Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Do you believe in monitoring spirits ?

24 replies

Sortingstuffout · 27/12/2025 18:35

like people who are seriously nosey, always wanting updates on your life and want to know everything you’re doing

OP posts:
17to35 · 27/12/2025 18:56

I thought you meant the pencil mark on the whisky labels

Horrorscope · 27/12/2025 18:58

I thought you meant ghosts…

SoftBalletShoes · 27/12/2025 18:59

What on earth are you talking about?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Spooky & paranormal
TheMorgenmuffel · 27/12/2025 18:59

Are you asking if we believe nosy people are real?

PennyLaneisinmyheartandmysoul · 27/12/2025 19:00

Like who’s been at the gin?

Arlanymor · 27/12/2025 19:00

What's the typo here as none of this makes sense? I thought you were putting marks on a bottle of vodka...

uhtredofbattenberg · 27/12/2025 19:01

Was wondering whether this was the special branch of ghosts or checking the drinks bottles

Original poster
Sortingstuffout · 27/12/2025 19:02

Arlanymor · 27/12/2025 19:00

What's the typo here as none of this makes sense? I thought you were putting marks on a bottle of vodka...

😂😂

OP posts:
NotForTheMoneyandNotForTheApplause · 27/12/2025 19:02

No, only the gullible believe in nosey people, the sensible rest of us know they dont exist

Original poster
Sortingstuffout · 27/12/2025 19:02

Sorry it’s more of a Nigerian term
let me get a description for you

OP posts:
goldboots · 27/12/2025 19:05

Ok so I goggled it and it says:

"Well, they are spiritual beings that operate in the supernatural realm, with the not-so-friendly task of observing and monitoring the lives of individuals. Their main goal is to gather information, take notes, and report back to the forces of darkness, seeking any vulnerability they can exploit in our lives."

I can think of several people I have worked with in the past who match this description 🤣

AyrshireTryer · 27/12/2025 19:05

What I drink is up to me.

Original poster
Sortingstuffout · 27/12/2025 19:06

“In Nigeria, we jokingly call them monitoring spirits—friends who are not really friends, but watchers. They stay close enough to observe, close enough to comment, but never close enough to genuinely cheer you on.
And sometimes, it’s not about what they do—it’s how they do it.
It’s the tone behind those casual remarks: “When you were at this stage, we were envious of you.”
It’s the probing questions that slip into conversations: “So, what’s your next big thing?”—asked not out of joy or curiosity, but in a way that makes you shrink, that stirs discomfort instead of excitement.

Their words weigh heavy. Their presence feels less like companionship and more like surveillance.
Friendship should be a safe space, not a stage where you’re constantly being measured. True friends don’t compete with you, they don’t secretly envy you, and they certainly don’t disguise curiosity as care just to extract details of your life.
Letting them go wasn’t about bitterness. It was about protecting my peace. It was about choosing authenticity over pretense, comfort over discomfort, and joy over subtle envy.“

OP posts:
Lochroy · 27/12/2025 19:07

I’m not quite sure why it’s questionable to believe in them? They abso-fucking-lutely exist and I will lend my mother to anyone who thinks they don’t.

bleakmidwintering · 27/12/2025 19:07

What?

starlightescape · 27/12/2025 19:09

Sortingstuffout · 27/12/2025 19:06

“In Nigeria, we jokingly call them monitoring spirits—friends who are not really friends, but watchers. They stay close enough to observe, close enough to comment, but never close enough to genuinely cheer you on.
And sometimes, it’s not about what they do—it’s how they do it.
It’s the tone behind those casual remarks: “When you were at this stage, we were envious of you.”
It’s the probing questions that slip into conversations: “So, what’s your next big thing?”—asked not out of joy or curiosity, but in a way that makes you shrink, that stirs discomfort instead of excitement.

Their words weigh heavy. Their presence feels less like companionship and more like surveillance.
Friendship should be a safe space, not a stage where you’re constantly being measured. True friends don’t compete with you, they don’t secretly envy you, and they certainly don’t disguise curiosity as care just to extract details of your life.
Letting them go wasn’t about bitterness. It was about protecting my peace. It was about choosing authenticity over pretense, comfort over discomfort, and joy over subtle envy.“

So, do I believe in toxic, jealous, bitter people who pretend to be your friend but secretly envy your success?

Yes of course- I am sure we have all experienced someone like that during the course of life. There is nothing woo woo about it.

Original poster
Sortingstuffout · 27/12/2025 19:09

Lochroy · 27/12/2025 19:07

I’m not quite sure why it’s questionable to believe in them? They abso-fucking-lutely exist and I will lend my mother to anyone who thinks they don’t.

🤣

OP posts:
Letsgodancing · 27/12/2025 19:12

Yes i have seen this come up on tiktok lately. Although I think the Mumsnet term is putting a person on an 'information diet'.
Also as the Germans say 'schadenfreude'
I would say the British press are excellent monitoring spirits too 😂

Original poster
Sortingstuffout · 27/12/2025 19:13

What I think is the number 1 thing that makes this kinda thing stand out is the information gathering by and the way they can’t hide, even though they try to , their disappointment when something good happens to you….

or if something goes bad for you they wanna hear every detail
and ask a million questions
and want to stay on this subject for ages

Something good, mumble a comment half heated and strained like “nice”
then quickly change the subject

OP posts:
Original poster
Sortingstuffout · 27/12/2025 19:14

Ohhh I’ve never heard the term ‘information diet'.
but I’m sure I’ll like it

these types though are relentless with the questions so you tend to have to cut them out or distance
as they do not stop
they are not polite

OP posts:
TheMorgenmuffel · 27/12/2025 19:19

Ah. Right. The word you are looking for is "twats".

RudolphTheReindeer · 27/12/2025 19:41

Oh I've never heard that term. I guess it's the same as what I would call a 'Frenemy'. Someone who pretends to be your friend, but aren't really. They see you as competition (even when there's nothing to compete over and you couldn't care less). They may give weird backhanded compliments to your face that leave you questioning yourself and they'll be unkind about you to others behind your back to try and turn people against you.

Original poster
Sortingstuffout · 27/12/2025 20:16

TheMorgenmuffel · 27/12/2025 19:19

Ah. Right. The word you are looking for is "twats".

😂😂or nosey bastards

OP posts:
Original poster
Sortingstuffout · 27/12/2025 20:17

RudolphTheReindeer · 27/12/2025 19:41

Oh I've never heard that term. I guess it's the same as what I would call a 'Frenemy'. Someone who pretends to be your friend, but aren't really. They see you as competition (even when there's nothing to compete over and you couldn't care less). They may give weird backhanded compliments to your face that leave you questioning yourself and they'll be unkind about you to others behind your back to try and turn people against you.

Yes true when you leave you have this kinda feeling did I have a good time ? Was that fun ?

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page