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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To never host for friends again?

228 replies

LupiPie · 04/08/2018 11:04

I met these (until recently, I thought) lovely ladies through DC's swim class.

I've been to one of their houses before for lunch and drinks so I thought I'd invite them both to my house.

We all got on great, as usual, and then the comments started coming. I'm not usually an anxious and conscious person, but I must be because I remember every word and still shudder with embarrassment.

Person 1 "Your house is lovely, so clean!"

Person 2 "I could never keep my house this clean"

Me, can't remember my exact words, but said something like "Thanks ladies, I do love a clean house. It doesn't come naturally though. I'm always doing bits and bobs!"

Person 1 and 2 now look at each other and sort of exclude me from conversation.

Person 1 "I'd just much rather spend the time with my little one! What's the point? I don't think it's good to waste time on cleaning too much"

Person 2 laughs "Me too! I just think they're only small once. I haven't got time to clean. I just hide everything if anyone important is coming!"

They then both burst into laughter Sad

I keep replaying what they've said in my head and I feel awful.

I feel like they felt out of place in my house. And I would never want anyone to feel that way.

I never judge or take much notice of anyone's house state, not really.

My own is very clean and tidy because I'm on the ball and keep it that way. I'm not a magical fairy that clicks her fingers. A tidy home makes me happy but I understand that's not for everyone.

I never miss out on my DC... We are always doing things, always out and about.

I just feel quite shaken by it all.

Ridiculous really, but AIBU not to invite them back?

I think it's just as bad as saying my house is a shit hole!

OP posts:
Mc180768 · 07/08/2018 10:25

I think this is more about you absorbing their throwaway comments surrounding tidy homes.

When my children were little, was my home a show home? No. However, two decades on we have this underlying culture of 'my house is not tidy but I spend time with my children'

It is not one or the other. Now I'm much older, I keep my house & garden very tidy. However if friends with children visit, I'm not precious about mess. It all cleans up nicely.

I'd not be afraid to host again and make a conscious effort to laugh with them. Wind them up a little. Make it a humerus conversation.

I think this is more about your confidence, OP than the actual problem of the women being a little critical of your tidy home.

MrsAidanTurner · 07/08/2018 11:50

My home would never ever be clean enough for my Mil, something is always wrong somewhere. Life is short to be worrying about this.
As long as guests have room to sit down, clean cup to drink outfit, nothing smells.. No dirty knickers on the floor. It's fine.

longbar · 07/08/2018 16:11

Mc180768 wise words

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