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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

RUDE?

76 replies

Lynne1Cat · 03/09/2018 12:02

I've just been for my mammogram. The woman there was very pleasant and we were chatting, and I said: "Do you ever get fed-up of handling bosoms?" (the nurse has to hold them, move them about on the plate thing of the scanner, and pick them up again) I was feeling self-conscious, as I'm a G cup.

She replied, "That's rather rude". I apologised, said I didn't mean to cause offence. We carried on chatting about diets, mothers, nothing in particular.

WAS I being rude?

OP posts:

hungryhippo90 · 03/09/2018 12:03

I don’t think so. She was weird

MarthasGinYard · 03/09/2018 12:05

sorry Op but that's the kind of thing I'd say in your position.

ParkheadParadise · 03/09/2018 12:06

No, don't think so. She sounds bloody weird.

JLG19 · 03/09/2018 12:07

She reacted weird to what I imagine was a bit of an awkward question. You're kind of asking whether she finds her daily job inappropriate in some way.

ChardonnaysPrettySister · 03/09/2018 12:07

I'm surprised about all the chatting going on.

In my experience it's usually quite a sober affair.

AnEPleaseBob · 03/09/2018 12:07

I think it was probably inappropriate of you but not rude.

ShalomJackie · 03/09/2018 12:08

She probably took it as a criticism of her career choice.

Aprilshowersnowastorm · 03/09/2018 12:10

Maybe she was a Mner and thought you were rude for not using the correct terminology for norks?

Picklypickles · 03/09/2018 12:10

Bit of an odd thing for you to say to her really, she might have taken it as you insulting her profession possibly?

Original poster

Lynne1Cat · 03/09/2018 12:11

I was, as I say, embarrassed, so I did all this chatting (so did she). I told her perhaps Chiropodists get bored with feet all day, I didn't mean to offend her. I don't think it was inappropriate.

OP posts:

MrsMozart · 03/09/2018 12:12

I wouldn't consider your question to be rude.

Her response was, imo, a bit odd.

As for PP re chatting - I've always had a good natter, helps to take my mind off the procedure.

NonaGrey · 03/09/2018 12:13

Well, from her point of view there may be no right answer.

“yes, it’s the worst part of my day” isn’t going to make you feel more comfortable.

“No, I love it” also not really going to make you feel more comfortable.

She should have said “don’t be embarrassed, it’s an important test” or something similar but maybe she was a bit taken aback by your wording (although it was clearly a joke).

Don’t give it another thought OP.

Aprilshowersnowastorm · 03/09/2018 12:13

Maybe gaffer tape across your mouth pre smear test?

Failingat40 · 03/09/2018 12:19

I think she maybe felt like you minimised the importance and complexity of her job (handling bosums as you worded it is only a minor part) she has technical knowledge and other skills too.

Probably best to say nothing in future

She was not your friend, she's a professional doing a job.

FilledSoda · 03/09/2018 12:20

She thought you were being insulting about her career but I'm surprised she didn't realise you were just waffling because you were embarrassed.

NonaGrey · 03/09/2018 12:23

Maybe gaffer tape across your mouth pre smear test?

^^ excellent advice from April there OP...

Knittedfairies · 03/09/2018 12:27

I don’t think you were rude, but she wasn’t either - you asked a question that has no right answer.

LaContessaDiPlump · 03/09/2018 12:28

I'd be amazed if you're the first person who's ever said it OP, so I think she replied in a bit of a weird way! Surely a laugh and reply like 'I think we all get bit tired of our jobs from time to time' would do, or (if she is large of nork herself) a reply like 'The worst part is when I get home and have to wrestle these '. I think either would have worked and deflected, if she felt deflection to be needed!

Don't worry.

lightlypoached · 03/09/2018 12:30

i once asked my gastroenterology consultant (while he had s probe thing shoved up my bum)whether as a medical student he'd consciously decided on a career of looking up peoples' arses all day , or whether it had just kind of happened?

he splurted with laughter and suggested that it wasn't a good question to ask as he had a probe in place and a machine to pump me full of air

Pemba · 03/09/2018 12:32

She was a bit odd about it I think. Surely she must have had people asking her that before? It's not different from, like you say, asking a chiropodist if they get fed up handling feet all day. Or, I don't know, refuse collectors if they get fed up handling rubbish. Just a light throw away remark to which a normal response would be to laugh maybe and say something like it didn't bother her and she finds it a worthwhile and important job to do?

MissusGeneHunt · 03/09/2018 12:32

I'd have said something similar OP, just to take away the clinical nature of it. Don't worry, I don't think you were either rude or inappropriate!

Love it @lightlypoached

AlexaAmbidextra · 03/09/2018 12:34

She was a humourless misery. Surely, anyone would know it was just waffle in an uncomfortable situation and react accordingly?

Original poster

Lynne1Cat · 03/09/2018 12:35

Thanks. I'll take it that I did nothing wrong. Luckily, I won't need to go for another 3 years.

As for April's advice..... I'll say fuck-all to the nurse

OP posts:

Snog · 03/09/2018 12:38

Certainly Inappropriate, and possibly rude depending on how you said it, but forgivable due to the awkward situation.

Godowneasy · 03/09/2018 12:41

Maybe gaffer tape across your mouth pre smear test?

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