What’s something that Mumsnet has taught you?

[Junaluma]

For me, it’s to leave the washing machine slightly ajar when you’ve finished using it. Game changing - never smells now!

I actually feel my identity as a woman has been strengthened by hearing so many other people's dilemmas, opinions, struggles and views. I also realise now how I am not alone in the struggles I faced in the past with DA, rape etc.
It's really helped me a lot. I'm very happy to have joined. Though obviously sometimes you get people who seem nasty, rude or you just disagree. I've had some of my views balanced out a bit and had some really good advice. Too many times to even specify.

oh yes, I remember that. I have it printed out somewhere.

For me, among other things, never leave a room empty handed. I do wish my DH would try this. He is the complete opposite. He will go to the garage without taking something waiting at the door for the garage, to the garage.

Mumsnet opened my eyes to the mental load and weaponised incompetence. And bars of proper soap.

That I should use my big words.

That I need to have my eyes tested more frequently because I’m just not seeing these vvvvvvvvv faint lines

That lots of women are very self centred and toxic. Ready to go non contact because of a petty disagreement and always ready to ltb.

🤣🤣

That it can be the most brilliant, uplifting place with quick witted and hilarious posters. Some of the more "trivia" threads like reminiscing over old telly shows, songs with like minded people, helping posters remember a book or film or discover a recipe can genuinely make it a real feel good place and funny place to be.

Equally seeing the way posters band together when someone is having a torrid time are incredible to see sometimes. The messages of support and handholding I received (under a different name) from people who didn't know me and didn't have to bother to take the time to offer support, but still did blew me away.

But like anywhere it has it's bad points, the needless viciousness of some posts are breathtaking. The anger people write with because the OP will not follow their advice to the letter, the sneering, stereotyping, backbiting, dog-whistling and political tribalism that some people unleash from behind their keyboards can be horrendous and if your not in the best of headspaces too bloody much. But I always remind myself that those people probably won't say boo in real life.

Sorry for the essay OP. If you meant your question in a practical way then it's taught me how to make a chicken last for 28 weeks and you must ALWAYS cancel the cheque.

My nan always said that the biggest obstacle women face is other women. Unfortunately the older I get the more I agree.

I learned a lot about peri menopause - not sure I know it existed before here!

That an awful lot of people seem incapable of reading & understanding the opening post with any accuracy whatsoever

That lots of men are arseholes.
That lots of women are arseholes.

That there are amazing people out there who will give you advice and moral support when you can’t get it in real life because people haven’t been in your situation/ wouldn’t understand. Also to always wear spf and most recently the fab some dogs are born half trained others die half trained and that my lunatic cocker spaniel is not in the minority in the spaniel community 😅

I've learned that there are people who do not have toilet brushes yet still expect guests to leave the toilet clean by putting their bare hands down it.

On a much less frivolous note, it has reinforced to me how many hidden disabilities and medical conditions there are and how we should not judge people at first sight.

Who to get referred to after multiple miscarriages (end result: one baby)
What to do when my child was diagnosed with autism (end result: end of challenging behaviours, learning to communicate)
How to negotiate the special needs education system including fighting a tribunal (end result: full funding for what was needed)
The full toxicity of gender ideology (end result: ongoing anger)
That I can get past my mother's chronic lying/embellishment without full-on confrontation (end result: quite low contact and no confrontations, peace of mind)
That I have been very lucky with my health this far (end result: gratitude)
That I have been very lucky with my stepchildren (end result: gratitude)

Some people’s first thoughts are just awful!

OP: my 2.5 yr old is going xyz.
3 million replies: How old is the DC.

Or
*OP writes post trying to remember name of something.

*Posters reply and issue is sorted.

*Thread moves on to discuss other things.

*Four days later poster chimes in and answers OPs original question. Like what did they think the 243 other posts were about. Or nobody had thought of it until they arrived 🤔.

Love this @stayathomer most recently the fab some dogs are born half trained others die half trained - I’m going to remember this the next time ChenDog is being an a-hole!

That most people are trying to do their best, even if you think that they are chronically misguided.

But that there are some people who make idiotic decisions.

That a significant minority of women don't value themselves adequately and waste their lives with absolute arsehole men.

And Cutted Up Pear was one of the funniest things I have ever read.

@Topseyt123 Surely not?? Please say you are exaggerating to make a point and these people don't really exist. 🤢.

This one?
Labradors are born half-trained.
Spaniels die half-trained.

I have HPRs. They make spaniels look tranquil and wise.

Please share! 😁

Dove doesn't make me stinky. Love it!

EdithStourton

that’s the one!! I love it!! Edited to add- just googled hprs!