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?

That there are people who mind about other people peeing in showers because it can splash up onto the tiles and that would be BAD.

And on a similar vein, the planet can be totally flooded and our grand children subject to the complete anarchy and disintegration of society that will ensue . But it’s important to use zoflora , biological washing powder, fabric conditioner and bleach never the less.

That I lived in peril with my partner and children for years before we married. Never thought about it just trusted.

That lots of people seem to marry people they either don’t actually like, or had their eyes and ears shut and didn’t notice who it was they were marrying.

That some people have such astute and precise minds. Even people who are not in finance or law have such a good grasp of worldly stuff. It’s really impressive to me. I live on my instincts, my mind’s a bit woolly.

But the thing that was the biggest shock to me is how much pleasure people take from being unkind.

Interesting thread op, thanks.

I've learnt that flushable tampons aren't actually flushable. Not that it matters seeing as I left all that malarky behind years ago.

I first heard of Mooncups on MoneySavingExpert. That's a long time ago!

That some people’s dreadful is my normal and some people’s normal is dreadful.

That lots of people seem to marry people they either don’t actually like

Now that you mention it, I'm always aghast at how many people have friends that they don't actually like, or who don't actually seem to like them. It's really sad, because good friendships enhance your life so much, and no one should have to put up with being treated like crap just because they go back a long way.

Oh and poo crumbs on towels and their ability to contaminate your tee shirts if you were foolish and washed them together.

That I really domt clean very much
That lots of babies dont sleep
That lots of births are awful
I think the biggest one for me - that I don't have to agree with people. I posted a while ago on a sensitive topic and really felt awful when a couple of people didnt agree with me. It took DH to say 'u know the situation better than random people on the internet- would u necessarily agree with a stranger in the street?' Since then jve felt much more confident.

How few women seem to marry grownups.

@shoebedobedobedobedoo I didn't know about the fuel cap!

Oh and if your child can't sit still and be silent for a full hour when preschool age it's not because that's unrealistic for a just-four-year-old or (also) because they have some SEN. It's because you should not expect churches to welcome actual children.

I learnt that some people genuinely believe DH and I can't have a nice life on our current earnings (which are average for our area and nationally).

You don't have to have any relationship with your in-laws- you can get your OH to do all the communication with them (I hate this sentiment - you have a voice and an opinion).

On the plus side, when I was going through fertility investigations and treatment, I learned I was nowhere near as alone as I felt and lots of wonderful people are happy to give their time, experience and support.

Have also learned I am a complete slattern by a lot of peoples standards (especially when it comes to how often things get washed)

Totally agree on the "anti Facebook" I'm having a really rough time at the moment for lots of reasons and while I'm not posting as much as usual mn is distracting and helping.

Also I learned tonight that I've been singing the time warp wrong for about 30 odd years!

And now I also know about Eleanor crosses

Penis Beaker was a new one for me too

The Click & hold manip. on iphone to move the cursor.... saved my mental healrh

But not my sausage fingers !

The Relationships board has taught me that it ain’t so bad being single.

I have learned that sex is not the same as gender. For the avoidance of any doubt. Sex is biological and is the sex you are born into. Gender is the expression of your internal feelings, and the way you present to the world.
I've also learned about the stock cube thingy.

As a lurker, reading many old posts, I learned what my rights were about giving birth and also about the many things that could go wrong. I also learned that some people really don't think mental health is a real thing.

Since signing up for an actual username a couple of months ago, I've learned washing can get darked on, there's something about toilet brushes, and that we give people a jammy dodger when they're being precious. I've also learned that the entire internet isn't an echo chamber yet and I love the fact that people on here tend to say what they think and no one can block each other even if they don't want to listen to their point of view, because in other areas of the internet everyone deletes people who don't 100% agree with their views which is a bit tragic.

But most importantly, I'm still breastfeeding thanks to Mumsnet and the advice I've had in the only thread I ever started.

Oh I also learned that other people's families are just as messy and illogical as mine. And that there's always someone prepared to agree with an AIBU, no matter how ridiculous the OP is being.

That pineapples grow on the ground! I don't really know what I thought before, from a tree maybe? But I was truly when I saw a pineapple plant!

I'm going to disagree on the toilet brush. I think it's gross not having one. There. I've said it! ...(hoping not to get banned from MN for such radical views...!!)

That a chicken can feed a family of six all week, or a family of four generously for one meal.

The foil box dispenser thing

Whatever your OH has done wrong you should LTB

Centre Parcs = bumsex

Someone used the term ‘martyr syndrome’ and so much of my MILs behaviour (and BILs) behaviour make sense.

I actually learned terms like Cis on here. Now I am actually seeing it in fucking use. I also know there are people who feel the same.

I also learned that your legs get really really dirty and they need scrubbing in the shower or something...

That people will argue about pretty much anything.