Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to keep using a bag with a broken unused pocket zip?

53 replies

brokenbag · 21/09/2026 12:50

I have a rucksack with a small front pocket. I don’t use this pocket at all, but the zip has broken on it (old bag) however because I’ve never used it anyway the rest of the bag is still fine.

The number of well meaning people who keep taping me on the shoulder to tell me my bag is open is really frustrating and I do recognise this is unfair of me!

Do I need to just get rid of the bag, even though it’s fine? Or put a sign on my back?

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Realworld10 · 23/09/2026 18:17

brokenbag · 21/09/2026 14:00

I could pin or sew it shut but in all honesty I resent feeling I have to.

You will have to weigh up which you resent more...the tapping on shoulder or a few minutes sewing it?

Legomania · 22/09/2026 18:52

If it's one person, it's them. If it's everyone, it's you.

peramo · 22/09/2026 18:47

Keep it as it is and endure people pointing out your slovenliness regarding broken zips.

or

Cut the fucking pocket off.

Your choice.

Sennelier1 · 22/09/2026 18:40

brokenbag · 21/09/2026 14:00

I could pin or sew it shut but in all honesty I resent feeling I have to.

You don't have to. People are only suggesting this because yóu are complaining about well-meaning persons warning your bag,is open.

BoredZelda · 22/09/2026 17:48

Glue it shut.

Netcurtainnelly · 22/09/2026 17:46

brokenbag · 21/09/2026 12:50

I have a rucksack with a small front pocket. I don’t use this pocket at all, but the zip has broken on it (old bag) however because I’ve never used it anyway the rest of the bag is still fine.

The number of well meaning people who keep taping me on the shoulder to tell me my bag is open is really frustrating and I do recognise this is unfair of me!

Do I need to just get rid of the bag, even though it’s fine? Or put a sign on my back?

Yes, treat yourself to a new bag or get it fixed.

Mountainpika · 22/09/2026 17:27

Cut out a fabric or plastic set of very pointed teeth and sew them over the zip. Add a long red tongue as well. Have fun!

HalzTangz · 21/09/2026 20:14

Could you not sew the pocket shut, the people won't keep stopping you

Boreded · 21/09/2026 18:44

brokenbag · 21/09/2026 14:26

And it’s interesting as I’ve looked at the poll and while the responses here have me painted as a rude, ungracious sort that doesn’t deserve the kindness of strangers the poll is more understanding that while I recognise it comes from a good place, it’s still so annoying!

Because the people completing the poll are doing so based on your original question, not the tone you are taking with commenters who disagree with you.

BridalFeastofBethChadruharazzeb · 21/09/2026 18:42

brokenbag · 21/09/2026 14:00

I could pin or sew it shut but in all honesty I resent feeling I have to.

So why ask - you either put up with the "helpful" people or pin/glue/staple it shut, or cut it off

You asked a question, people gave you suggestions

Boreded · 21/09/2026 18:39

bigageap · 21/09/2026 14:02

You resent people making sure you haven't been robbed??? Are you ok??

Show quote history

IKR…I just fully eye rolled at the last comment.

Original poster
brokenbag · 21/09/2026 17:25

The word really has been really overused and really, what I want is to be left alone and if that means living in a society where I’m not repeatedly stopped and told to close my bag then … honestly, really, yeah.

OP posts:
Bollihobs · 21/09/2026 16:55

brokenbag · 21/09/2026 14:16

It looks fine! It really doesn’t look stupid, it’s a zip that’s slightly open (it got jammed a while back.) I think I’m inclined to get a new one, based on these responses it doesn’t look like the shoulder taps are going to stop any time soon.

Would you really prefer to live in a society where they did stop, where we all have no care for others, everyone ignoring everybody "we don't offer help to anyone any more, it's how we are now" Dystopian.

You have the tiniest problem, and it's a "you" problem because other people are doing nothing wrong to tell you the pocket is open, just fix the cause, sew it, glue it, tape it, job done.

Important always to take a step back from "Oh this is SO irritating!" to recognise whether the 'problem' comes from someone else's behaviour or from your own reaction/feeling.

Bollihobs · 21/09/2026 16:39

ToKittyornottoKitty · 21/09/2026 12:58

You resent having to seal your own bag shut so that people won’t be nice to you? Bizarre!

