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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Get the kettle on. Err no

104 replies

Weloveoptimus · 14/08/2018 09:05

Said to me on the phone by the bloke coming to collect an item he’s buying from me through EBay.
He’s coming round this morning.
I don’t want to put the bloody kettle on! Is this normal?
I wouldn’t dream of asking this of someone I’ve not met.

OP posts:
ShumpaLumpa · 14/08/2018 09:08

You have a vagina, it's your duty to serve him, no?

MyPatronusIsABadger · 14/08/2018 09:09
Confused So rude! I hope it was a joke or him meaning he’ll be round exceptionally soon.
LeighaJ · 14/08/2018 09:09

Nope not normal. I've collected loads of things I bought on eBay and never expected to be offered anything to drink nor was. It's not the same as people working in your house fixing stuff for the day.

Keep an eye out for his car and when you see him take the item outside closing your door behind you.

I would be creeped out if someone expected to come in my house and have a cup of tea under those circumstances and I sell things on gumtree.

PsychoPumpkin · 14/08/2018 09:09

I’ve always taken that to mean ‘i’m On my way’

RiverTam · 14/08/2018 09:10

Yes, I think it’s a clumsy way of being friendly and saying I’m on my way.

teaandtoast · 14/08/2018 09:11

Maybe he wants to negotiate the price = thinking he'll be there long enough for tea?

Original poster
Weloveoptimus · 14/08/2018 09:13

I must admit I was taken aback. I’ll have my eleven yr old with me and I’m quite glad about that.
Really didn’t seem to joking no. Weirdorama.

OP posts:
Shitonthebloodything · 14/08/2018 09:13

He's just being friendly. If you think he might want to stay too long answer the door with your bag on your shoulder and say you're on your way out.

YeTalkShiteHen · 14/08/2018 09:14

If it was friends or family I’d be fine with it, but a random stranger coming to collect something? I’m with you!

NataliaOsipova · 14/08/2018 09:15

Yes, I think it’s a clumsy way of being friendly and saying I’m on my way.

I agree. I'd roll my eyes, but probably wouldn't take offence.

Original poster
Weloveoptimus · 14/08/2018 09:16

Yeah I think I’ll put the item inside the garage then he hasn’t an excuse to come in.
Shumpa I did think that!

OP posts:
pieceofpurplesky · 14/08/2018 09:17

It's just a way of saying I am on my way where I am (NW). Nothing sinister

GreenTulips · 14/08/2018 09:19

’ve always taken that to mean ‘i’m On my way

Me too! He was probably not thinking and it slipped out as you would with family and friends.

It's not an insult at all

Claw001 · 14/08/2018 09:19

Strange thing to say!

Broken11Girl · 14/08/2018 09:20

Weird. Leaving outside is a good idea.

Claw001 · 14/08/2018 09:22

What kind of item is he collecting? Anything that will take a long time to collect? Needs to see working or requires dismantling etc?

BetterEatCheese · 14/08/2018 09:23

Definitely another way of saying he's on his way

RiverTam · 14/08/2018 09:23

Leaving it outside is pretty rude IMO. He’s simply letting you know he’ll be there in 10 minutes, that’s all.

Original poster
Weloveoptimus · 14/08/2018 09:26

When he said it it was last night when he rang me.
He’s coming this morning and it’s a small TV.

OP posts:
summerFruitPudding · 14/08/2018 09:30

I've always thought it means 'see you then'.

Of course there's always someone who makes it a feminist issue Hmm

Aragog · 14/08/2018 09:30

Maybe he was just joking and being a bit 'friendly' but misjudged it. He'd probably be really surprised if you actually did make and offer him a cuppa.

It's the type of phrase many people say round here when talking to friends, and usually is just used in way of saying 'I'm on my way' or 'I'll be arriving at that point.'

I do think you're probably reading way more into it than there is. Hopefully that's the case.

cheesefield · 14/08/2018 09:31

FUCK THAT.

KinkyAfro · 14/08/2018 09:32

We use it all the time here...to friends and family. Bit over familiar from a stranger though

supersop60 · 14/08/2018 09:32

I say it as a jokey thing (sorry). Eg if someone puts a pic of their new sofa on FB, I'll say it. I have no intention of actually turning up!

theOtherPamAyres · 14/08/2018 09:33

Watch out. It's a power thing. He expects you to be nice to him and roll out the red carpet. I find that men who say this are usually thick as pig's poo, are chancers and fancy themselves.

Don't let him inside the door. This isn't friendliness, it's creepy. He's not entitled to anything from you - this is strictly a business transaction. Keep it business-like.