To want to faint in McDonalds?

[TheLowestFlyer]

DH has slowly introduced a regime of positive reinforcement that, for a wide range of reasons, means I have to take the DC to McDonalds once a month for a sit down meal. This produces a physical response in me that makes me want to, first, gag and then faint. I assume it must be the vaporised oil in the air, the terrible food odours and weird and discoloured plastic decor (and the hyperactive and frankly unappealing toddlers screaming around whenever we go?). Whatever it is, it triggers a really intense response from me and I basically dread these scheduled outings and have to choke back vomiting for the whole meal.

Unfortunately the DC have become really emotionally invested in these going to MacDonalds (to what I think is a really unhealthy level) and DH's schedule means that I am unquestionably the only one who can take then. How do I extricate myself from going to McDonalds? Has anyone else weaned their DC from depending fast food? They genuinely love it, especially the earth-killing toys they abandon minutes after leaving

I love that McDonalds smell. I don't eat it now, but I always have a big inhale when I walk past our local one

But where are you that plastic toys are still a thing? Haven't they been phased out most places?

I was already lost by "positive reinforcement".

@TheLowestFlyer - I doubt you're coming back to this thread but I do agree with the posters who are asking why you feel you HAVE to do this - you really don't.

If your husband is so insistent on this positive reinforcement thing, then HE gets to do it, not you. Fuck his schedule - he needs to fit it in when he can do it, not make you do it!

Is there some overwhelming reason you can't refuse to take them?

I get your issues with it - especially if you are e.g. a "super sniffer" or have other heightened sensory responses - I wouldn't do it, and certainly not on an enforced regular basis.

If you must take them out for a food treat (I generally disagree with this concept, but that's my issue, not yours) then why not go to a gelateria instead? Much nicer! Plus also sit down. BUT that still puts the onus on you to carry out your husband's "plan", and my first instinct would be to tell him to shove it where the sun don't shine if he can't do it himself.

Is there some kind of trollympics going on at the moment?

Honestly.....catch yourself on, mate.

Yes @HoppingPavlova

He might be trying to introduce normality and the OP taking part in it. I hadn't thought of that.

Ha! Yes, how sad. OP should really find a more "aspirational" food outlet to reward her children. Try Pret A Manger, OP. You get a better class of screaming toddler in there.

It's a real tragedy that the Jamie's Italian chain has closed down. I found it quite unrivalled for middle class toddler tantrums, food throwing and waitress tripping.

Also OP is in AUSTRALIA where there are very few COVID restrictions now and we still have the bloody plastic toys in McDs.

@DustOnTheWind

How do you feel about The Sistine Chapel?

Haha!! 😂

Macdonalds is probably ok once a year, fat laden, sugar laden, neon lit ..
The think that put me off so never went back was the order boards..You had to pre order and the touch screens were tested to have E coli and other real nasties on there.

{Probably like doorknobs and other things people touch}

But Macdonalds is brash and pushy, the customers are not good at queueing, and the staff must be rushed off their feet.

@TakeYourFinalPosition

Do you have an eating disorder, and the “positive reinforcement” is your husband trying to stop it from passing to your children?

That’s the only this makes sense, I think; and it reminds me of a thread last week where there was definitely an ED at play....

Or OCD.

What does it actually mean when you say your DH "introduced a regime of positive reinforcement"? Is that middle class for "bribing the kids with a trip to McDonald's?"

twolipstulip

Is there some kind of trollympics going on at the moment?

This!!!

@LittleDoritt

I was already lost by "positive reinforcement".

Is it a puppy being trained?

@DustOnTheWind

How do you feel about The Sistine Chapel?

I'm not sure why your husband is instituting something you have to carry out? Does he work 24/7 could he not take them at the weekend?

In terms of your reaction. Do you normally have sensory issues? I don't like it and don't eat their but do take my niece occasionally. And I can cope. I think if it's as you say it is you need to see a medical professional.

Is it possible that your marriage might be causing the faintness rather than McDonalds?

Bright colours and fatty smells are usually harmless (unless you are of the type prone to screaming at the Sistine Chapel) - but with the catalyst of a DH with delusions of dictator status, the faintness might be the start of something very serious indeed.

The best cure would be a revolution in your home -very soon.

What are you trying to positively reinforce OP?

Maybe we can collectively try to find some other way to support this.

I can only assume (if this is real) that you are in a controlling relationship. If we can support you to try and find an alternative to going to McDonalds once a month, maybe this would help your situation. But we would need a little more information about the reason (ie the 'positive reinforcement') that you are doing these trips first.

Burger King?

Although I prefer McDonald's, personally.

@ThumbWitchesAbroad

Also OP is in AUSTRALIA where there are very few COVID restrictions now and we still have the bloody plastic toys in McDs.

Do you still have plastic straws too? (Asking the important questions).

Any one else picturing Catherine Tate writing this?

Gooseberry and cinnamon yogurt anyone?

@DustOnTheWind

How do you feel about The Sistine Chapel?

😆

You don’t have to do this. Why is your dh not taking them? I question whether he ‘unquestionably can’t take them’ means he literally can’t take them or it means other dads would easily take them but your dh won’t. It’s only once a month; he takes them or he thinks of somewhere else for treats.

DH has slowly introduced a regime of positive reinforcement that, for a wide range of reasons, means I have to take the DC to McDonalds once a month for a sit down meal.

DH wants them to have a sit down McD meal? He takes them

If you can't say to your DH "no I am not taking the kids to McDonald's, you do it" then the problem is your marriage. Put bluntly if you are being forced into this then you should get divorced asap. ExDh can take the kids to McDonald's on his weekends then can't he.

I suspect this was supposed to be one of those "hilarious" threads that has missed the mark by a considerable margin.