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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think pants shouldn't be on the washing line if you have guests?

148 replies

midsummercat · 20/06/2021 15:35

I attended a BBQ at a colleague's house this weekend (in the garden obviously) and I thought it was a bit strange because his pants were on the washing line in full view of everyone. I felt a bit embarrassed about it but he didn't seem phased. There were about 10 other people from work there.

Maybe I'm a bit odd, but I wouldn't put my underwear on the washing line if i have people over. AIBU? Confused

OP posts:
VorpalSword · 20/06/2021 15:36

They are just clothes! I would not be offended by this at all

Would wonder if they might be smoke from the BBQ but not fussed about anyone seeing that I wear pants or bra and would not even think about seeing said items on anyone else’s line.

chipsandpeas · 20/06/2021 15:37

wouldnt bother me

ApolloandDaphne · 20/06/2021 15:37

They are just clothes. It wouldn't bother me as a guest or if people saw my pants on the line.

Sirzy · 20/06/2021 15:38

I don’t put underwear on the line but I couldn’t get bothered by someone else doing so

WentworthPrison · 20/06/2021 15:38

Embarrassed?

newnortherner111 · 20/06/2021 15:39

I wouldn't do it, but he'll never dare play any joke on you at work now, will he? As you have the perfect comeback.

vodkaredbullgirl · 20/06/2021 15:39

Wouldn't be offended, unless they were men's g strings Grin

Quickchangeartiste · 20/06/2021 15:39

😂😂😂 I wouldn’t leave mine out while cooking, but your reaction seems a little Hyacinth Bucket.

WorraLiberty · 20/06/2021 15:39

He probably didn't notice/give it another thought.

It's just material after all.

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 20/06/2021 15:41

I'd be more confused by the fact he didn't take the washing in when having a BBQ. Odd that you didn't find that weird

LoopTheLoops · 20/06/2021 15:41

In my old flat loads of people use to have washing lines outside their front door because we had no balconies at the back or gardens, just the communal balcony at the front, one woman use to have all her underwear hanging up outside her front door!

roobicoobi · 20/06/2021 15:43

Maybe I'm a bit odd, but I wouldn't put my underwear on the washing line if i have people over. AIBU?

Yes. The odd part is having a BBQ when your washing is on the line.

TheCrowFromBelow · 20/06/2021 15:43

I find it odd he left the washing out when bbqing tbh, it would get all smoky. I can see what you mean though - I wouldn't want to know my co-worker wears a posing pouch, for example, some things are best left unknown and undisclosed!

SirenSays · 20/06/2021 15:44

I can always tell when my neighbours have their parents visiting as the mum always hangs their pants on the line in size order, even the tatty old holey ones. I couldn't do it but I admire her idgaf attitude.

AutoGroup · 20/06/2021 15:45

I wouldn't leave the washing out if I was entertaining in the garden, just because the garden looks nicer without it, just like I'd tidy the living room before having guests, but I wouldn't be embarrassed if someone else did.

Crankley · 20/06/2021 15:45

Were they crotchless or have rude words written on them? if not, I don't understand the problem?

CroneAVirus · 20/06/2021 15:46

I’m with you OP. I would feel awkward and uncomfortable seeing my boss’s pants flapping in the breeze if we were at a formal gathering. It’s a bit… unboundaried.

Im sure most on this thread would bother to put their pants and bras out of sight if they were expecting colleagues to come over.

prettyvisitor · 20/06/2021 15:47

Well if I was having people round I wouldn't leave my smalls on the line, but each to their own.

IHaveBrilloHair · 20/06/2021 15:48

I think having any washing on the line is a bit odd if you are having guests over.
I often dry clothes on the radiators but would remove them if I was having people round, more as a tidying thing.
I wouldn't but upset/embarrassed about it in someone else's home or garden though.

BillyIsMyBunny · 20/06/2021 15:48

So long as they’re not stained it absolutely wouldn’t bother me.

Stompythedinosaur · 20/06/2021 15:49

Did you imagine he went commando?

In fairness, I'd probably take all my washing down, but I can't say seeing someone's smalls would bother me.

peboh · 20/06/2021 15:49

It wouldn't bother me in the slightest. You're being a bit precious.

m00rfarm · 20/06/2021 15:50

I definitely wouldn’t expect or want to see colleagues’ underwear hanging up during a bbq. Why would I? I don’t want to see them wearing it and I sure as hell don’t want to see it on the washing line

Mumsgirls · 20/06/2021 15:50

I am with Sirzy

roobicoobi · 20/06/2021 15:50

@m00rfarm

I definitely wouldn’t expect or want to see colleagues’ underwear hanging up during a bbq. Why would I? I don’t want to see them wearing it and I sure as hell don’t want to see it on the washing line
But why would you even being paying such close attention to someone's washing line?