I know it’s ridiculous but I’m a bit gutted

[MotherOfOlafs]

Hi all

We’re getting the bathroom done currently and were on holiday for a week so timed it to coincide as we only have a downstairs loo to use. Anyway, I’d left out a load of cups, teabags, coffee even biscuits and soft drinks for the plumber to use.

We’ve got back and not much has been done but ok I get it’s hot and whatnot. What’s annoyed me is that I have a display cabinet in the living room with a teapot and cups that I’d been given as a 21st birthday gift (I’d seen it in a magazine and loved it). I’ve never used it as to me it’s just a lovely bit of art I guess? The plumber has used it, it was washed and left on the draining board. I know I’m being silly and precious but I just feel annoyed! Especially as he took it from a cabinet in a different room, and he had everything he needed left out for him.

I’ve not said anything to him as I don’t really know what to say, nothing is broken or damaged so I’d feel silly. Am I being ridiculous here?

I once left an electrician doing some work in my house. I'd used him before and he seemed reliable. Came home earlier than expected to find him sitting with his entire family at my dining table, eating biscuits and drinking tea. His wife had her knitting out, his grown up daughter had magazines and crosswords. They'd really made themselves at home! Didn't use him again unsurprisingly!

Apologies OP I'd missed whole chunks including that it was an artistic piece and he will be coming back. Blame various factors for the inattentiveness!

Ok, I still couldn't get worked up with what's already happened. All's well that ends well and all.

I would however, ask him not to use it again though as it has sentimental value. You don't want it getting broken. If you're feeling generous, you could leave out an ordinary teapot if he's that fond of taking his tea like the Mad Hatter.

Yes I would have words with him.

Ask him Why he used the teapot that we use as the family sick bowl for your tea?

I think he saw your mimsy lovely teapot and thought he'd amuse himself by winding you up...

I think he had a cheek! Talk about taking liberties , he had no right rootling amongst your stuff! Perhaps fit a lock on the door if the cabinet is in another room!

Maybe he thinks tea tastes better in a pot and he wasn't prepared to compromise his standards. He was using it for its intended purpose. I wouldn't say anything.
PS I really can't see how it can taste better. But some people do think that.

Eh? Its design is based on a piece of modern art that I love. If that’s ‘mimsy’ to you, then you’re a twat.

If he loves tea made in a teapot so much he simply can't drink tea made in a mug he should bring his own.

Absolutely out of order to go through your display cabinets and use something that you were obviously treating as decorative.

He took liberties, overstepped the mark and betrayed OP’s trust by going in a room that he didn’t need to, helping himself to her stuff! I certainly wouldn’t keep quiet, and I wouldn’t employ him.

You are being ridiculous if you say nothing! A simple "Can you use the cups I left out for you? These are for decoration more than everyday use!"

I think it's weird, but I wouldn't be "gutted" if there's no damage and I'm fairly precious with my possessions.

I would go ballistic, what was he even doing in your living room? My Husband was a tradie and would have sacked any of his lads that done that.

There’s a certain kind of man person who affects not to place any value on material things, and still unfailingly manages to identify the most valuable item in the room and claim it.

And if that is the case, then he’s an even bigger twat. Should have spent more time working and less time dicking about with tea pots.

Since it’s not been damaged, I’d leave it but be miffed. I’d also put a note inside saying it’s for decorative use only, just in case anyone else ever tries.

I'd be concerned that he had been through my drawers and was using my knickers as a tea strainer 😫

Would he have been making tea for more than one person?

I would always look for a teapot, rather than throw a teabag in a cup.

I live in Essex OP, and have a plumber for a brother, it would be a rare breed of Essex tradesman making tea in a pot and using the fancy cups.

Does anyone else remember the thread where the OPs tradesman was using her house to have illicit liaisons with his mistress......

Why are people on here always falling over themselves to show how “cool” they are. It’s a blatant overstep. It’s not ok.

Rather like sleeping with your friend’s son…😬

Even if it wasn't your house, you were there not as a guest but in a position of trust to do a job, the owner had clearly put out other items intended for your use, the teapot was in a room you had no business even entering, and the teapot was being displayed as a decorative piece in a cabinet?

Then you would likewise be very rude and inappropriate. If you're working in someone else's house and they've given you teabags and cups, you make your tea with those or you bring your own supplies, you don't start making yourself at home and exploring their house and using any item you fancy.

Yeah, he had someone over. If not much was done as well, could he have actually let someone stay in your house whilst you were away?

Is it damaged? If not, why does it matter if he mistakenly used it?
Wash it and put it back on display FGS.