Tradesman asking for a sandwich

[AtleastitsnotMonday]

I’ve had a tradesman working on the outside of my property today. Got here about 11.30, job was about a couple of hours worth of work. About 1200 I went out and asked if I could get him a tea or coffee. He answered “Tea, white with two please, would you be able to knock me up a cheese sandwich while your there?”
Now, admittedly I’m rubbish at saying no at the best of times and I wasn’t expecting this so obliged, even returning to check if he would like pickle/tomato etc with it.”
Dp thinks I’ve lost the plot and he was being grabby and to be honest I’ve only ever made drinks with the odd biscuit before, the only exception being when we had an extension built which was a much longer project and I outdone make them bacon sandwiches on a Friday morning if I wasn’t working.
Would you have made a sandwich?

My FIL was a builder and often did work for us. I didn't even make him lunch!! He had a set routine wherever he was working. Turn up about 8. Work til 10.30. Go to a caff for huge breakfast that would see him through until knocking off about 4 and going home for an early dinner.

Of course the caff thing isn't an option atm. If he asks again tomorrow OP, tell him you're happy to make him some lunch but you'll be knocking the cost off the final bill!

I’d have thought he was joking. It would never occur to me he was serious. My bloke would have offered him one!

What a cheeky bastard!!

It’s cheeky because it’s a short job and he would not have asked your DH, I suspect.

I always offer tons of tea, coffee and biscuits. But when I first read your post I certainly wondered about modern slavery.

To be honest if I've got tradesmen in (carpenter, plumber) I always ask them. A few weeks ago we had a plasterer in and I made him a bacon sarnie - I felt it would be cruel to cook bacon and not include him!

I always offer tea/coffee, if they are trades I've used before and know them reasonably well, if I'm making lunch I will offer. I've never had one ask me though. If they did, I would make it gladly, but privately probably be a bit . Usually, like PP's they tend to bring their own or ask where they can go to get food.

I would for my wonderful plumber he was working massively long days the job went four days over and he didn't take any money. I was getting quite worried about him he was working until 9pm each night I offered him tea with us even though he always said no.

I would be happy he felt he could ask me. At least he did not have to leave to dind one he may have gone missing for a bit then. Happy worker =good worker

@gamerchick

Yes. I don't know anyones personal circumstances and even if they're working they might still be struggling. If someone doing a job in my house asked me for something to eat then I'd feed them.

I think it would have taken me by surprise but yes, I would have for exactly this reason.

No fucking way would women get lunches made for them

Of course they would. Our decorator is a woman. She was here for ten days at one point and was given lunch every day.

The “oh but this wouldn’t happen to a man” response on thread after thread is so tiresome.

Oh dear, OP. What a lot of fuss over a sandwich. Have I missed someone saying he might have dementia?

FWIW, I'd have gladly made him a sandwich, and wouldn't have given it any further thought. I have done similar in the past (sandwiches and cake). The only thing I thought at the time was that I was glad they felt they could ask, which suggests I come across as being reasonably approachable and pleasant.

I don't see it as sexist or anything else-ist. This kind of casual-but-friendly human interaction is what I most miss at the moment.

@VinylDetective

No fucking way would women get lunches made for them

Of course they would. Our decorator is a woman. She was here for ten days at one point and was given lunch every day.

The “oh but this wouldn’t happen to a man” response on thread after thread is so tiresome.

If you feed work people obviously you won’t stop just because they are a woman, well not many would.

But would a male workman ask a man for a sandwich in same way as in op?

@VinylDetective

No fucking way would women get lunches made for them

Of course they would. Our decorator is a woman. She was here for ten days at one point and was given lunch every day.

The “oh but this wouldn’t happen to a man” response on thread after thread is so tiresome.

I hear ya. Drives me bonkers.

My OH is a builder. He went to fix a job the previous builder had messed up,

The homeowner offered them lunch because he was grateful they came. One of his labourers jokingly asked for surf'n'turf (OH was mortified) . They did, however, enjoy the surf'n'turf the homeowner (male) provided

I would offer tea/coffee and biscuits (if the person is only going to be here an hour, they often refuse) most tradesman we've had brought their own food or went out to get something.
I think it was a bit cheeky to ask but i'd have made a sandwich anyway.
I am amazed at the roast dinner, did they all come in and sit at the table to eat?

Bit disappointed we've got to page 9 and no-ones offered their builders any picky bits from Marks!

@Hoggleludo

I absolutely would of made it

You never know someone personal problems. He might not of eaten for two days...especially in the climate now

But then I volunteer with the homeless. So I have no qualms about giving people food. I’m so used to doing it weekly anyway.

I would have assumed he'd forgotten his packed lunch and was hungry.

But would a male workman ask a man for a sandwich in same way as in op?

I don’t think it would make any difference. As I said, he wouldn’t need to ask my bloke, it would be offered.

@VinylDetective

But would a male workman ask a man for a sandwich in same way as in op?

I don’t think it would make any difference. As I said, he wouldn’t need to ask my bloke, it would be offered.

You’ve offered already so not an issue.

As a request... not sure

@myusernamewastakenbyme

My dh is a landscaper and was cutting hedges in someones garden last week in freezing weather...it was lashing down with rain etc....the householders were at home and didnt offer him a hot drink the whole day...i just cant understand some people.

Does he not take a flask with him?

I'd have offered him whatever I was making at the time - whether that happened to be a cuppa or a full cooked breakfast. It's nice to be hospitable.

I'd find it a bit unusual to be asked so bluntly for something if I hadn't offered, but I'd still be ok with making a sandwich whilst the kettle boiled.

Ultimately it wouldn't put me in any hardship and at the very least would make the guy happy (whether he was relying on foodbanks or had simply forgotten his lunch) so why not?

I find it strange the number of people on Mumsnet who think it's ludicrous to go beyond the bare minimum of what's required of them instead of just being kind.

I think I would have assumed he was joking and laughed at him.

He’d have been screwed if he asked me that: I don’t drink tea or coffee and am vegan so wouldn’t have cheese or milk either! I have had numerous tradesmen around for the last year and they’ve always brought their own food/drink, the odd one might have asked for a glass of water but thats it. I’ve had to pay out enough for their time and expertise without catering for them too!

In all honesty yes I probably would have. But he's really cheeky to ask and in theory I'd dock him £2 for his lunch. But no, in reality I'd make it too...

I have in the past made coffee and have sex with them and offered both .