AIBU to use my neighbour's washing machine?

[kumquat365]

My NDN and I get on well and have had keys to each other's homes for years. I used to regularly look after her cat (now sadly gone to the great cattery in the catosphere) so was in and out while she wasn't at home. When she was having noisy building work done a couple of years ago she'd escape to my place during the day when I was out at work. If I've ever wanted to borrow something and she hasn't been around I've phoned her and she's said 'There's no need to ask, just let yourself in.' I say the same thing to her.

My washing machine died on Wednesday and I have guests coming to stay tomorrow. I thought I'd found a local company who could replace the machine today but that hasn't worked out. I need to do a couple of loads of washing.

I haven't seen NDN for a day or two and she's not responding to calls or texts. The neighbours across the street think she's on holiday for a few days — possibly abroad.

AIBU to nip in a do a couple of loads of washing? I will leave a bottle of wine and a note and make sure I use my own power etc.

I'd be fine with it. Especially if you left me a bottle of wine and a note explaining.

Agree with @Lumpwoody
It just would be easier to use the launderette ;)

Use a launderette and when your NDN returns, ask if your washing machine has not been fixed by then.

Oh do keep up. The neighbour’s been back for days.

YANBU as long as you ask first. If you both help each other out so often, why do it behind her back?

I’m so glad to read relationships like this happen in the UK. Not everything has to be so stiff and formal that you can’t nip into your neighbours when you have a need for washing. Something so trivial

Errr no. Laundrette

Launderette.

With such a close friendship I would be total fine with this

Let her know what you are doing. And, myself, I'd leave a bit of cash on the top of the machine...what it would cost to use a laundromat machines.

A lot of Oliver Cromwell's descendents on here.

Just wanted to say how lucky you are to have a lovely friend/neighbour.

Just go to a launderette

Just RTT

If you were so sure it would be ok, why would you ask on MN? You seemed very confident about it

Presumably not 100% confident.

I find it a little odd that despite being this close she didn’t tell you she was going on holiday? Plus not answering messages... is she ok? Have your messages been read?

It's all been explained in the thread.

I wouldn't even though later she's bound to say 'oh you should have used mine'. Because then she can be confident in the knowledge that next time she's away you'll only go in if she knows you will.

Given the past history, yes I think you're fine to go ahead.

It looks like you already have the verbal agreements I'd say as long as your careful with the machine and it's how you found it, then I'd use it based on prior agreements.

At least you do know for sure now that she wouldn't have minded, and can apply that should there be another emergency where you need to borrow/use something in her home.

How lovely to have a relationship like that with a ndn! It seems to be so rare these days, people are so intolerant, territorial. I'm of your generaation where ndn's always helped out, even if you didn't reaally know each other well, or didn't like each other much.