Show quote history

I was trying to sum up a reply to this post - this says it perfectly - thank you @ToKittyornottoKitty Truly a bizarre sentiment. And so easy to remedy!!

YourAmberExpert · 21/09/2026 15:55

Non issue

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 21/09/2026 15:54

brokenbag · 21/09/2026 14:52

It’s swung back now so my earlier comment looks weird. I’ve realised since starting this thread I can think of a few occasions where I feel people’s helpfulness has had the opposite effect on me. Like brushing an insect off me, especially if it’s on my boob or something. I don’t care about the insect, just leave me alone!

Show quote history

I’m a “leave me alone”’person too. Especially if I have headphones on, which I kind of need to do in busy space, I don’t want someone bursting that bubble unnecessarily.

OneOfEachPlease · 21/09/2026 15:33

Your further responses make this make more sense. In a context where you don’t want to be approached by strangers, be touched (understandable!), be noticed then I think you are going to have to buy a new bag or repair this one. Sorry! I don’t think there’s a way to stop people trying to be helpful.

Original poster
brokenbag · 21/09/2026 14:52

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 21/09/2026 14:47

I think on threads in general people are more likely to write comments if they want to have a go at the poster, and simply vote if they agree.

Show quote history

It’s swung back now so my earlier comment looks weird. I’ve realised since starting this thread I can think of a few occasions where I feel people’s helpfulness has had the opposite effect on me. Like brushing an insect off me, especially if it’s on my boob or something. I don’t care about the insect, just leave me alone!

OP posts:
GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 21/09/2026 14:48

ToKittyornottoKitty · 21/09/2026 14:26

An opinion is just that, I am completely entitled to mine, just as you are to yours. Frustration at tapping on the shoulder I understand, but resentment at fixing your own broken properly so that people aren’t nice to you is bizarre in my opinion. You feel my opinion is invalid and that’s fine too.

Show quote history

I can see you’re not likely to open your mind a little bit so never mind

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 21/09/2026 14:47

brokenbag · 21/09/2026 14:26

And it’s interesting as I’ve looked at the poll and while the responses here have me painted as a rude, ungracious sort that doesn’t deserve the kindness of strangers the poll is more understanding that while I recognise it comes from a good place, it’s still so annoying!

I think on threads in general people are more likely to write comments if they want to have a go at the poster, and simply vote if they agree.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 21/09/2026 14:46

brokenbag · 21/09/2026 14:32

I really dislike it. Something else that used to happen to me a lot was those little silky straps inside tops would work their way out and someone would PUSH THEM BACK IN!

Like, NO!

Show quote history

Oh my god, I’d hate that! People reaching out and adjusting me in some way without permission may result in me involuntarily slapping their hand away. Just no.

My Mum would do something like that and then get offended that I reacted badly to it.

I do cut the irritating little straps out of clothing though now as I don’t massively want them hanging out, I just even less want people reaching out and touching me!

Original poster
brokenbag · 21/09/2026 14:32

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 21/09/2026 14:22

I think some people don’t realise how much being tapped in the shoulder makes some other people’s skin crawl!

It does mine anyway

Show quote history

I really dislike it. Something else that used to happen to me a lot was those little silky straps inside tops would work their way out and someone would PUSH THEM BACK IN!

Like, NO!

OP posts:
Original poster
brokenbag · 21/09/2026 14:29

seahorsessky · 21/09/2026 14:28

It's not unfair-it's not like you're hurting them, and as long as you're not rude when they point it out, no problem. If it's annoying you when ten (nice!) people a day tell you, sew it up.

The worst are people who won’t accept my ‘yes thanks’ and sort of wait for me to zip it up or (worse) chase after me a second time to remind me to do it up.

I do have to remind myself they are trying to be helpful. It’s actually my DCs changing bag and she’s very nearly at an age where it isn’t needed so I’m kind of reluctant to buy another one. And I’m weirdly fond of it!

OP posts:
seahorsessky · 21/09/2026 14:28

It's not unfair-it's not like you're hurting them, and as long as you're not rude when they point it out, no problem. If it's annoying you when ten (nice!) people a day tell you, sew it up.

Original poster
brokenbag · 21/09/2026 14:26

And it’s interesting as I’ve looked at the poll and while the responses here have me painted as a rude, ungracious sort that doesn’t deserve the kindness of strangers the poll is more understanding that while I recognise it comes from a good place, it’s still so annoying!

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread