025 00:38

Move to a city?