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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I was called a Spinster at work today, I was really offended.

379 replies

Seahorses12 · 25/01/2026 21:27

I do one day a week volunteer work, and today a woman I work with who I don't know very well asked me if I was married or had children. I replied that I wasn't and didn't have kids and she said disparagingly 'Oh, so your a Spinster. I have an aunt who's a Spinster.' It's such a horrible, judgemental term with negative connotations. No one has ever used it to my face before. I have a reasonably successful career behind me and I like my independance. I've had long term relationships with men but I'm currently single and have a lot of single friends. I feel belittled by this comment. AIBU?

OP posts:
IsItWickedNotToCare · 25/01/2026 21:30

It does sound quite judgemental and I always wonder why people feel the need to label others and comment on their situation. I don't know whether she meant it negatively but try and ignore her, she's sounds rude and dismissive. And it's none of her business!

JokerOfTwo · 25/01/2026 21:30

What odd thing to say to somebody, you have every right to be offended.

Shes obviously a horrid women

CharlieMM1 · 25/01/2026 21:29

Sorry to ask, but just in case it is helpful in building a picture how old are you and how old approx is the person that said this?

FrodoBiggins · 25/01/2026 21:29

It's rude and sort of odd/old fashioned but I wouldn't feel belittled by it. Such a silly comment could never belittle me. Don't let it affect you either.