To think Mumsnet has changed me?? (or Mumsnet vs The Real World)

[Proudnscary]

Mumsnet has changed my thoughts and attitudes in the four years I've been prowling these 'ere boards.

I have a big group of friends in RL and a lively, jokey social life blah de blah but my hackles get raised so much more quickly now. My attitude and knowledge about feminism, porn, domestic abuse, is much more evolved than it was pre Mumsnet (I didn't really think about these things to be honest). Now I speak up and challenge dodgy views - (hopefully) in a good natured/bantery way.

BUT it's weird when you get a RL vs Mumsnet jolt! When a group of intelligent, fab real life women talk dismissively about things that people would go nuts about on here. It's like a parallel universe in some ways. So sometimes I think it's made me go slightly insania.

Anyone else remotely know what I mean?!

[ThingsThatMakeYouGoHmmm]

And if it wasn't for MN i would have given up BFing DS2 and had an undiagnosed TT baby which would have affected his speech.. Both would have devastated me.

The support on here is fab.. the speed in which someone always answers posts is awesome.. even if it's 'i can't help but didn't want your post to go unanswered'

[Back2Two]

scottishmummy ....you're not exactly someone to be easily swayed from her views are you? That's why it hasn't changed you. But you're here and you're a part of it.

It's like you can't even admit it's good.

And I disagree that if you post during the Day you're gonna gets loads of Boden wearing homework knitting women who thing being a stay at home mum is the best thing since crocheted bread. I think the SAHM and Wahm stereotypes are one of the worst, most devisive and generalised issues here on mumsnet.

[Changebagsandgladrags]

I left work, spent two years mumsnetting looking after the kids and then went back to work, in the same job at the same place.

I was well known for being a bit of a mouse.

My team (equals) now say I am intimidating. My boss told them all they need to be more assertive. He told me I should soften my approach.

I have actually become a viper...

[maillotjaune]

Am I changed? Not sure - educated on just how diverse people's views are on just about every topic, however uncontroversial I thought it was, definitely. Shocked at just how divisive the SAHM/WOHM debates are, in particular. Most of my friends work at least part time and none of them agonises about it particularly.

I think mn has replaced my old habit of shouting at the TV when the news was on. It's much better, sometimes you even get a reply .

[scottishmummy]

I enjoy mn,I participate at level that suits me.Not significantly changed though
we all chose the fit,and our preferences. what works for us,what feels safe
mn has diversity of posts,and it is humbling,funny,infuriating.that's the point

[mulranno]

I now dont feel that I have to churn a problem over and over in my head - I know that I can come here and get a myraid of views to fast-track my decision making - which is really stress relieving.

I frequently experience a whole range of emotions - I howl with laughter at the wit on here - and I have wept at some threads.

It has been an incredible emotional outlet - one that I dnt have in RL as am always the giver.

AIBU - just that phrase is genius - has given me the vocabulary and confidence to know that I am often NU and has stoped me ftin ad obsessing over nuanced situations.

[Trills]

I participate at level that suits me.

Exactamundo.

Plus I like "wordsonnascreen" as a way to say "chillax"

[Proudnscary]

Actually yes bloody good point re the wit mulranno - I frequently piss myself laughing on here.

That's valuable too, finding a site with lots of very very funny women. And men but not as much.

[innercontentment]

I haven't posted before so I couldn't even remember my own mumsnet name!
My name sums it up quite nicely.
Mumsnet has given me a quite contentment with my life.
The list of subtle and not so subtle changes is too long for a first post.
In the two years that I have lurked on theses boards, I have left a damaging relationship, lost 30kg of weight (size 18 to 12), acquired at least 10 pairs of skinny jeans(never wore one before) and binned my waterfall cardigans and mumboots.
In truth, it hasnt changed the fundamental me, it has just given me clarity about life which I needed.

[scottishmummy]

mumboots,what are they then
sounds bit frumpy
jones nootmaker have some great boots at mo

[Proudnscary]

Hello innercontentment. You literally haven't posted in two years? God I am far more of a gobshite less restrained than you! I am scared of mumboots and am praying I don't own a pair...I do have some Victoriana-ish lace up boots....? Gulp.

[GoldPlatedNineDoors]

I know about Extended Rear Facing now, and I also feel much more confident in my abilities to argue my opinion. I do like to provide the opposite to any inflamatory opinions, just to raise a debate more than anything and MN has given me the confidence to do so.

I would like to be less judgy, however I do still do face at older children in buggies and with dummies

[ATourchOfInsanity]

Extended Rear Facing? Oh god, what have I missed?
Mumboots are a bit of a sore subject for me, they appear to be women's chelsea boots, which I love.
Usually paired in sin with bootcut jeans.
Which I also love.

[AnyFucker]

MN, and the friends I have made here, have had a profound effect on me and I am not ashamed to say so

[Proudnscary]

Oh dear, yes a chelsea boots and boot cut jeans combo is quite bad Insanity*. Sorry.

*Though I hear boot cuts are trending again

[Flumpyflumps]

I'm a bit of a newbie at MN and have basically changed everything in the last month due to top MN advice, the organising threads have helped me no end. I don't cope with being out o control well and have recently come off my AD.
As a recent post said, we dont always have it all but we sure do it all! So the meal planning, night before routine and military precision timings help a lot.

I am fully converted and slightly addicted to MN.
Love it.

[Proudnscary]

Actually AF, I remember being and at your 'leave the bastard' posts years ago. I just didn't understand or recognise red flags and EA then or why people were so quick to urge posters to get out of their relationships. I do (most of the time!!) now.

[SundaeGirl]

MN feels like the closest thing to having a sister, which is what in RL I'd really love to have.

I've really appreciated it so many times, especially the 24/7ness. I feel very at home here and MN has played a huge part in the wallpaper of my becoming and being a parent. I'm really 'very Mumsnet'.

[ATourchOfInsanity]

Yes AF you rightly denounced my ex on here (diff user name) and the thread really turned my views on what were happening upside down. I started asking the right questions and realised I had been completely naive in some areas he was pulling my chain in. I really am not a naive person, so the straight talking did me a huge favour

[AnyFucker]

I don't say "LTB" to everybody, contrary to popular belief

I think when you have been on MN long enough though, you get to recognise the script in certain scenarios and it is quite clear to an outsider exactly how events are going to unfold.

[Flumpyflumps]

Also meant to mention the tears of laughter at some threads, also a good thing when coming off medication and/or RL is just getting you down.

[Proudnscary]

Yeah I know you don't AF, 'LTB' is shorthand for you urging posters to get out of abusive relationships. My thing has always been 'stay together for the kids' because of my experience of divorce (my parents). That coloured and prejudiced my view and MN has opened my eyes and my mind. And YY to the script.

[ATourchOfInsanity]

We just need a campfire, guitar and someone (strong lead female please) to lead us in a round of kumbayaaaahhhh!

Pass us the OP :)