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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to feel just a liiiiiiitle bit smug?

258 replies

PyongyangKipperbang · 15/08/2021 18:55

We have holidayed in the UK for ages. Odd one in France but generally North Wales or the South Coast.

Go to the beach today and get sneery looks from certain groups, who were also being similarly sneery to others who were like us. Our crime? We came with a full beach set up. Pop up tent (most important!) picnic, towels, more towels, waterproof jackets and a few blankets. Yes it took some carrying (about the only thing I have found I hate about single parenting is that its all on me to carry it all!) but when the heavens opened, we went into our tent and waited it out, then when the shower had passed, out we came again. Whereas the "One bag with swim suits and a towel" mob were all in a mass panic and trying to find some shelter.

Holidays in the UK require more prep than getting your bikini on and popping to the pool! I rather suspect that there will be a lot more pop up tents on the beach tomorrow than the 4 I saw today!

Oh and yes....the seagulls will take your food out of your hands, thats why there are signs EVERYWHERE saying that its advisable not to each out in the open as the seagulls are aggressive. I saw a father read one sign, say it was probably an exagerration and then have to comfort his terrified child who had his sandwich nicked.

So yes, I do feel a tiny bit smug.

OP posts:
ChaosTrulyReigns · 15/08/2021 18:59

You've been unutterably smugger with one of those trolley thingumies.

I look at them with great big Envy. But every time I remember I need one, they're sold out. Hmm

Reb24934 · 15/08/2021 19:00

I live on the coast, can’t say I notice anyone giving anyone ‘sneery looks’ based on what anyone else brings to the beach

Pottedpalm · 15/08/2021 19:05

How odd! Who cares what you bring to the beach?

Rosewaterblossom · 15/08/2021 19:08

I also live on the coast and can't say I've ever taken any notice of what others bring to the beach and can't say I've ever known anyone else to either!

Were they locals do you think? Because people who live near the beach experience it in all weathers from a cold brisk November walk in the wind to rain/storms and sunshine at any time of year. A rain shower on a warm day would be a case of finding a quick shelter then back on the beach.

Pinkchocolate · 15/08/2021 19:09

Mass panic because it rained in the UK? I’m that parent with one bag and a couple of towels and if it rained I’d laugh it off, I wouldn’t be looking at others in envy because they’re dry while we get drenched (again). I think you’re overthinking it.

NeverButterkist · 15/08/2021 19:11

I bought a trolley thingy at the end of last summer after lugging all the beach clobber - including a tent - and a three year old. In a pushchair.
I look forward to being smug in a couple of weeks time.

Jellybean100 · 15/08/2021 19:12

Don’t most families bring a beach tent nowadays?

CrazyNeighbour · 15/08/2021 19:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ssd · 15/08/2021 19:12

Don't really blame you feeling smug @PyongyangKipperbang

Whats annoying me is all the talks of staycations

That's what skint families have been doing for years Hmm

DoucheCanoe · 15/08/2021 19:14

We live by the coast and have never noticed sneery looks on the beach or even taken notice of what others have or haven't brought with them 🤷‍♀️

m0therofdragons · 15/08/2021 19:14

Literally no one looks or gives thought to what other people take to be beach. I sometimes arrive with full kit and other impromptu times I rock up with swim suits and towels grateful I didn’t lug everything. Taking down a wet tent doesn’t sound fun Confused

mcnervous · 15/08/2021 19:15

Are you sure it wasn't you giving out sneery looks?

Well done on your beach preparedness? If you ask nicely the scouts may give you a special badge.

You think you've read it all...

Shakespeare79 · 15/08/2021 19:16

@Jellybean100

Don’t most families bring a beach tent nowadays?
Grin
DrSbaitso · 15/08/2021 19:17

@Reb24934

I live on the coast, can’t say I notice anyone giving anyone ‘sneery looks’ based on what anyone else brings to the beach
No, me neither.

What's there to sneer at?

Kittii · 15/08/2021 19:17

I think perhaps you are projecting your own sneeriness onto others.

CourgetteGlutTony · 15/08/2021 19:17

That’s nice

ittakes2 · 15/08/2021 19:17

There was a time you went to those beaches for the first time and you learnt how to manage things from repeated visits and experiences. So why be smug as you were a newbie once too. I think you might need more entertainment on your holiday if what you currently think is fun is laughing at other's poor fortune.

Notimeforaname · 15/08/2021 19:17

I just couldn't enjoy my day if I was looking around for people who were looking at me/noticing me. What an odd thing to notice or care about.

StarDrawers · 15/08/2021 19:20

I saw a father read one sign, say it was probably an exagerration and then have to comfort his terrified child who had his sandwich nicked. you felt smug about this? Just focus on yourself and let everyone be without sneering at them

Original poster
PyongyangKipperbang · 15/08/2021 19:20

I have never seen it before this year.

There were 2 groups where there was full on pointing with laughing and a sneer. Yes I know a sneer when I see one!

As a kid we always had holidays in the UK so I was brought up knowing that for a day on the beach you plan for it. Perhaps if I had only ever holidayed somewhere hot and the weather reliable, I would be a bit "OMG how OTT for a day on the beach" too the first time.

OP posts:
Original poster
PyongyangKipperbang · 15/08/2021 19:21

@StarDrawers

I saw a father read one sign, say it was probably an exagerration and then have to comfort his terrified child who had his sandwich nicked. you felt smug about this? Just focus on yourself and let everyone be without sneering at them
I wasnt sneering at him, just inwardly exasperated that he didnt heed the warning and his small child ended up frightened.
OP posts:
Fleurty · 15/08/2021 19:23

As someone who lives in a major tourist resort and visits most days, seeing both locals and tourists of both the minimalist and 'bought the kitchen sink' varieties, I can honestly say no one cares and no one sneered at you.

People do sneer at the families who pitch a tent and several win breaks in an attempt to 'claim' a quarter of the beach. And I imagine if you were sitting there looking smug at all the poor imbeciles who don't 'know what you know' then you got some funny looks for that too.

Some people prefer to take a lot, others don't. There is no right way to go tobthe beach Hmm

Notimeforaname · 15/08/2021 19:23

Yea just concentrate on your own kids and your own day. No need for caring about being smug...or sneering. Stop looking around at others and they might stop looking at you.

acolderwar · 15/08/2021 19:24

What do you want people to do? Bow and gape in adulation at how you, an English person on an English beach, had thought to bring food and a pop up tent? Nobody cares, or at least nobody cares about this non event as much as you clearly do.

rottd · 15/08/2021 19:24

I think most people go to the beach with blankets & towels? Even windbreakers & tents are pretty standard