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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Some people really are miserable bastards

63 replies

MrsDylanBlue · 05/12/2018 20:11

At work today went to the loo.

Noticed that someone had placed a little basket with ribbons round it containing tampons and pads etc on the back of the loo and I must admit I was thinking how really sweet that was and I mentioned it to my colleagues on my return.

Turns out our Union (ribbons were Union colours) have been doing it all over the county not sure why (presume connected to international year of the woman and gaining the vote etc) but I think it’s a really lovely idea.

Women from another team comes in moaning that “well if we let service users use that toilet they’ll all get stolen and they will probably take the basket too” (loo is next to the conference room.

I though you awful old cow - if anyone is that desperate that they need to nick some free tampons then be my bloody guest.

This is a women who has spent a day at “work” (public sector) this week decorating her desk with tinsel and a Christmas tree.

Humph

Why are people

OP posts:

recklessruby · 06/12/2018 12:53

But people do sometimes start their period at work where they haven't got protection and can't just pop to the shops.
My friend had this problem last week and she has a heavy flow from day one.
I couldn't help as I don't think about periods anymore having been through the menopause and only ever buy them for dd.
Our work should do something like this. Yanbu.

halfwitpicker · 06/12/2018 12:54

Agreed.

I worked as temp in an office for disaffected people. This old bloke came in who had an appointment, he had a tin of soup with him. Asked if we could heat the soup up for him and put it in a mug. He'd walked 5 miles as he didn't have the bus fare and no heat at home etc.

Bitch in the office refused to do it.

I did when she went on her break 😊

HeyThoughIWalk · 06/12/2018 12:59

In my experience, what your colleague means is "If I went to an office and saw all that free stuff, I'd nick the lot, and the basket as well".

DayManChampionOfTheSun · 06/12/2018 13:01

In our work, we have to pay £1 for 3 tap ons if we get caught short. Which I think is awful. If I have to buy a pack, I put the remaining 2 on the shelf by the sink so people can help themselves. I often think about brining in a pack and placing them on the side but don't want to get in trouble with management who probably make money from the company selling them.

DayManChampionOfTheSun · 06/12/2018 13:04

tampons no idea what a tap on is lol!

MrsJayy · 06/12/2018 13:16

Good god halfpicker what is wrong with people that they can't see their way to heat up some soup!

MrsJayy · 06/12/2018 13:17

halfwitpicker sorry got your name wrong

dippledorus · 06/12/2018 13:21

Why be so ageist and use such a gendered, misogynistic insult as "old cow"?

DarlingNikita · 06/12/2018 13:29

halfwitpicker, Jesus wept. I think she's in the wrong job!

Alloftheboys · 06/12/2018 13:35

Kind of along the same lines. Friend had wedding reception at an outdoor venue in the summer. Nice posh portable toilets (that the couple had hired) had a basket by the sink in the ladies which had tampons, chewing gum, shoe insoles etc was totally ransacked by the end of the night. Also they provided blankets for people to put round their legs/shoulders and these had all disappeared before 9pm.
I always think it’s the same as at school “the minority spoils it for the majority.”

PositiveVibez · 06/12/2018 13:39

It is to do with period poverty.

I work for a union and it's a campaign we are running in conjunction with councils.

These items are available and free to all women to use. Visitors and staff alike.

Monty27 · 06/12/2018 13:43

Some vipers on this thread.
Kindness is kindess. Embrace it.

Butchyrestingface · 06/12/2018 13:44

She's not old - she's just a cow

Old cow? It’s applied to young and old alike. I think you’d get on with the ops colleague- peas in a pod.

She's not a cow either. Both 'cow' and 'old' were being used pejoratively, which is what I think the PP was referring to.

No doubt I'll be told I'd get on well with the colleague too now. . Och well, plenty of room at the inn.

bellinisurge · 06/12/2018 13:53

Are the same union fighting to defend women's rights against transactivists?

By the way, if someone needs a load of tampons and they are there, just take 'em.

crappygilmore · 06/12/2018 19:41

I have been in period poverty. Stuffing my pants with loo roll as I had no money to get san pro. I remember the best day was when I found a broken tampon machine and could take a few to cover me. I was 13 you never forget. Now I put san pro in the food bank bins every time I shop.
About your colleague- she's just a negative soul who needs a lesson in humility.

Feefeetrixabelle · 06/12/2018 22:48

I totally get what you mean crappygilmore I once had to go a period just using cleaning cloths which I washed in the sink because I had nothing and no way of getting any. I know obsessively hoard san pro and make reusable ones both for myself and charity. You don’t know humble until you can’t afford something so basic.

Original poster

MrsDylanBlue · 06/12/2018 23:30

Maybe I should read my Unison emails more often

OP posts:

bellinisurge · 07/12/2018 07:25

I will put in a word for reusable sanpro if you can make it yourself or can afford to start building a stash and can't make yourself.
Loads of free patterns online. Loads of possibilities to reuse materials you already have. Slightly but only slightly less convenient. Don't need a tumble drier to dry them. Can wash in the sink if necessary.

brizzledrizzle · 07/12/2018 07:31

But people do sometimes start their period at work where they haven't got protection and can't just pop to the shops.

^ This - when I went through menopause I hadn't had a period for just over a year and then one day at work, guess what?

MrsEricBana · 07/12/2018 07:33

Sorry to trivialise but I read this "if anyone is that desperate that they need to nick some free tampons then be my bloody guest." as "then be my bloody gusset"

Original poster

MrsDylanBlue · 07/12/2018 08:38

With all due respect making their own reusable san pro will be way down on the priority list of someone who cannot afford it.

OP posts:

Waytooearly · 07/12/2018 08:52

Oh I hate meanness.

I found out that a receptionist at my job was telling my minor/ vulnerable clients that they couldn't plug in their phone chargers in our waiting area. Because that costs money! These were homeless kids. I had to talk to him and he backed down but god how can it even occur to people to be so mean?

Justkeeprollingalong · 07/12/2018 08:55

Why is old cow worse than stupid bitch, miserable git etc? They are all pejorative terms; if there is (as in this case) a need to call someone a name it's hardly relevant to be politically correct about it!

bellinisurge · 07/12/2018 10:15

With all due respect back at you, op, obviously someone mid period crisis needs something now. However, you can recycle stuff you have right now to make reusable san pro. And you can do it by hand. Obviously that is not a solution to period poverty and I am not pretending it is. Just suggesting options.

Feefeetrixabelle · 07/12/2018 12:34

To be honest bellinisurge someone in the depths of period poverty and actually poverty may not have the clothes/material spare, internet access, ability, time, needle and thread etc to make their own. A needle and thread can cost the same as a pack of sanpro. Often those in poverty have to focus on the now and what they need now.

It’s also a very personal choice as to what kind of sanpro you use and one where I truly believe beggars can be choosers. Not everyone is comfy with the panty liner system.

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