to think this is a bit odd (re biscuits)?

[mrsmalcolmreynolds]

Ok - first AIBU but hoping this isn't a particularly flammable one...

We moved into our current house in the summer and our new next door neighbours seem very nice. They have a DD quite close to our DD's age, and have been friendly without being pushy. They are coming over for a cuppa and a chat on Sunday afternoon, which should be great.

Now my (v trivial) AIBU stems from a text from the woman neighbour earlier saying "By the way I am on a diet so please don't offer me any biscuits."

I found this a bit odd and am not sure if I am being U or not. It feels a bit like we are being expected to police another adult's food intake, which I find a bit strange for a start. Plus I kind of think it means we can't offer round any biscuits or cake etc. (as would be pointedly excluding her albeit only in front of our family and her own DH and DD) and I'm mildly annoyed at the feeling of being told what I can and can't do in my own home.

However, she has shown no bizarre tendencies so far in our acquaintance, plus I do have a tendency to overthink things and think a cuppa on a Sunday afternoon is incomplete without a nibble so AIBU?

Tbh she might be doing it in a comedic sort of way. Like I might text and say "don't you dare suggest a chinese tonight, ive just got back in these jeans!" all the while hoping that you will fail.and I can give in

Prep a plate of crudites instead.

Maybe she meant these ?

Maybe she just knows she has very little will power?

Why not just serve up a nice plate of prepared fruit instead of biscuits?

She was probably joking and it just didn't come across very well in a text.

I think you're overthinking this tbh.

I have done the same in the past, admittedly with close friends etc, but if you're worried about your willpower then it's best that all offending articles are removed before you have the chance to consume them!

Could you offer something else?

Offer biscuits to everyone else. It's her choice whether to accept one.

I think she's just being chatty.

Maybe she thinks you might go to the trouble of baking cakes/biscuits and thinks it would be embarrassing for everyone if she had to refuse?

It's a slightly strange thing to text, but I wouldn't give it much thought.

Just put out some nibbles where they can help themselves and include some fruit.

It was a strange thing to say but she might have meant it to reassure you so you wouldn't get offended when she didn't eat any of your goodies.

How did you word the invitation? Did you maybe ask her round for "tea" and she isn't sure whether it is for a cup of tea (and possibly biscuits) or for the evening meal?

Otherwise, she's being chatty and it came across a bit strange as a text.

Thanks for thoughts - am clearly overthinking somewhat which is far from the first time!

Had thought about the joke/chatty angle but wasn't sure as we really don't know each other well yet and I wouldn't text something like this other than to someone I knew would get it.

Good idea re: just putting some stuff out, will position the fruit bowl prominently!

Bertha invitation very clearly for tea in the cuppa sense, not least because they are coming round at 3 pm.

It was a strange thing to say but she might have meant it to reassure you so you wouldn't get offended when she didn't eat any of your goodies
^ this

She doesn't want to walk in and find a gigantic buffet of afternoon tea items. That's all.

I'm sure it was meant as a joke but with a mroe serious subtext, if it's just the two of you maybe she really doesn't want to be rude by refusing a biscuit and would just rather that they weren't offered

I'd make a joke of it when you see her and respect her request.

My assumption would be that she's being friendly and starting on the next stage of friendship, offering a small nugget of safe personal info in a light hearted way.

Biscuit wise I would offer biscuits around but not stick them beside her. She probably wants to avoid Ahhhh go on go on go on go on (Father Ted style)

Cheers all - will definitely be lighthearted/make a joke of it if the opportunity arises.

Sigh - having thought I had left most of my neurotic teenage anxieties about making new friends behind at least on turning 30 aged 17 or so clearlt this is not the case and I am as capable of getting in my own way as I ever was!

I would assume that it's a January thing - the month when everyone is on a diet and trying to be 'good'.

All around the country I suspect that there are similar conversations...

"yes, I'd love to go for dinner but I'm not drinking"

"I'll just have the salmon and a salad - no potatoes"

"Take that cake away from my desk, I don't care whose birthday it is"

"I'd love a cuppa but please don't offer me any biscuits"

Roll on February...

She might be a coeliac?

Yes imo you are overthinking, def!

i think the poster who said something about her being worried you might go to the trouble of baking/buying lovely things and then be offended by her refusal is spot on. I am a low carber so if someone asked me round I may say something similar so that they were aware. Why don't you text back and say something like "I admire your will power! Would you like some fruit/cheese/crudités?" Problem solved!

Crudités sounds like a good idea to put out with any biscuits

Oh, I do so like red pepper and carrot crudities with a cuppa! Can I come too?

Offer rice cakes and pieces of cardboard.

She is just asking you not to offer her treats - not a big deal. You can still offer her kids something.