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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask for the life advice that has served you well?

404 replies

mumofoneAloneandwell · 11/05/2026 21:23

The truth shall set you free

OP posts:
PeppyAzurePeony · 11/05/2026 22:03

You can learn something from everyone, either what to do or what not to do

Starsaff · 11/05/2026 22:02

Screamingabdabz · 11/05/2026 21:45

You wouldn’t care so much about what people think of you if you realised how seldom they do.

When I was around 16, naively postulating on all the fantastic creative careers I might have one day… somebody said to me:
“If you really wanted to do it, you’d already be doing it.” (It’s true about all sorts of lofty ideals you tell yourself.)

If a bloke really liked you, he’d be with you.

The rules of misogny.

Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.

Just because someone doesn’t love you how you want, doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.

Functionally I think "If a bloke really liked you, he’d be with you" is true as in that outcome is the essentially the same, i.e. there is no relationship. So it's definitely a useful maxim. However its also not strictly true because there are lots of reasons someone might run away from a relationship or situation they on many levels might want but they really are too scared, messed up, triggered or whatever to go though with it. I've certainly been the one running from the thing I most wanted at times in my life and I know that applies to men as well.

I am nit picking though because it is a good rule of thumb and hopefully stops people chasing after someone who for whatever reason just can't be with them. I dunno, I think I prefer the messy unresolvedness of people to such a neat saying which flattens out the complexity.

I

WildGarden · 11/05/2026 22:02

You can only live your own life.

5 steps to a happy life

  • avoid introspection
  • embrace change
  • develop a passion
  • live now
  • be a leaf on a tree (i.e. connect with people and be part of something)
I check I'm doing this often and it really makes a difference.
TeaPot496 · 11/05/2026 22:02

Don't be too open minded, otherwise your brain will fall out.

Konstantine8364 · 11/05/2026 21:58

When I was moaning about turning 30 my friend said 'well your either 30 or you're dead' and it really resonated with me! I'm approaching 40 now and happy to be alive 🤣

QwestSprout · 11/05/2026 21:58

Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.

Genuinely makes you a much more tolerant person, particularly around bad driving.

cafenoirbiscuit · 11/05/2026 21:58

You miss 100% of the chances you don’t take

DaringlyDizzy · 11/05/2026 21:57

Always a borrower or lender be - life is TOO short
Love freely and openly
Let the small stuff slide
What is meant for you will never pass you

GenerousGardener · 11/05/2026 21:57

Be careful what you wish for, you might get it.

maybein2022 · 11/05/2026 21:57

Never take criticism from someone you wouldn’t ask for advice. Hard to do but it’s a good saying, I think.

TeaPot496 · 11/05/2026 21:56

The sweetest honey is loathsome in its own deliciousness.. Therefore, love moderately

(paraphrased, warning about the hormonal rush of lust, and basically, people having shit in their eyes)

Hohofortherobbers · 11/05/2026 21:56

You only about people what they choose to tell you

CreamFirstJamSecond · 11/05/2026 21:56

mumofoneAloneandwell · 11/05/2026 21:50

I dont get this one? 👀

Show quote history

If you store a torch end on you might accident be wasting battery. But if you store it on its side you can easily see if it is on or off.

PhantomErik · 11/05/2026 21:54

Don’t borrow problems from tomorrow.

LifeBeginsToday · 11/05/2026 21:53

Waste not, want not.

Lavalampbubble · 11/05/2026 21:53

You get more honey with sugar than shite
Now. I realise this isn't right but the sentiment is clear. Be nice to someone and they'll be nice back.

MegMortimer · 11/05/2026 21:53

Just get on with it.

LetaLestrange · 11/05/2026 21:51

Does anything have to be done about this?
Does it have to be done now?
Does it have to be done by me?

TeaPot496 · 11/05/2026 21:51

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence

(and all the rest of Desiderata)

Willowskyblue · 11/05/2026 21:50

This too shall pass.

Treat others as you’d want to be treated yourself.

LaburnumAnagyroides · 11/05/2026 21:50

Start paying into a pension young. Only useful bit of advice my father gave me.

ForTipsyPlumWriter · 11/05/2026 21:50

There but for the grace of God go I.

Original poster
mumofoneAloneandwell · 11/05/2026 21:50

CreamFirstJamSecond · 11/05/2026 21:47

Always store a torch on its side.

I dont get this one? 👀

OP posts:
TeaPot496 · 11/05/2026 21:50

Nothing stays the same, everything changes.

When they go low, we go high

What other people think of you is none of your business

Specialagentblond · 11/05/2026 21:50

What you think is your business, and what I think is mine.

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