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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Guests using your shower gel?

263 replies

MrsB76 · 08/02/2016 16:46

This is really just a minor niggle but I'm curious - is it really silly of me to begrudge visiting family members the use of my shower gel? I just had my MIL and SIL stay for a few days overnight and I bought them travel size toiletries (they came on a plane) and DH thinks I should be more hospitable and just let them use my shower gel (well mine and his) and toothpaste. Really?

OP posts:
GloGirl · 08/02/2016 16:49

I agree with your husband.

Ameliablue · 08/02/2016 16:50

Why wouldn't you?

catgirl1976 · 08/02/2016 16:50

YABVVU

19lottie82 · 08/02/2016 16:50

YABU. I don't understand why you would mind?

MrsTerryPratchett · 08/02/2016 16:51

I'm fine with people using mine. Except FIL who uses vast quantities of my special (have to get relatives to bring it from the UK) shower foam. A whole bottle once.

Little squeeze; fine.

HooseRice · 08/02/2016 16:51

Perfectly OK for them to use your stuff. Put out cheaper products if your usual stuff is Jo Malone or similar.

OurBlanche · 08/02/2016 16:51

Maybe not the toothpaste... for some reason that feels like a share too far.

I always put out the nicest ones I have... or, if it is my sister, I forget and she has to rummage in the cupboard for a new whatever.

Cabrinha · 08/02/2016 16:52

Who the hell wouldn't let their GUESTS use their toothpaste?!

Bloody hell.

KingJoffreyLikesJaffaCakes · 08/02/2016 16:53

I'm going against the grain.

I like boundaries. Like having my own stuff. Not keen on my stuff being used.

And mini travel toiletries are really cute..m

GloopyGhoul · 08/02/2016 16:54

I think it's a nice gesture to buy them their own! But I wouldn't use someone else's, I would always take my own, even if flying.

BastardGoDarkly · 08/02/2016 16:56

Good lord, no, this wouldn't bother me in the slightest.

LumelaMme · 08/02/2016 16:56

Toothpaste no, because of someone else's icky germy toothbrush (though if they did use it I wouldn't have palpitations), but shower gel, soap, shampoo, etc, all fine.

Tywinlannister · 08/02/2016 16:57

This is so bad but if it's an expensive one, I put it away and put out the stuff I get for Xmas that I don't like (still very good stuff but I am particular)

On holiday with the family I could smell that someone was using my stuff regularly without checking first!!!!

helenahandbag · 08/02/2016 16:57

My ex flatmate used to tell his sister to use my toiletries when she stayed and that really got my back up.

If it was my own guest then I wouldn't mind.

KatharinaRosalie · 08/02/2016 16:57

I always find it really odd actually if people come with their own tooth paste and shower gel. (with random Colgate etc I mean, not because they only like this particular brand).

I never understood the thinking - so I will feed you, water you, give you a bed and sheets and linen, allow you to use the hot water, toilet paper and so on. But a pea sized amount of tooth paste - oh no, bring your own!

yankeecandle4 · 08/02/2016 16:57

Absolutely fine. I get that some people may buy "special" shower gel, but what on earth is personal about toothpaste?!

I remember my Mum going mad when we had a guest who used bubble bath (that was on the side of the bath) Apparently he should have known it was just for show Hmm

usual · 08/02/2016 16:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NotNob · 08/02/2016 16:59

I would expect guests to use mine as I use theirs, never gave it a thought until now.

Hihohoho1 · 08/02/2016 16:59

Oh I buy nicer stuff for guests to show off and hide my basic range crap in the cupboard.

Although My dsis floods the bathroom when she comes by not using the shower curtain. Leave the crap for her. Grin

yankeecandle4 · 08/02/2016 16:59

Katharina after reading this thread I will be bringing my own toothpaste in future. God forbid I step over someones toothpaste boundaries Grin

GoringBit · 08/02/2016 16:59

I'd expect overnight guests to bring shower gel and toothpaste, but always have spare supplies of toiletries and toothbrushes. I wouldn't mind sharing my shower gel and although I would share toothpaste if asked, it would feel odd to me.

We had guests recently who brought their own towels, which really surprised me. We persuaded them to use some of ours, rather than use their own and have to take them back damp.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 08/02/2016 17:00

I'd expect them to bring their own but if they didn't I'd get the cheaper stuff out for them.

superzero · 08/02/2016 17:01

I leave out travel sizes for guests ,they look nice ,were generally free and they get use of a different bathroom.
Anyone can use my toothpaste if they want but I always take and use my own.

snowgirl1 · 08/02/2016 17:01

I always take my own shower gel and toothpaste, but wouldn't bat an eyelid if a guest used mine.

EssentialHummus · 08/02/2016 17:02

Yep, I think you should let them use yours. Not least because most travel-sized ones are tiny and they'll probably run out! It's all Essential Waitrose Sea Salt and Kelp wash in this house, which I think is something like £3 a (huge) bottle. Guests are welcome to it and usually don't make a dent!

If you normally use something special/expensive/imported I might tuck that away, but normal bath stuff? Seems strange to me not to share.