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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to leave a friend's flat because it was too messy?

88 replies

Browndoor25 · 08/04/2026 20:16

Ok so firstly he knows I’ve taken photos and that I’m making this thread. He doesn’t care.

I traveled across the country to stay with my friend for afew nights. I knew he was a messy bugger, but I overestimated my ability to cope with mess. We are good-ish friends but complete opposites when it comes to the house keeping and cleanliness department. He’s gone through a really hard time recently so I can’t be too hard on him. He said he spent days cleaning for me and that his flat is the cleanest it has even been, and he was genuinely offended that I wouldn’t stay. He is such a lovely guy, he offered me his bed and he would have taken the sofa but I just couldn’t. So I’ve booked a last minute hotel! He thinks I’m being a drama queen with my ridiculously high standards. Maybe I am, I don’t know. Am I? I feel quite guilty and this isn’t supposed to be a serious thread. We’ll probably have a laugh over it later in the hotel bar 🫣

AIBU to leave a friend's flat because it was too messy?
AIBU to leave a friend's flat because it was too messy?
AIBU to leave a friend's flat because it was too messy?
OP posts:
Unnecessaryletter · 08/04/2026 20:38

OneNewEagle · 08/04/2026 20:32

How rude you are shaming him especially if he’s tidied up. Not at a level I’d like but I would have switched the hoover on and hoovered up for him, made him a cup of tea and then gone and cleaned the bathroom.

I don't think he has much 'shame', clearly 😂

The OP has already stated he doesn't care one way or another if pictures are posted.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 08/04/2026 20:37

Do you think (cynical feminist here!) that your invite was a bit tactical as he knows you’re a clean freak - hoping you might clean up?

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 08/04/2026 20:36

I would call that filthy dirty rather than messy (which implies just clutter or untidiness). If there was lots of mess but clean I’d be fine, but dirty old fag ends no way. I would struggle to eat any food he prepared too.
however if he is a good friend and has been through a rough time I would be back with my marigolds and some cif tomorrow and help him give it a spruce up for an hour. It would make all the difference to his wellbeing.

FieryA · 08/04/2026 20:34

Still not sure why you have made this post and shared pics? You found the house dirty and moved to a hotel- fair enough. So what is the issue that led you to share it?

RampantIvy · 08/04/2026 20:34

The cigarette butts on the floor would have me scurrying away home.

BMW6 · 08/04/2026 20:34

Well I wouldn't stay there tonight but I'd spend the day tomorrow helping him give it a really good deep clean.
Hopefully the sofa cover comes off so can go in the wash.

OneNewEagle · 08/04/2026 20:32

How rude you are shaming him especially if he’s tidied up. Not at a level I’d like but I would have switched the hoover on and hoovered up for him, made him a cup of tea and then gone and cleaned the bathroom.

Browndoor25 · 08/04/2026 20:32

I knew I’d get flack for posting photos hence I checked with him first. It’s not a serious slagging thread. I did consider it but I honestly feel like it needs more than I could do. Just the layers of grime. Needs a proper deep clean but I struggle with things like this. My house always has to be pristinely clean- think obsessive compulsive cleaners.

OP posts:
Pinkflamingo10 · 08/04/2026 20:32

I think the poor chap needs help ? Not shame

Barrenfieldoffucks · 08/04/2026 20:32

Why on earth are you posting this here with photos?

sonjadog · 08/04/2026 20:30

I have family members who live in similar and I find it uncomfortable to stay in, but I put up with it because visiting them and their feelings are more important to me than the standards of cleanliness. I think you are a bit unreasonable for leaving. I do think you are definitely unreasonable for putting photos of his home on MN for people to gawp at.

TowerRavenSeven · 08/04/2026 20:30

It would be where I was sleeping that would make my decision. I actually would help because cleaning is fun for me when all the crap is put away which it looks like it is. I wouldn’t prepare food or eat there though.

Statsquestion1 · 08/04/2026 20:29

I would have done the same OP, it’s like a crack den! It’s horrendous! I wouldn’t have accepted that even as a student!!

vodkaredbullgirl · 08/04/2026 20:29

What a nice friend you are. Shaming him by posting pictures online. You could have offered to help him, if he would have allowed you.

Trainup · 08/04/2026 20:28

It’s not messy in the photos but it’s dirty and in need of repair. If it’s that visibly dirty then what’s going on in the bathroom and kitchen that you can’t see?! Germs from unwashed hands etc. Dishes washed in filthy water with bits stuck to them. Mould in the shower etc. I would not stay.

mathanxiety · 08/04/2026 20:28

OnTheBoardwalk · 08/04/2026 20:26

It does seem grubby but if he has spent days cleaning for you then it could be that this is the last bit of cleaning that needs doing and he needs some help

what about bedding? Was he actually going to make up the sofa as a proper bed with clean bedding or clean bedding on his bed? If not that would be the deal breaker for me

That would be a case of makeup on a pig.

Bristolandlazy · 08/04/2026 20:28

Plug that hoover in and have a power hour, help him, he's your friend. He's struggling.

catipuss · 08/04/2026 20:27

If you don't like it don't stay there otherwise shut up.

mathanxiety · 08/04/2026 20:27

YANBU.

I don't know why others can't see the third photo.

That place is grim. There's messy and there's just plain dirty

TheTulipsAreOut · 08/04/2026 20:27

Friend you say!

OnTheBoardwalk · 08/04/2026 20:26

It does seem grubby but if he has spent days cleaning for you then it could be that this is the last bit of cleaning that needs doing and he needs some help

what about bedding? Was he actually going to make up the sofa as a proper bed with clean bedding or clean bedding on his bed? If not that would be the deal breaker for me

Unnecessaryletter · 08/04/2026 20:26

I'd be too stressed out too, to be honest. Grotty environments make me feel really anxious and depressed. Dread to think what the bathroom / toilet would be like...

ChickenBananaBanana · 08/04/2026 20:25

BudgetBuster · 08/04/2026 20:24

Would you not have been better to flick the switch on the hoover and help him out.... instead of making a thread on Mumsnet to shake him and prove you are somehow superior?

I know right! With friends like op who needs bloody enemies

user2848502016 · 08/04/2026 20:25

Depends what the bed and toilet looked like really

BudgetBuster · 08/04/2026 20:24

Would you not have been better to flick the switch on the hoover and help him out.... instead of making a thread on Mumsnet to shake him and prove you are somehow superior?