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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Massive disagreement over the way of food shopping (DH and I)

232 replies

igotvegandbreadforyou · 23/04/2020 11:11

NC for this topic as I'm going to discuss an argument/disagreement between DH and me had last night and he would hate to be identified in RL.

We have been strictly sticking to the lockdown rules and I've stepped out of our home only three times so far, all for food shopping. DH has been out almost everyday but for his once a day exercise or/and visiting his very isolated allotment. He goes out only early morning, usually comes back home at around 7 am. He says no one is around as it's so early.

My first trip to our local Tesco Express was with DH - he drove and waited in a car and I went grab stuff. It was at the opening time so very quiet.

The second trip was to our local corner shop and I went alone on foot (3 mins) in an evening. My friend told me the shop was usually very quiet in the evenings (7-8 pm) and I needed milk and bread for DH (I don't need them). DH didn't like it as he believed early morning was the best time to go but it was quiet as my friend said and I got what he needed - he needs lots of milk for his cereal and snacks on toasts daytime. So this didn't develop into an argument.

The third trip was to our local Tesco Express by car - this was last night and I went alone. Earlier the day, DH said we were running out a few essentials such as vegs and bread so we would need to go shopping again soon. I heard our local Tesco was fairly quiet in the evenings so decided to go. I am the cook in our household so I really wanted to fill our fridge to feed my family the next day.

When I got back home with three huge shopping bags, I started sterilizing them as I always do then had a shower as I always do. I got a lot of yummy stuff which would make DH super happy the next day. But he wasn't happy and he got very very angry that I went shopping...

His point was that I was risking my family by going out for shopping. Apparently I was being selfish and irresponsible. He thinks we should only go out once two weeks and only very early morning.

I can see what he means but as the one who plans meals, once two weeks is a bit too ambitious. I would like to go at least once a week. Some of my friends go twice a week! We have a teen boy who eats like a horse too. Also, I think it doesn't matter if I go in the evening or morning as long as the shop is quiet. I can see early morning may be 'cleaner' as fewer people have entered the shop on the day but evenings work better for my schedule.

I argued back to him that if I was selfish because I went shopping for family (and it happened only three times so far) he would also be selfish that he would go out for his exercise every single day. I had asked him to buy milk and bread on way home sometimes (then I don't need to go shopping so often) but so far he hasn't done this and always comes back home empty-handed. I think he thinks going to shop is high risk in general, but it's very early morning which is the time he thinks the safest to shop.... I have no intention to push anyone to do something they feel unsafe or uncomfortable so I had never ever complained about it. But last night I pointed this out too. At this point he wasn't listening to me so I am not sure how much he heard what I said.

This morning, I said 'good morning' to him but he ignored. Clearly he is still very angry. But I know he would happily eat whatever I prepare using the stuff I bought yesterday.

I understand he is only trying to protect us so his anger is coming from good intention but I feel he is forcing me what he believes best and zero understanding nor flexibility to try to see what I think fine to do. I wear a mask and gloves, clean all the items I bring into our family home, have a shower straight and wash all the clothes I wore outside. I think I am doing all I can to be responsible and at very least I go out to get what my family need not just for exercise to fulfil my need.

Am I missing anything here? How could I make him see my point? Or phahaps I need to understand his views more? Please tell me your thoughts! I may show DH this thread if needed...

OP posts:
WhatWouldYouDoWhatWouldJesusDo · 23/04/2020 11:49

We're having to shop every other day as we don't have a car........I find online shopping really hard to get my head around and as we have an Aldi and Morrisons 5 minutes away would feel bad taking a space.

He sounds like an hysterical knob, you'll be fine darting in, getting what you need and leaving. Same as I'm hopefully fine doing the same

BreathlessCommotion · 23/04/2020 11:49

We're going at least twice a week as we don't have much storage and between them the dc and dh are getting through tonnes of food. One of goes when we need to, never early in the morning because we aren't up or we are working. I've gone mostly at around 6pm recently. No queues, in and out quickly.

The sterilising shopping and shower sounds excessive. Why aren't you leaving the house for exercise? 3 times in 4 weeks doesn't sound good for your mental health.

He sounds like he is struggling with anxiety too.

Idancedonday38 · 23/04/2020 11:51

YABU to say which would make DH super happy the next day

It wouldn't & it didn't. He sounds like he should buy his own bread for his toast.

GinDrinker00 · 23/04/2020 11:51

Sounds like cabin fever. Maybe he’s jealous your going shopping while he’s at home? Either way it’s ridiculous to argue over that. Go out and get some fresh air.

Wearywithteens · 23/04/2020 11:52

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn at the poster's request.

FabbyChix · 23/04/2020 11:52

We go three times a week. I also use the post office too, fill up with petrol etc.

StayinginSummer · 23/04/2020 11:52

I am going against most here, but your shopping sounds far too bitty and all over the place. Bread and milk are basics, not just for your DH I imagine, so to have run out shows you aren’t really getting everything you need in one shop.

