Does Mumsnet ever make you doubt yourself?

[CurlewKate]

Or would, if you let it? Things that you think of as perfectly normal behaviour, but aren't, according to Mumsnet. The two that spring to mind are offering someone a lift-surely not doing so is the "bad option"? And using another close family member's towel. Oh, and washing your hands in the kitchen sink. There are loads. I'm not going anywhere near who is allowed to use your loo for what-that's too scary.

No never, but I’m also aware that the internet is full of chat bots drumming up fake controversy so I never assume mumsnet is a true reflection of reality

No, never.

And offering someone a lift is generally unproblematic — the issue is if you won’t take no for an answer, or repeatedly express loud incredulity that the person usually walks or takes public transport.

It’s not that wild an idea to want to keep hand dirt out of a sink where food is washed. I grew up with an outdoor loo and everything, food prep, hair washing and handwashing, happening in the single indoor sink. I appreciate now having other options, including a downstairs loo about twenty feet from the kitchen sink.

No but I get what you mean. Sometimes it feels like no matter where you are or what you're doing there's probably a mumsnetter there judging you!

No. Mumsnet makes me realise I am a super ace person with oodles of confidence and self assurance.

I used to think I was quite anxious, but now I realise that my superhuman ability to open my door when someone knocks on it, to continue walking down the street when I see someone I know rather than leaping into a shop to escape them, and to turn around and walk back if I go the wrong way rather than continue walking the wrong way to avoid the risk of a random stranger wondering why I turned back, puts me in a high order of super confident people.

Nah. It's just a condensed pot of opinions. Bemusement, yes, doubt, no.

No, but it does sometimes highlight there are people with really strange outlooks on life who walk among us.

Well, tbh, I tend to take some things at face value as the ‘voice of the Mn majority’, and they fascinate me, because I don’t meet people who hold those views in my RL. I have never met people who struggle so much socially (well, obviously), or people who view the school run as a form of torture, or terribly house-proud people who have a concept of ‘visitor-ready’, or anyone who thinks being a SAHM is enviable.

I'm a grandma. Mumsnet makes me doubt everything I do.

I'm just resigned to the fact that I can't do right for doing wrong, according to this site. Fortunately I have an entirely normal and chilled DD and son in law.

No, just because someone does something or not does not make it right

I am always willing to learn new things things though

Yes, that’s what I stick around for, mostly. Fascinating.

No

No, it puts the fear of god into me as to how many weirdos there are out there, it's easy to assume everyone thinks like you most of the time!!

The thing about the internet is that it puts you in contact with people you would never encounter in your daily life, and certainly wouldn't seek advice from. You have to take some of the responses with a big pinch of salt.

I'm just read on where the op and her family have yet to kiss their 4 month old baby in the face for fear of germs! 🙄

I just read that thread too. Mumsnet just makes me realise how very odd people can be about very normal things.

I'm now fairly used to the idea that there are things that are a massive controversial deal on here that aren't in real life. It was a bit weird at first.

Well, tbh, I tend to take some things at face value as the ‘voice of the Mn majority’, and they fascinate me, because I don’t meet people who hold those views in my RL. I have never met people who struggle so much socially (well, obviously), or people who view the school run as a form of torture, or terribly house-proud people who have a concept of ‘visitor-ready’, or anyone who thinks being a SAHM is enviable.

Don't you think that's because people don't voice these things in real life even though they think/feel them? It's easier to admit to things on an online forum.

I get anxious if someone turns up and the house isn't "visitor ready" but I'd probably never say that to a friend in real life.

Yes, it makes you realise why some people get so little done, when some very trivial things are occupying their head space.

I just read that too. She'd also not kissed her other child as a baby. I was amazed there were a few people in the comments agreeing with her it was right not to!

It has when I’ve not been in a great place generally and I do regret that. In particular it really affected my relationship with my eldest child at one point.

I’ve never heard of people not washing their hands in the kitchen sink. That’s what it’s there for! Mumsnet does make me chuckle. Apparently I’m a wrong un because I’ve got carpets in my bedrooms and I take my shoes off and put slippers on when I come home. 🤷🏻‍♀️

This!

Well, I don’t meet people who are so socially anxious they don’t go out for obvious reasons, but no, I don’t think anyone whose house I’m regularly in has a concept of ‘visitor-ready’, or the slightest issue with impromptu visitors.

It would if I let it. But on deeper things than towels and a lift .

It's definitely opened my eyes to a massive range of neuroses I'd never even thought about. Also surprising is how judgy people are about random stuff that others do, but I suppose the format invites that.
Also surprising is the amount of misanthropy, going nc, avoiding socialising, not going to a mates birthday because the activity isn't your favourite thing to do, not answering the door, not letting the mil have a cuddle of a new baby etc.
The one that's really been hammered home to me though is that I'm a bit of a scumbag re house work, and especially sheet washing - I've changed my ways for guests but remain scummy for my own sheets.