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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Things that are supposed to be enjoyable but aren't in reality

453 replies

Tooconfused12 · 19/04/2026 16:29

Here's my list:

Holidays with the family (kids under the age of 6.) Too expensive, the kids are always tired/vomiting/over-stimulated. Travelling is a fucking nightmare. There's at least two arguments with your partner. And you (being the woman) end up doing all the prep for about three weeks beforehand. When you come back it takes at least a week for you to get through all the washing. And you're exhausted.

Being on the beach. It's actually a bit shit all round. Sand everywhere. People get too hot and uncomfortable. Sand in the food. Warm drinks that have been left out in the sun. The kids end up with sand in their eyes and so do you. It's always really windy and the sea is miles out which means you have to walk for ages to get there. Someone gets bitten/cut by a rock/sunburnt/swallows loads of sea water and you give up and leave after about 2 hours of drama.

Eating out. Too expensive, better quality of cooking at home with fresh ingredients.

Paris. Dirty, smelly, you're followed everywhere by sleazy men trying to sell you stuff or pickpocket you. Everyone's really fucking rude as well

Having sex. It's a bit touch and go, most of the time it's slightly boring, the bloke normally orgasms before you and the people you really fancy - when you end up shagging it turns out to be rubbish after all that build up. Or they ooze sex appeal and charisma but they do something to give you the serious ick and your vagina slams shut.

Hen do's - end of.

OP posts:
Pungifries · 19/04/2026 16:36

the hairdressers
being sat in a noisy environment making small talk and being messed with for hours and hours
no wonder my roots are showing!

Echobelly · 19/04/2026 16:35

Definitely agree with beaches. Too hot and too much sand.

leonardandpenny18 · 19/04/2026 16:34

Have to say, I agree with pretty much all of that. It’s a very relatable and realistic list 😆

im adding baths- I love the idea of a bath, but find that after 10 minutes it’s boring. And yes, that is even with reading / watching something on a tablet/ having a drink. Maybe I just need a nicer, bigger bath 😆

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