Once a week is fine, but I think your DH has a point. If you want to do the shopping, get everything in one go click and collect if you can. He’d be happy with once a week early morning or click and collect I’m sure. Chill out but don’t just write off your DHs. concerns.

dementedpixie · 23/04/2020 11:56

I'm sorry but 3 times in 4/5 weeks is not far too bitty and all over the place. I'm sure OP didnt only buy bread and milk either! If her dh is so bothered he can do the shopping

Mrsjayy · 23/04/2020 11:57

Please don't show him this you are entitled to a private moan on the intenet, you can also go ourside at whatever time you see fit it isn't any safer at 7 am than 7pm. You all sound very stressed though but your dh doesn't have the right to shout at you and accusing you of putting family atvrisk for going to tesco for food.

saraclara · 23/04/2020 11:57

Early morning is the busiest time at my Tesco. Evening is way quieter.

SchadenfreudePersonified · 23/04/2020 11:58

Actions speak louder than words - he can get his bread and milk himself.

THIS ^ ^^

Or he can do without.

opticaldelusion · 23/04/2020 11:59

All sounds a bit neurotic. You're trying to limit your contact with other humans, not live in a medically sterile environment. What's with all this showering and clothes washing? Because you went to the supermarket? Madness.

Rebootingagain · 23/04/2020 11:59

All sounds a bit hysterical to me.

When are you planning to go shopping normally and not showering when. You get home and washing everything?

Did you do these things pre covid 19? Chances are you will get it at some point anyway.

(Yes I tested positive, very mild symptoms)

opticaldelusion · 23/04/2020 12:00

your shopping sounds far too bitty and all over the place

She's been out three times. Are you reading a different thread?

artistformerlyknownas · 23/04/2020 12:00

I'm going to go against the grain here but I think you should try to cut him a bit of slack because I think he's just scared, for all of you. I also agree with plan that you're just snapping at each other because of lockdown stresses.

Why not sit down and make a shopping plan together? If you don't need the fresh bread and milk, turn it over to him - how does he suggest you (collective you, as a family) get hold of it if only shopping every two weeks? Would he agree to switch to UHT milk, or bake his own bread (if you can get flour that is)? Or can you agree that you need to go once a week but he will go in the mornings, post-allotment?

JudyCoolibar · 23/04/2020 12:00

Around us, it's a myth that the supermarkets are emptiest early in the morning - everyone else gets the same idea and you still have to queue. I discovered the best time seemed to be around midday. I'm going out around once every 10 days and doing a big shop.

Rebootingagain · 23/04/2020 12:01

Oh. And where I live we are lifting restrictions on time out of the house and
“non essential” travel tomorrow as we can’t all live in a bubble for ever.

Going for a massive drive and a full day out walking and picnicking as wether looks good

thistimelastweek · 23/04/2020 12:02

His attitude would piss me off big time. You assessed the situation and made a considered decision. Why is

His attitude would piss me off big time. You assessed the situation and came to a considered decision. But somehow, his view automatically trumps yours. You are just as capable as he. Don't let him think otherwise.

AriadnesFilament · 23/04/2020 12:03

Bread and milk don’t last 2 weeks, unless you’ve a freezer that could contain a horse. He’s the only one who uses bread and milk.

So he either gets used to having no bread and milk for a period of time in between the fortnightly shops, or he accepts that shopping needs doing more often.

His choice.

🤷🏻‍♀️

JudyCoolibar · 23/04/2020 12:03

Just noticed the bit where he's ignoring you. There is nothing more attractive than a sulker. Tell him if he's not going to talk to you, he can fuck off to his allotment all day and forget any prospect of you cooking and washing for him.

Widowodiw · 23/04/2020 12:04

I think your both a little over the top unless you have someone that is vulnerable in your household.
Why does it need to be quiet at the shop- they are restricting the number of people that go in.

It is possible to do a very large shop and then just pop out weekly for the fresh stuff.

bananafish · 23/04/2020 12:04

Are you a high risk household? Because that‘s all very intense if not. Maybe you could both read up some more about actual risks of the virus (from credible sources) so you can find a more balanced approach.

igotvegandbreadforyou · 23/04/2020 12:05

Thanks for reading the long post. I realised that after posting.

I am not going to write off my husband's concern. I am not going to show DH this thread to prove how wrong he was neither. He can build up a fixed idea and can be quite inflexible (he would disagree though!) so I wanted to show him what others may think of the situation hoping he may consider reconsidering his belief by realising it's actually OK to go out for shopping in the evening/once a week....

I wear a mask and gloves, clean the items, wash clothes etc by listening to his opinion. I try to show him I am listening to him and that I don't treat his concerns lightly but I would like him to do the same to me for the area I am responsible (cooking hence shopping).

I need more than milk and bread as I need to feed our teen so I still have to go even if DH starts shopping them by himself. DH has two boxes full of emergency foods so he can survive without shopping for many days I guess.

DH isn't stopping me go out for exercise - he actually encourages me to go. He just doesn't want me to go shopping!

OP posts:
Cocobean30 · 23/04/2020 12:05

He’s being totoally OTT

StayinginSummer · 23/04/2020 12:08

@dementedpixie in that case I’m confused. How on earth do you get all the food on 3 shops in 4 weeks when one of them was just for bread and milk, and from small stores? It’s all a bit unmanaged.

Honestly look at click and collect. Plenty free where I am?

And then maybe just enjoy your husband a bit more. Maybe he is a misery guts I don’t know. But one of you has got to break this. I’m stuck with my Ex who is hooking up with random women. So you know, could be worse OP!