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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Outside walks and people

455 replies

CharlotteRose90 · 01/01/2021 15:54

No hate please but I’m hoping I’m not the only one.

So me and my mum have been going for walks with the dog and it’s making me so angry what people are doing. Walking so close to us and not keeping distance. We’re both in the vulnerable category and I’ve said so many times to people to move away.

I completely get you don’t have to wear a mask but don’t walk next to or behind people you don’t know. The park we choose today had a massive path and people still did it. I ended up shouting at this woman for standing next to my mum and coughing.

Rant over. I’m hoping I’m not crazy

OP posts:
piscis · 05/01/2021 00:24

@CharlotteRose90 why is people going to exercise with a mask on? You say people are not listening like they are breaking a rule for doing so but a mask is not mandatory outdoors, unless this has changed and I don't know? I imagine a mask is quite uncomfortable whilst exercising so I wouldn't wear one either if not mandatory.

saraclara · 05/01/2021 00:25

@Blondiney

I cut through a small local park on the way home today. The exit was completely blocked by two families stopping to chat. There was no way I was going to squeeze past them and their assorted kids, prams/scooters and dogs so I stood and waited, rather pointedly, for them to realise and move.

Nobody is asking or expecting special treatment, just that everyone be more aware of themselves and others when out and about. Surely that's not too much to ask?

See that is ridiculous passive aggression.

Why didn't you just smile and say "excuse me?" Surely THAT'S not too much to ask?

saraclara · 05/01/2021 00:28

[quote Justa47]@Blondiney

Exactly.
Anyway everyone’s rationalisations have caused today news[/quote]
Walking in the park has not caused today's news, FFS.

Households combining indoors, kids going to school unmasked, people having parties, people car sharing, and a very much more easily transmitted variant... THAT's what's caused today's news.

Blondiney · 05/01/2021 01:23

See that is ridiculous passive aggression. Why didn't you just smile and say "excuse me?" Surely THAT'S not too much to ask?

I smiled when they'd moved and stopped blocking the exit. Perhaps they'll be more aware of themselves next time they're congregating.

You're ridiculous btw and your attitude is a contributing factor to the problem.

Original poster
CharlotteRose90 · 05/01/2021 01:40

[quote piscis]@CharlotteRose90 why is people going to exercise with a mask on? You say people are not listening like they are breaking a rule for doing so but a mask is not mandatory outdoors, unless this has changed and I don't know? I imagine a mask is quite uncomfortable whilst exercising so I wouldn't wear one either if not mandatory.[/quote]
You do you . I do hope it is made mandatory though as people are selfish idiots

OP posts:
Cheerios444 · 05/01/2021 01:51

Why did one poster feel the need to say ‘stay in, plenty of exercise machines available’ It’s so antagonistic.

It’s the equivalent of someone saying they are worried about covid, and someone replying have you see your GP about your anxiety...

You have the right to be pissed off OP. People should keep the fair distance apart, instead of going right up behind you just because they probably don’t think much of the dangers of the virus.

Justa47 · 05/01/2021 01:52

@CharlotteRose90

People use the terms like curtain twitchers to insult people following the rules in an attempt to cover if their breaches

People hate hating it pointed out that their petty rule breaks with sad rationalisations are cumulatively causing death.

They don’t like that pointed out but it’s true cumulatively as it increases viral spread.

Original poster
CharlotteRose90 · 05/01/2021 02:08

It winds me up most because when the people come close if I started saying I’ve got COVID etc I’d get arrested or a beating. Just praying that this vaccine settles things down. I for one am sick of working from home and want my freedom back .would also like to walk my dog in peace without someone almost bumping into me and not caring.

OP posts:
claremmm · 05/01/2021 05:47

I had covid in Sept and have ongoing cough/ chest infections/asthma. I’ve had someone shouting at me for coughing in the park. Not nice. I wasn’t near them but didn’t really need to be told to ‘keep your covid the f* away’. Not everyone with a cough is trying to kill you.

Goodbye2020Hello2021 · 05/01/2021 05:56

Households combining indoors, kids going to school unmasked, people having parties, people car sharing, and a very much more easily transmitted variant... THAT's what's caused today's news.

Yes. I agree.

Elfinghecking · 05/01/2021 05:58

Move over. Go somewhere quieter. Stop to let people past. You can't change anyone's behaviour except your own.

Elfinghecking · 05/01/2021 06:00

'It winds me up most because when the people come close if I started saying I’ve got COVID etc I’d get arrested or a beating'

Don't be ridiculous.

Sinful8 · 05/01/2021 06:02

@CharlotteRose90

No hate please but I’m hoping I’m not the only one.

