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Original poster

Retort to accusation of nagging?

21 replies

Idontdoyoga · 05/12/2022 20:31

Just that really. Let’s not get too serious about it but …

It’s such a below the belt accusation when one is simply asking, maybe for the second or third time, for something beneficial to both parties, to be done or a task completed.
OR
Pointing out something which really doesn’t matter to anyone else but would benefit a grunt work situation.
OR
“Please don’t walk all over the wet kitchen floor with your muddy shoes ! I’ve worked hard around the house getting it ready for your parents to visit later so I don’t want to mop it up again.”

“Nag, nag nag!! You never stop.”

How can one respond to shoot it down in flames with the perfect retort or should we put up & shut up?

OP posts:

HarrietSchulenberg · 05/12/2022 20:35

"Nagging is the repetition of unpalatable truths" should do it. You can thank Baroness Edith Summerskill for that one.

EVHead · 05/12/2022 20:36

Calling you a nag is misogynistic. I assume this is your DH/DP?

dubyalass · 05/12/2022 20:36

Simple. Don't do any cleaning before their parents turn up. Although it depends on whether their parents will blame you or their offspring for the house being a midden.

I simply couldn't be arsed with this, it's a fundamental lack of respect. It would also make me question whether I wanted to continue in a relationship with them. It is serious, whether you like it or not.

PlaitBilledDuckyPuss · 05/12/2022 20:36

'If you'd done it the first time I asked, I wouldn't have to repeat myself.'

Fizzadora · 05/12/2022 20:46

The mop bucket would have been flung. Not that I have a mop bucket or ever get accused of nagging. He wouldn't fucking dare.

33goingon64 · 05/12/2022 20:49

God I had this today. On asking what was happening to a pile of clothes next to his side of the bed as he prepared to leave the house for a trip away for the week. 'Stop nagging, it's not a priority for me' was the response. I got MAD. I hadn't heard the 'unpalatable truths' phrase before, but something similar about 'sorry if it's inconvenient to have your messy habits pointed out to you' was used... he apologised for snapping but the clothes are still there...

HeavenlyHiraaniTigerlilyHutchenceYatesGeldof · 05/12/2022 21:03

Simple. Give him a taste of his own medicine. Next time he asks you to do something let him repeat it 2-3 times and call him a nag. Do this especially with requests for sex.

SantasGrotty · 05/12/2022 21:05

"I'll stop nagging if you stop being a lazy, spoiled child. And next time you clean the floor"

Brefugee · 05/12/2022 21:05

"Nagging is the repetition of unpalatable truths" should do it. You can thank Baroness Edith Summerskill for that one.

this is the best one.
Another is "you agreed to do this, i've done all my jobs and yet you still haven't done yours. Why is that?"

And if i'd spent the day cleaning for his parents? I would literally turn the place into a tip and go and stay in a hotel.

nancydroo · 05/12/2022 21:11

HarrietSchulenberg · 05/12/2022 20:35

"Nagging is the repetition of unpalatable truths" should do it. You can thank Baroness Edith Summerskill for that one.

Love it

Onnabugeisha · 05/12/2022 21:13

I usually say “Damn right I’m nagging. If you had more than a single brain cell, I wouldn’t have to repeat myself”

Boiledeggandtoast · 05/12/2022 21:18

I think it was Katherine Whitehorn who said that there is no such thing as a nagging woman, only a man who won't do what he's been asked (or words to the effect).

JaneJeffer · 05/12/2022 21:28

"Walk on that floor in your shoes again and I'll chop your fucking feet off" should do the trick.

Ronnii · 05/12/2022 21:28

I'd tell him not to disrespect me.

BogRollBOGOF · 05/12/2022 21:33

Boiledeggandtoast · 05/12/2022 21:18

I think it was Katherine Whitehorn who said that there is no such thing as a nagging woman, only a man who won't do what he's been asked (or words to the effect).

That's the direction I take.

I couldn't possibly nag if they'd listened and taken action at the first time of asking.

mamabluestar · 05/12/2022 21:36

I can't help...but I am making notes

Crinkle77 · 05/12/2022 21:40

Why are you thd one getting thd house ready for his parents visit. Sod that!

GreenManalishi · 05/12/2022 22:03

I’ve worked hard around the house getting it ready for your parents to visit later so I don’t want to mop it up again

I'd start by lessening the resentment by not mopping it once, never mind twice in preparation for his parents visit. Free yourself from that particular bullshit starting now.

Hire in someone to do the grunt work, split the cost. If the thing you want done doesn't get done, find a way to do it without the input of the DH (I'm presuming this is a DH?)

Nag, nag nag!! You never stop. I know you asked for lighthearted, but this is really disrespectful and I hope that you don't have kids watching this casual domestic misogyny, because if you do prepare for it to increase when they realise that it's a clever option to get the domestic applicance (you) to run more programmes in quiet mode.

Theskyisfallingdown · 05/12/2022 22:13

No quality, worthwhile, contributing man would say such a thing.

spinachmonster · 05/12/2022 22:27

You are choosing to be nagged by not doing what I ask the first time, it's very simple. Alternatively take over running the house- up to you.

Original poster

Idontdoyoga · 06/12/2022 08:08

Thanks to all for some very good responses. It’s not really an issue for me as I have the intelligence, wit and vocabulary to deal with it but your extra insights are helpful. Great when you need to pull a fresh rabbit (retort) out of the hat.

My post was spawned by contact with a friend & the usual conversational stray into “other half & relationship update!”
I hope for more replies which I’ll pass on because it’s fascinating to read others’ take on it.
Thank you.

OP posts:

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