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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Drinks whilst at work

66 replies

Jackin · 05/07/2011 21:04

I work in peoples gardens everyday (I'm a tree surgeon) aibu to to think people should bring out a cup of tea or cold drink (non-alcholic) whilst we have our break? Or even water!

OP posts:
flipthefrog · 05/07/2011 21:05

no bring yer own Grin, seriously why would you really expect anyone to give you tea

PotteringAlong · 05/07/2011 21:05

Yes, YABU. Surely you can take your own flask/ bottle of water?

2littlegreenmonkeys · 05/07/2011 21:05

YABU, any reason you cant take your own water/flask of tea/coffee for your breaks?

Tchootnika · 05/07/2011 21:06

Weelll... It'd be nice good form if they did, but they're not obliged to, are they? Don't you bring your own drink with you?

DoMeDon · 05/07/2011 21:06

I always offer anyone a cuppa if they are working on/around the house. It has been declined a few times as they are used to bringing their own. Many have commented how unhospitable people are now. As for water - I think it would be ok to ask.

RuthChan · 05/07/2011 21:06

No.
I would offer a drink to a builder, decorator, electrician etc working in my house, so why not a tree surgeon working in my garden?

squeakytoy · 05/07/2011 21:06

Most people would, but they are under no obligation to do so.

It is up to you to ensure you have water or take a flask, so yes YABU.

AchtungBaby · 05/07/2011 21:07
Brew
DoMeDon · 05/07/2011 21:07

I really am shocked that anyone wouldn't off the gardener/builder/whoever a cuppa Sad

Awomancalledhorse · 05/07/2011 21:08

I always offer workers tea/coffee/drinks.
I thought it was just common courtesy, like tipping the Postie at Christmas.

Marshy · 05/07/2011 21:08

I always offer a drink if someone's going to be doing some work in the house for a morning or whatever, but I guess taking your own is the only way to ensure you get one

Original poster
Jackin · 05/07/2011 21:08

Sorry i didn't make myself clear. I do bring water/drinks with me all the time, I also if I have any work done on my own place I always make sure that they are well supplied. I think it's just being nice.

OP posts:
flipthefrog · 05/07/2011 21:09

nah i couldn't be arsed to make them tea, were' not in the 50s are we Wink

Tchootnika · 05/07/2011 21:10

Why not be nice and offer them some of your drink?

Original poster
Jackin · 05/07/2011 21:11

Yeah I would but I only have water :)

OP posts:
Tchootnika · 05/07/2011 21:11

Lest I'm misunderstood: Wink

Inertia · 05/07/2011 21:12

I always offer tea (even to our window cleaners and they're only here 10 minutes!)

For someone staying more than an hour or two I offer biscuits/ a sandwich/cake.

When we had longer-term builders / plumbers round they got bacon sarnies in the morning, teacakes in the afternoon if I was home.

Original poster
Jackin · 05/07/2011 21:13

I also think it sensible, if the builder / spark/ plumber or whatever is happy you'll get more done for your money.

OP posts:
Original poster
Jackin · 05/07/2011 21:15

Inertia, can I come do your trees? I like cake.

OP posts:
ENormaSnob · 05/07/2011 21:16

I look after labouring women.

Maybe they should be brewing up for me Grin

Knackeredmother · 05/07/2011 21:17

I would always offer tea and biscuits. My husband is a plumber so I'm well trained!

wigglesrock · 05/07/2011 21:18

I make tea for all and kitkats.Grin Have been known to give window cleaner a cup of tea in a plastic cup if its cold Grin Anyone working for more than a few hours gets a bacon sandwich!!

Original poster
Jackin · 05/07/2011 21:18

You wouldn't want what they're brewing.

OP posts:
ihatecbeebies · 05/07/2011 21:18

I personally wouldn't take a drink from a strangers house, the cable guy was installing Virgin for me last week and told me that he was in a house installing for a couple of young woman the week before and they were bragging about how they had offered the BT man a cup of tea then had put 2 acid tabs in it and didn't tell him then let him leave to do the rest of his jobs.

cremeeggsbenedict · 05/07/2011 21:20

I always offer tea etc to people working at our house, and often far more (biccies, cake, lunch) if they are there all day. I think it's polite and nice, and we could do with more politeness in this world!