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AIBU?

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Original poster

My housekeeper is vey religious and it’s causing issues

365 replies

Claradiplomatique · 15/01/2026 11:15

We live overseas btw for anyone wondering.

So I have a lovely housekeeper who is very…religious.

She tells me off when she sees the children’s toys with horns (dragons, dinosaurs, Yoga Goat) or if she sees any children’s books about magic or witches. My own tarot cards and crystals are tucked into a drawer.

There is somewhat of a language barrier as I think we are having a normal conversation and she says “Jesus is coming soon” out of the blue.

There is also an ongoing battle between the nanny (different religion) and the housekeeper as nanny believes in evil eye etc and has given charms to me and the housekeeper says they are “satan’s work.” Nanny took the children to a Halloween craft workshop and came back with witchy dolls and a pumpkin which housekeeper said we should burn.

They do however both agree that our rescue street cat is sent from God to protect us.

AIBU? Do I double down on the no religion talk or let her go?

🧿🪬

OP posts:
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5
ThisHazelPombear · 15/01/2026 11:46

Need a picture of this cat, sounds like he could sort the Middle East crisis out, “So we all agree the cat is awesome, ok so we have some common ground at last”

Ilovelurchers · 15/01/2026 11:45

My butler has different views than me on the sanctity of marriage, and it's really started to get me down.

But what's an average girl to do?

I feel you, OP. ;)

Original poster
Claradiplomatique · 15/01/2026 11:45

This is the cat. Apparently she repels demons.

She was injured living on the street and now she is very happy and loved.

My housekeeper is vey religious and it’s causing issues
OP posts:
Original poster
Claradiplomatique · 15/01/2026 11:43

There is a belief in this part of the world by many people that people can give you the “evil eye.”

It’s the idea that strong attention, especially envy or admiration, can cause harm, intentionally or unintentionally.

There are charms you can wear to repel it and believers wear them.

That’s what I understand anyway.

OP posts:
Fuggleup · 15/01/2026 11:43

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

EmpressaurusKitty · 15/01/2026 11:42

Why isn’t everyone worshipping the cat?

noidea69 · 15/01/2026 11:41

Tell both the nanny and housekeeper to grow up.

wishingonastar101 · 15/01/2026 11:41

I love it! Just make up your own mad rules and imaginary friend... lean it to the madness!

ScaredOfFlying · 15/01/2026 11:40

DefiniteMeteor · 15/01/2026 11:33

As a taxpayer - no thank you. That is surely on the list of stuff we don’t need to be paying for.

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What? We need diplomats. I am pointing out (humourously, I thought…) that the training they get in dealing with delicate situations between people with opposing views FOR BIG WORLD ISSUES would be equally useful here. Not suggesting that they get separate training in household management! 🤦

Scout2016 · 15/01/2026 11:39

You could say to the housekeeper "yes, thank you, I know your views on this and we'll have to agree to disagree. You don't need to keep telling me."

But then I think you'd find you miss those out of the blue comments and she'd simmer resentfully which might be worse.

I am curious about nanny with evil eye beliefs, could you explain that please?

Iamnotalemming · 15/01/2026 11:38

This sounds like the script to a Wes Anderson film.

PrincessOfPreschool · 15/01/2026 11:37

Aw come on, it's all part of engaging with the culture. You wouldn't want to upset your driver either by firing housekeeper. I would double down but let her off if the occasional 'Jesus is coming' pops out. I also wouldn't be showing favouritism like keeping the nanny's evil eye stuff on display. If it's all nonsense to you then that's great.

ruethewhirl · 15/01/2026 11:37

Just no. She needs to leave her beliefs at home and focus on her job, which shouldn't include telling other people how to live.

DefiniteMeteor · 15/01/2026 11:33

ScaredOfFlying · 15/01/2026 11:26

Are you the diplomat, or is it your spouse?Surely one of you has professional training in how to deal with this stuff?

As a taxpayer - no thank you. That is surely on the list of stuff we don’t need to be paying for.

gamerchick · 15/01/2026 11:30

Claradiplomatique · 15/01/2026 11:19

I am a writer but no, not writing a book on religious household staff!

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Couldn't you just see it as an opportunity to make the use of whatever resources make themselves available?

Good material that. Get an alter going to egg it on.

DeLaLune2022 · 15/01/2026 11:30

Claradiplomatique · 15/01/2026 11:18

The cat loves them both.

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Then there is your answer must not upset the cat.

CrimpyHairVeryGood · 15/01/2026 11:27

It is a great source of stories so you should keep them on and write it down.

ScaredOfFlying · 15/01/2026 11:26

Are you the diplomat, or is it your spouse?Surely one of you has professional training in how to deal with this stuff?

Original poster
Claradiplomatique · 15/01/2026 11:24

Deadringer · 15/01/2026 11:22

What do the footman and the butler think?

Obviously we don’t have a footman and butler (but I know someone on a Bangladesh posting who has a butler and a cook) but the driver is married to the housekeeper and he thinks they are both crazy,

OP posts:
ladyofshertonabbas · 15/01/2026 11:24

Just accept them for all their quirks, as long as they aren’t biting your books?

Giftmarse · 15/01/2026 11:24

My first thought - great material for a book. 😂

Balloonhearts · 15/01/2026 11:23

I'd tell the pair of them that I don't want them filling the children's heads with tales of Satan and to keep their religious beliefs to themselves. If they can't, I'd let them both go. I wouldn't want anyone filling my children's heads with religious nonsense about Jesus and Satan and evil.

Nicecatneighbour · 15/01/2026 11:23

If they are both getting on with their jobs, it wouldnt bother me. Just practice your eye rolls 🙄

ArtTheClownIsNotAMime · 15/01/2026 11:23

Can't comment without a picture of the cat.

Deadringer · 15/01/2026 11:22

What do the footman and the butler think?

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