What has Mumsnet done for you?

[Biancadelrioisback]

I've noticed recently that there seems to be a bunch of new people on here, many of whom have declared that Mumsnet users are nasty and bully people etc. I'm not denying that that does go on here in places but it seems that some of these newer people and potential new people are only seeing the bad things about this site.

So, I wanted to be positive and ask what has mumsnet done for you?

I've been on here a year or so now (regular name changer) but used to scroll through before that. Since I've joined, I think Mumsnet had taught me quite a lot. The community here have helped me through dealing with my DHs depression, my issues with my brother, issues with work etc. But also, it's become a place I can come to when im bored or just want to chat, a place I can joke around and have fun.
I've seen threads from people dealing with everything from birth to death, miscarriages, abusive relationships, unexplainable mysteries and smelly elbows so I'm guessing that quite a lot of us have had some really positive experiences on this forum.

I've been on here for 15 years
I've met friends on here.
I learnt about radical feminism and specifically anti-porn feminist analysis.
I learnt a lot about how much I needed to spend on camping and wicking material outdoor clothes.
It definitely helped me work out my previous relationship was abusive.

It introduced me to couch to 5k. A few attempts and I have stuck at it. In the last 5 and a half years I have run a lot of miles including a marathon.

When I was suffering from secondary infertility there were a bunch of mumsnetters who made me laugh when I wanted to cry.

I've been here a few years now.
MN has been with me through the birth of my youngest, relationship problems, DPs brothers suicide and DPs subsequent depression, me finding work, my own health issues, an abortion and now my own depression.
There are posters who have held my hand through all of that, and some who Just show kindness in passing.
Some posters are no longer here and I felt their deaths as if I knew them IRL.
Others are still around and are still a great support to me when needed.

I think it's great to be honest.

So much! Initially it kept me sane while working in a call centre aged 19, for which I am forever grateful 😄 needless to say I don’t know how I’d have survived the last 10 years and 2 kids without the collective knowledge of MNers!

Some posters I feel like I know them just from reading their posts for years. I havent made any friends on here that I have spoken to outside of threads but generally feel supported.
It's also a great place to come to give your head a wobble. I will admit I sometimes phrase problems in my mind as if I was writing in AIBU and imagine some typical responses

Helped me articulate Gender Critical ideas
Made me laugh

It’s made me realise that literally every problem I’ve ever had however big or small has been encountered by someone else as well, which I find quite comforting and reassuring.

I've also learnt how to hang thing on my washing line properly
Tops from the bottom and bottoms from the top.
As someone who has never had a washing line before, this was something I never knew!

Been a member for over ten years and have been helped with screaming colic, sleep deprivation, occasional marital wobble, every time I’m worried about my D.C. from a behavioural or medical POV, learnt about intermittent fasting, recipes and dealing with fussy eaters, other expats, travel advice and ideas, expanded my knowledge on feminism and made me more engaged, and without mumsnet I wouldn’t have had a group of real life mums who got me through early babyhood and remain some of my closest friends. Shout out to my regular meal planners!

It's kept me amused and entertained. Can't say I've ever received any great support, advice or abuse.

MN helped me through the bereavement of my partner and helped me to realise that the fact I've carried on working full time to support our 2 young children does not mean that I'm failing to be there for my children in anyway

I've been on here in various guises since 2008.

However what it really has done for me was to introduce me to some of my closest friends I could ever wish for, after joining an antenatal group on here for our Oct 2016 babies. We now speak on FB rather than here, but without these women I dread to think where my life would be.

We've collectively gone through marriage break ups, bereavement, new babies, new homes, new relationships and of course, brought our babies up together and they'll all turn 3 soon. We've clubbed together to help each other out on numerous occasions. They are the most wonderful people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.

It's entertained me a lot and interested me and occasionally educated me. But mostly it has eaten up totally outrageous amounts of time that would have been much better used doing other things. I don't find FB or Instagram addictive at all, but MN...

It’s made me really appreciate and think about others points of view.

It’s really really helped improve my swearing. I’m far more creative in that area now

It’s great company when you’re fed up / in a good mood / have PMT / worried about something etc

Made me buy a babyliss big hair thing which has REVOLUTIONISED my life (not an exaggeration)

Lots of great product recommendations (big hair, ugg Wilcox boots, m&s jeggings etc etc), and really helped me form some opinions on trans issues. Plus, although they are sad, reading some of the threads where people have a terminal illness has made me realise that even in those situations life goes on as normal.

Definitely broadened my perspective and made me appreciate others’ points of view/reactions to stuff. And honed my CF radar.

I've thought about this recently. I've been on here a couple of years and lurked for a year or two before joining.
I've honestly learnt so much, from health to domestic issues. I found some invaluable legal advice that really helped a situation we were in. Discovered beauty products I never knew about. Even stuff like what fabrics to wear which sounds stupid but I genuinely never knew before.
Yes I've seen some shitty posts and I've had people pick at my posts for no reason. But I've seen far more of kind hearted support, knowledge, great advice, hilarious wit and fantastic humour. I love it