Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to ask my neighbour to bring her laundry in?

464 replies

Lookingback01 · 24/06/2026 15:33

I've name changed for this because I feel a bit silly to be posting, but it's driving me crazy so I need some advice.

We live in a new build next door to another couple who recently moved in. Our gardens are pretty close together and only really separated by a small fence that we can easily see over when standing.

We're all mid-thirties and they're a nice enough couple, are polite and friendly, keep themselves to themselves and are pretty quiet, so no problems there.

The issue I'm having is that the woman is objectively beautiful, very toned, slim, etc. Today she's obviously taking full advantage of the lovely weather we're having here and has decided to hang her underwear out on the line to dry. When I say underwear, I'm not talking about the simple black briefs and maternity bras that I'm currently wearing, but beautiful skimpy Victoria's Secret type stuff.

I don't know if it's my hormones or what the issue is, but this is making me feel so jealous because I keep thinking that my DH is looking at her underwear and will start to fancy her, if he doesn't already.

I was thinking that I could write her a small, friendly note just asking if she would mind bringing them inside. I mean, they're so skimpy that they'll probably be dry by now, anyway. I don't have the nerve to ask her face to face because part of me knows I'm being ridiculous, but I can't help how I feel and have been sitting here crying all afternoon imagining her and my DH together.

He thinks I'm acting crazy and said that if I send her a note, he will go to his mum's for the night because it would be absolutely mortifying.

AIBU?

OP posts:
julieh1968 · 25/06/2026 17:11

Get a grip

momtoboys · 25/06/2026 17:03

You cannot be serious. Please don't do that. You will risk becoming the joke of the neighborhood.

RainbowMoonbeam · 25/06/2026 17:02

This can not be for real, no one is this unhinged!

BigBruisedFruit · 25/06/2026 17:00

The pregnancy hormones are making you crazy. Do not say one single solitary thing to your neighbour I mean it.

HoppingPavlova · 25/06/2026 16:53

The issue I'm having is that the woman is objectively beautiful, very toned, slim, etc

I don’t think you are going far enough. Don’t stop at the underwear. You should also tag onto your note that you would like her to adjust her diet to put on weight, stop exercise, not go to a hairdresser and cease her skincare/beauty regime.

Pop back and let us know how you get on with her response.

AhMh67 · 25/06/2026 16:45

My size 16 black bloomers are on display in my second floor veranda for all the world to see. Hopefully all the admirers will start knocking on my door soon 🤣🤣🤣🤣

FreyaW · 25/06/2026 16:39

Nope..wise up

TheRealHousewife · 25/06/2026 16:37

Lookingback01 · 24/06/2026 15:33

I've name changed for this because I feel a bit silly to be posting, but it's driving me crazy so I need some advice.

We live in a new build next door to another couple who recently moved in. Our gardens are pretty close together and only really separated by a small fence that we can easily see over when standing.

We're all mid-thirties and they're a nice enough couple, are polite and friendly, keep themselves to themselves and are pretty quiet, so no problems there.

The issue I'm having is that the woman is objectively beautiful, very toned, slim, etc. Today she's obviously taking full advantage of the lovely weather we're having here and has decided to hang her underwear out on the line to dry. When I say underwear, I'm not talking about the simple black briefs and maternity bras that I'm currently wearing, but beautiful skimpy Victoria's Secret type stuff.

I don't know if it's my hormones or what the issue is, but this is making me feel so jealous because I keep thinking that my DH is looking at her underwear and will start to fancy her, if he doesn't already.

I was thinking that I could write her a small, friendly note just asking if she would mind bringing them inside. I mean, they're so skimpy that they'll probably be dry by now, anyway. I don't have the nerve to ask her face to face because part of me knows I'm being ridiculous, but I can't help how I feel and have been sitting here crying all afternoon imagining her and my DH together.

He thinks I'm acting crazy and said that if I send her a note, he will go to his mum's for the night because it would be absolutely mortifying.

AIBU?

Hi @Lookingback01 I think you’re being given a hard time of it on this thread. That said, and I say this with kindness don’t mention it or write a note. I do think your hormones are in a bit of a flux due to being pregnant (congratulations 🥳) Once the little one has arrived and you have a new life to look after your feelings may subside. I’d also talk it over with your midwife/health visitor so they can support you. Good luck ❤️

Smellycat10 · 25/06/2026 16:36

Another MU post. I thought this was going to be a post about why it’s so gross having clothes out on a nice day or something. Pff

AlgaeDreams · 25/06/2026 16:32

Lookingback01 · 24/06/2026 15:42

I’m pregnant, so will lose weight once my baby is born.

It's your hormones and how you view your changing body.

Speak to your GP because if you have antenatal depression or anxiety you are more likely to have post natal.

Seek help whilst you recognise it because unfortunately sometimes you can't see the woid for the trees when youre in the thick of it.

vickylou78 · 25/06/2026 16:28

May be close your curtains!!

You can't ask your neighbour not to hang out their own laundry.

Dinomum79 · 25/06/2026 16:27

It's your hormones ! Be kind to yourself but definitely don't speak to or raise it with your neighbour x

NoisyHiker · 25/06/2026 16:25

You are married?!

You shouldn't even be dating with these kind of issues. That level of jealousy, control and unhinged behaviour needs to be professionally treated.

You can't have a happy relationship like this, it will just end in divorce.

MissRaspberryRipples · 25/06/2026 16:24

I mean to be fair she is free to hang out her laundry and writing her a note like that would come across as unreasonable. I'm not going to be mean and take the piss as I get it OP you're pregnant, hormones are flying around everywhere and this hot weather is probably making it worse also. I'm a bigger woman myself and I always used to think my partner could easily stray and find someone skinnier or prettier than me but now I know he won't, he met me at my biggest I was a size 26 and even now I'm still on the larger side at a size 18 but then he's still around and hasn't gone after anyone else. I'm sure your husband loves you whatever size you happen to be. Sending a note like that to the neighbour could end up causing problems and ruining what could be a nice friendly neighbour atmosphere between you, whilst you don't have to be best buddies it would be nice to keep things peaceful between you all.

WelshMusicMum · 25/06/2026 16:24

I do feel sorry for you, reading this. If you're wearing maternity bras, it may be you're expecting or have recently had a baby and most of us know how those crazy hormones can affect our emotions and responses to the smallest thing. Talk to your husband, tell him how you're feeling and, if this is pregnancy or post natal hormonal imbalance, he will (hopefully) reassure you and tell you you have nothing to worry about. Maybe speak to your GP too? Thinking of you x

treacletoffee23 · 25/06/2026 16:24

l think it’s a combination of Hormones and feeling a little less confident.
Dont write any notes, concentrate on your lovely new addition and buy a bigger fence- you will need it when the child gets older
plus a shed!
Take care x

Bunbun22 · 25/06/2026 16:18

Lookingback01 · 24/06/2026 15:33

I've name changed for this because I feel a bit silly to be posting, but it's driving me crazy so I need some advice.

We live in a new build next door to another couple who recently moved in. Our gardens are pretty close together and only really separated by a small fence that we can easily see over when standing.

We're all mid-thirties and they're a nice enough couple, are polite and friendly, keep themselves to themselves and are pretty quiet, so no problems there.

The issue I'm having is that the woman is objectively beautiful, very toned, slim, etc. Today she's obviously taking full advantage of the lovely weather we're having here and has decided to hang her underwear out on the line to dry. When I say underwear, I'm not talking about the simple black briefs and maternity bras that I'm currently wearing, but beautiful skimpy Victoria's Secret type stuff.

I don't know if it's my hormones or what the issue is, but this is making me feel so jealous because I keep thinking that my DH is looking at her underwear and will start to fancy her, if he doesn't already.

I was thinking that I could write her a small, friendly note just asking if she would mind bringing them inside. I mean, they're so skimpy that they'll probably be dry by now, anyway. I don't have the nerve to ask her face to face because part of me knows I'm being ridiculous, but I can't help how I feel and have been sitting here crying all afternoon imagining her and my DH together.

He thinks I'm acting crazy and said that if I send her a note, he will go to his mum's for the night because it would be absolutely mortifying.

AIBU?

Oh hun. Pull your big knickers up and come to your senses. Men don’t look at neighbours washing lines. Stop stressing

LassitersLegend · 25/06/2026 16:18

I think you need to get a grip! Having said that you said you're wearing maternity bras, so I'm presuming you're post partum and it's your hormones? Perhaps look into a taller fence, but you can't ask her to bring her underwear in, that's unreasonable.

Cath082 · 25/06/2026 16:11

Firstly this has to be a joke, if it’s not then you need to have a word with yourself.

SonnyHoney · 25/06/2026 16:09

The fact that you mentioned nursing bras makes me realise that this is your hormones.

I've said and done batshit things when I was pregnant, breastfeeding. Don't do it. You will regret it!!

LeaderBee · 25/06/2026 11:59

Wow, this is a joke post, right? You have absolutely no right to ask her that.
She's using her washing line for what it was intended for and if you are feeling affronted by that then tough shit, suck it up.

It's note quite, but almost body shaming her.

Glockenspock · 25/06/2026 11:36

Happytaytos · 25/06/2026 06:33

Oh yes it's totally the woman who hung her knickers on the lines fault she got raped.

WTF did I just read.

Where did I say it's the victim's fault?

Making a personal decision to mitigate against risk is not victim blaming.

GinaandGin · 25/06/2026 11:19

You sound batshit, paranoid and jealous

Stelladid · 25/06/2026 10:04

PollyBell · 25/06/2026 01:19

And how is that the neighbours problem?

My comment was in reply to someone saying “are you pregnant? That’s the only reason for this”

Stelladid · 25/06/2026 10:02

SnowFrogJelly · 25/06/2026 01:18

Still ridiculous

Yes and she pretty much said that herself. My comment was in reply to someone saying “are you pregnant? That’s the only reason for this”