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Original poster

Well this is a bit embarrassing.

175 replies

SpiderCharlotte · 25/10/2019 12:14

We have a very lovely cleaner who comes for a couple of hours every Friday morning. I absolutely love her and usually leave her biscuits/cake by the kettle as I'm always out when she's here.

I've just got home to find that the bottle of Champagne that I was talking to my friends 40th tomorrow has gone and there's a lovely wee note thanking me for the champers. It was on the kitchen table in a gift bag and there was a birthday card next to it. I can't ask for it back, she'd be so embarrassed - I'm going to have to fork out for more Champers aren't I? Halloween Grin

OP posts:
SquishySquirmy · 25/10/2019 12:44

How much was the champagne?
Unless unafordable, I'd probably buy another, and think of it as an early Christmas present for cleaner.
It would be SUPER awkward to raise it, and if she's a good cleaner I wouldn't want to lose her!

GiveMeAllTheGin8 · 25/10/2019 12:44

I’m sure she read the name on the card and is chancing her luck!
Did you leave biscuits out today as well?

Fuckenstein · 25/10/2019 12:45

I would have to buy another bottle, no way could I bring it up and embarrass her.

Original poster
SpiderCharlotte · 25/10/2019 12:45

@madambee. This is how I feel, I can't ask for it back, she'd be so embarrassed. She's also my friends mum (not the one who's going to be 40) which makes it even worse. I don't actually know when her birthday is, I should ask my friend that might explain it!

OP posts:
Original poster
SpiderCharlotte · 25/10/2019 12:48

I know technically you should call her and explain but presumably you're British so you can't.

Yep! Those saying I'm a mug, ridiculous etc are absolutely right but I just can't. I don't think there's any chance she was taking the piss, she just wouldn't.

OP posts:
NoSquirrels · 25/10/2019 12:48

I buy another bottle for your friend, and would text cleaner:

I didn't know it was your birthday! How awkward - actually it was for a friend's 40th tomorrow, perhaps you didn't see the card next to the bag? Thanks for all you do - let's call it an early Christmas present, shall we?

Thereby making it clear it was not for her/possibly bit cheeky, and sorting out Christmas early Grin.

BlastEndedSkrewt · 25/10/2019 12:50

buy another bottle

OrangeSlices998 · 25/10/2019 12:52

Sorry but AS IF I'd let this go! I'd have to mention it, where does it end? If you leave a book in "her" spot, will she have that to? Bloody hell. Mention it! Why on earth wouldn't you, she's STOLEN a bottle of champagne from you!!!!!

Derbee · 25/10/2019 12:53

Why would she not have read or taken the card then? Is she going to take whatever is left out looking like a gift every time she cleans?

Original poster
SpiderCharlotte · 25/10/2019 12:53

I should just add that she's quite elderly now and after losing her husband a couple of years ago, I think she gets a bit lonely at night sometimes. The thought of her possibly quaffing champagne this evening with her feet up is no bad thing really.

OP posts:
spiderlight · 25/10/2019 12:56

Aww - you sound lovely! If you can afford to replace it, let her enjoy it.

Butterymuffin · 25/10/2019 12:56

That's very strange of her. I would have texted and asked if the bottle was meant for me in that position.

SquishySquirmy · 25/10/2019 13:01

Unlike those on this thread calling you a mug and her a cheeky thief, you actually KNOW her. So you know whether she is likely to be "trying it on" or not!
If she is not normally a cheeky fucker, then I would assume it's a genuine mistake. She was probably really touched by the gesture!

BunnyColvin · 25/10/2019 13:01

Who would take a bottle of champers without looking at the card beside it?? Nobody, that's who.

I say CF !!

But I probably wouldn't do anything about it either.

Blahdyblahblahblah · 25/10/2019 13:01

I would definitely have to buy another bottle. Just think of it as doing something nice for someone and write it off.

VaggieMight · 25/10/2019 13:03

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at poster's request.

Parsimon · 25/10/2019 13:08

I think you should view this as having accidentally done something lovely. The best thing is to leave it be and get another bottle for your friend (and take care what you leave on the table in future!)

Anotheruser02 · 25/10/2019 13:08

I'd let her keep it too. Maybe mention you thought it'd be more appreciated now before the official feasting season so she isn't expecting anything later.

pemberlyshades · 25/10/2019 13:10

I'd let her keep it! It's really funny and you're being sweet about the whole thing aww

LeftoverPizza · 25/10/2019 13:11

I’d let her keep it

SoupDragon · 25/10/2019 13:11

I think you should view this as having accidentally done something lovely

Me too.

Horsemad · 25/10/2019 13:11

I like NoSquirrels' approach. 🙂

ThatMuppetShow · 25/10/2019 13:12

OP, you sound lovely.

Yes it means you will have to be very careful not to leave any gift item in the kitchen again, but leave her the bottle.

Daddystilllost · 25/10/2019 13:13

I would text and pretend you have t seen her text, saying "I don't suppose you saw a bottle in a gift bag did you? Off to a party tomorrow and I've left the present somewhere but can't find it!" Gives her a chance to pretend she put it away and perhaps pop it back?

chocolatesaltyballs22 · 25/10/2019 13:16

Oh wow my cleaner would never do this and if I buy her a gift for Christmas or whatever I always text her to let her know that I've left her something. I also don't understand why she would assume it was for her and if it was me I would've looked at who the card was addressed to if I was in doubt. Not sure whether I'd want to cause embarrassment by asking for it back though if I'm honest.