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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To feel like the only person following the f***ing rules??!!

399 replies

Stressingismyhobby · 10/07/2020 23:28

I know the social distancing rules are contradictory, confusing and mostly bollocks but I don't think I'm above them and follow them as closely as possible.

But hardly anyone else I know does. I've just seen a picture of a friend wearing a mask in a taxi...to go to her friend's house with a load of other friends. All pictured together huddled on the sofa.

A family member keeps posting pics on FB with her kids gathered with all their friends.

And I've been invited to a party in a week's time at someone's house with lots of other people.

Videos of kids running to hug both their grandparents (my kids would love to do that!)

We met with some friends outside a week or two ago who also (without us knowing) invited other people so our group was bigger than 6.

I had to say no to giving someone a lift in my car the other day.

And so it goes on.

I feel like I'm the boring, goody two shoes who's always having to decline invites or say things like "I'm not really sure we're supposed to do that yet" etc only to be met with sighs or rolled eyes. I'm constantly being put in situations that make me feel uncomfortable. I'm made to feel like the bloody fun police who is making live difficult for everyone!

Anybody else feel like this???

OP posts:
NameChange84 · 10/07/2020 23:28

YANBU

I’m sick of it.

Destroyedpeople · 10/07/2020 23:31

It's been nearly four months....
Are there really still.people going on about 'the rules'?

Lostnameperson · 10/07/2020 23:31

Yes! I just posted about a photo of friends huddled together at the pub.

sparkli · 10/07/2020 23:32

How old are your DC? I'm in Scotland and children under 11 don't have to social distance anymore.

nocoolnamesleft · 10/07/2020 23:33

And the real problem is that I can follow the rules as closely as humanly possible (and I do) but so much of my risk is down to the selfish other people who aren't.

Original poster
Stressingismyhobby · 10/07/2020 23:33

@Destroyedpeople so you haven't been following them?

OP posts:
TheMurk · 10/07/2020 23:34

They aren’t rules. They never have been. They are guidelines. Government advice.

And most people started thinking for themselves weeks ago.

AntennaReborn · 10/07/2020 23:34

OP, we're the same as you but it looks like we're in the minority

Original poster
Stressingismyhobby · 10/07/2020 23:34

@sparkli 10 and 6, I'm in England.

OP posts:
Lostnameperson · 10/07/2020 23:35

And most people started thinking for themselves weeks ago

Yeah, I think they did that in Florida and Texas too🤔🤔

Original poster
Stressingismyhobby · 10/07/2020 23:35

@TheMurk ok, yes, guidelines - but as much as I COMPLETELY understand a lot of the rules are senseless, who am I to decide I am above them?

OP posts:
shrill · 10/07/2020 23:36

You are not alone

namechangetheworld · 10/07/2020 23:39

I agree OP, but the Mumsnet masses will be along soon to bleat about how you should keep your beak out and stop being such a goody two shoes for following actual Government advice.

Destroyedpeople · 10/07/2020 23:39

Yes I have stayed indoors for weeks thank you trying to be a responsible person.
Don't try and tell me what I have or haven't done
I am just sick of hearing about 'the roolz' and who has broken them in the complainant's vicinity....

Original poster
Stressingismyhobby · 10/07/2020 23:39

Also, I know of people who drink and drive because they "think for themselves" and think they can judge how much alcohol they can tolerate before they're unfit to drive...

OP posts:
Destroyedpeople · 10/07/2020 23:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

WilheldivaHater · 10/07/2020 23:40

I feel exactly the same as you OP!

I'm getting requests from in laws to take my dd out for the day with them, or to look after one of their kids all day (including having them in the car) like everything is back to normal.

TheMurk · 10/07/2020 23:40

I think it’s distressing and sad how many people have developed warped thinking around this lockdown to the point that they are not leaving their house for months on end.

SpinningWheelOfFortune · 10/07/2020 23:40

I've not followed the 'rules' to the letter, no. But I've been very sensible, I wash my hands lots, I don't go around licking things or kissing/breathing on people. I have however been to my friends house where there were 3 of us all from (gasp!) different households, but again, we were sensible and used common sense.
I also made my own decision regarding the guidelines, and let DD hug her 92 year old great aunt who is very ill and has been told she has, at best, months to live.

NC4Now · 10/07/2020 23:40

I’m trying my best but it’s hard. I was out last weekend and as the night wore on it got harder. I’ve been out tonight too, but made my excuses at 10pm before everyone started getting silly.
I think people struggle to adapt. There are perfectly nice times to be had which are safe and within guidance. We can’t just go back to how it was pre-Covid. The sooner we adjust to socialising safely, the better. I’m tired of hearing ‘but for my mental health i need to.’ Fine. Wash your hands and sit apart from me and we’re all good.

NervousInYorkshire · 10/07/2020 23:41

I'm in the shielding group and still sticking to the guidance, if that helps you feel less alone OP?

TheMurk · 10/07/2020 23:41

@Stressingismyhobby what are you on about? What has this got to do with drunk driving?

Original poster
Stressingismyhobby · 10/07/2020 23:41

@Destroyedpeople it's not so much that people around me are breaking them, it's when they put me in an awkward situation then make me feel like the idiot for turning down a party/meet up etc

OP posts:
ssd · 10/07/2020 23:42

I've been following the rules. And been slated on here for doing so.
I wouldn't do anything else.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 10/07/2020 23:43

I'm doing my own personal risk assessments at this point. I respect people who still want to follow social distancing but I have been seeing friends and family who aren't too fussed about distancing and I'm not either.

People have been breaking the "rules" for weeks. Going to the beaches, going to protests. Infection rates and death rates have not been rising.