So me and my mum have been going for walks with the dog and it’s making me so angry what people are doing. Walking so close to us and not keeping distance. We’re both in the vulnerable category and I’ve said so many times to people to move away.

I completely get you don’t have to wear a mask but don’t walk next to or behind people you don’t know. The park we choose today had a massive path and people still did it. I ended up shouting at this woman for standing next to my mum and coughing.

Rant over. I’m hoping I’m not crazy

So why are you walking so close to others.
Sinful8 · 05/01/2021 06:02

@CharlotteRose90

It winds me up most because when the people come close if I started saying I’ve got COVID etc I’d get arrested or a beating. Just praying that this vaccine settles things down. I for one am sick of working from home and want my freedom back .would also like to walk my dog in peace without someone almost bumping into me and not caring.
No youd just be called a idiot for being out and not isolating
MrsMomoa · 05/01/2021 06:05

Yabu.
They don't know you're vulnerable.
If you're that paranoid about catching it outside then I suggest you stay indoors.

Bookworming · 05/01/2021 06:46

Vulnerable are advised to shield again, you'll receive your letter shortly.

Justa47 · 05/01/2021 07:31

@MrsMomoa

Can you saying other people breaking rules should mean others have to stay in, rather than others just following rules abs keeping distance?

saraclara · 05/01/2021 08:18

@Blondiney

See that is ridiculous passive aggression. Why didn't you just smile and say "excuse me?" Surely THAT'S not too much to ask?

I smiled when they'd moved and stopped blocking the exit. Perhaps they'll be more aware of themselves next time they're congregating.

You're ridiculous btw and your attitude is a contributing factor to the problem.

How is my attitude contributing to the problem? I follow all the rules and guidance. The only thing I'm not doing is standing glowering at people who've become distracted and haven't realised that they're in my way. I'm pretty certain that me saying "excuse me" in a friendly manner isn't contributing to any problem. If anything, bringing it to their notice is making them more aware of others, than simply waiting for them to move would.
Charlie63849 · 05/01/2021 08:42

@Blondiney

I cut through a small local park on the way home today. The exit was completely blocked by two families stopping to chat. There was no way I was going to squeeze past them and their assorted kids, prams/scooters and dogs so I stood and waited, rather pointedly, for them to realise and move.

Nobody is asking or expecting special treatment, just that everyone be more aware of themselves and others when out and about. Surely that's not too much to ask?

Could you just say excuse me?...
MrsMomoa · 05/01/2021 08:44

@Justa47

They're outside.
There's no need to be so paranoid.
What's the likelihood of catching Covid outdoors from someone walking past you for like 4 seconds? Hmm

The OP was in the wrong for shouting, more likely to spread aerosols that way!

Helendee · 05/01/2021 09:02

I’m sick of standing the mandatory two metres away from anyone whilst queuing at the supermarket only to have the person in front ask me to move even further back!
Er, no! I’m staying on the designated spot thanks very much.
If people are that paranoid they need to stay in bed!

phoenixrosehere · 05/01/2021 09:39

They don't know you're vulnerable.
If you're that paranoid about catching it outside then I suggest you stay indoors.

Does that matter when healthy people who aren’t vulnerable are catching it, some being left with long term injuries?

Numbers are growing and it’s going to come to (if it isn’t already) risking others when there aren’t enough beds for other injuries which could lead to more deaths. There weren’t enough doctors and nurses before Covid and now that is seen more than ever. Doctors and nurses who have retired have come to help despite some being classed as vulnerable. Doctors and nurses are also dying which adds to the lack of staffing.

Is it really too much to ask for people to be able to social distance, walk single file to give others room to move past and vice versa? Everyone knows what the current situation is so why is it seemingly a difficult ask?

Eloise97 · 05/01/2021 09:44

@CharlotteRose90 I get what you are saying put you can't expect people to move out of your way.
I take my boys to the park every morning but I make sure we get there early so we avoid large groups of people.

My youngest has lung problems and if I see more than two people coming towards me I'll actively move out of the way.

annevonkleve · 05/01/2021 10:04

I was out for a run on Saturday morning and people weer blocking the path for a chat with their dogs. I just shouted a friendly (I hope) excuse me from distance away - they saw me, moved over and I said thank you as I went by.

Yes, ideally they wouldn't have been blocking the path in the first place, but I got further with them by being friendly and nice than being grumpy and passive-aggressive.

Justa47 · 05/01/2021 11:02

@MrsMomoa

All the rules breaches add up.
Just watch the doctors talking on BBC news this am.
I agree the risk is small in that situation according to scientific evidence but it breeds a relaxed attitude which no one should have.