Things I have learnt solely due to Mumsnet

[isabellerossignol]

I was having a think today about various things that I had never heard of until I read about them on Mumsnet. Trivial stuff, 'general knowledge' type stuff, language stuff, history, all sorts really.

I had never heard of an Eleanor Cross.

Had never heard of the term 'wedding breakfast'.

Didn't know about how funerals differ around the UK.

Have learnt so much about feminism and how things that I had never previously considered actually have an impact on my life. I don't know where I would ever have come across that information if it weren't for Mumsnet.

There are so many more, but those popped into my head.

What's yours?

Never heard anyone refer to drag as "ladyface" or "womanface" anywhere but on MN.

Seaweed at the Chinese is actually cabbage.

That pegging socks on the washing line in pairs by the toes means you can roll them together before you unpeg them.

What's an Eleanor Cross?

I learnt that I didn't need to politely put up with my MIL's bullying. MN opened my eyes and I'm now LC and a whole lot happier because of it.

@CheeseCakeSunflowers that is pure genius.
( gosh my life is sad that I find that genius )

What's an Eleanor Cross?

An ancient historic monument. And the only reason I've ever heard of them is because I saw a thread on mumsnet that said something like 'I have a colleague who has never heard of an Eleanor Cross and I can't believe anyone could be so clueless'

That some people have Father Christmas bring all the presents, not just the stocking ones so they don't put the presents under the tree until after children are asleep.

Another think coming. Blew my mind.

That spiders rub their willies on your washing if you leave it out at night

That parking bollards are life changers.

Aldi currently selling them too.

www.aldi.co.uk/parking-pole/p/017006280867600

That putting a damp piece of kitchen roll in a bag of salad leaves helps keep them fresh. Rock n roll.

But for MN...
never heard of wedding breakfast, either.
didn't know what a hen night was suppose to be like.
how much women care about the size of their boobs

lots of little things, some of them actually useful.

That contrary to what you might internally believe you aren't the only one out there struggling with big issues whilst everyone else has the perfect life

It's the Anti Facebook in that respect

And an important lesson to hold on to

When cooking chicken Kiev in the oven, lay each one on a slice of bread to make garlicky toast. It stops the baking tray getting really oily too.

DH was most impressed when I used this tip last weekend!

I agree that it's the anti-Facebook. On MN I hear from people I would never cross paths with on an average day. I live pretty much in a privileged bubble mostly with other families with primary aged kids so I find it hugely helpful to widen my experience of the world. Eg I know only one Leave voter in real life and we intentionally avoid the subject, so I find it incredibly helpful to read the opinions of Leave voters on here. Also people who otherwise I wouldn't ordinarily cross paths with - people who are housebound, work night shifts, spend their free time caring for others or for family members, have different struggles than I do, or just are younger/older/in a different part of the country (or different country altogether). It widens my experience and hopefully understanding of what others might be going through.

If you have a drunken snog that you bitterly regret you shoud:

A. If you are a women, keep quiet about it, it was a stupid moment of madness that is not worth destroying your relationship over.

B. If you are a man you need to confess everything to your partner without minimising and beg forgiveness.

I'm on a lovely thread about all our DC going off to university... I learnt what matriculation is !!!

I've learnt about Wendy's.

Not a good thing but when I put my pants and tea towels in the wash together I now worry a bit.

How nice some people are.

How bloody awful some people are, cruel for fun is baffling.

Mooncups. They wouldn't have come into my awareness irl I don't think. Also, loads about the menopause. How lucky we are to have this community.

Me too Alicatz66.

I had never heard of mooncups until MN, not that I have need of anything like that any more.

MN has widened my views considerably.

That there is a little arrow by the petrol pump sign on your fuel gage which points to the side of your car that the petrol nozzle is on.

That toilet brushes are bad (still don’t know why)

That leaving the toilet seat up is an offence worth leaving your husband over.

That IRL everyone would think I’m a filthy minger as I only shower every other day.

That some men actually help around the house without being prompted (still don’t know any IRL)

That some people are totally bonkers.

Also @PanGalaticGargleBlaster

If your husband becomes chronically ill or disabled and you are struggling and don't love him anymore then you should do what is healthy for you and it's ok to leave and you should do so ASAP who has time for that?

If your wife becomes chronically ill or disabled and you are struggling and don't think you love her anymore you are a steaming shit of the highest order who doesn't deserve to exist