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AIBU?

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Original poster

No school for you today then?

331 replies

DinosaurStompGrrrr · 15/12/2021 21:59

Today in the bank I was waiting with my DC and the man in front of us turns round to us and says to us ‘No school today for you then?’

DC term has finished (yes, private school) but when I said they were on holiday, I was told that it was ‘generous’ of the school. Innocuous comment on the one hand but I still responded ‘no work for you today then?’. I just felt he would not have said this to a man on his own. It felt like he wanted to just put his view even if unwelcome or unnecessary…

OP posts:
lifeturnsonadime · 15/12/2021 22:35

@TheViewFromTheCheapSeats

Lol, don’t home educate. You won’t cope!
Lol , yes, I don't home educate through choice, my kids have SEN and school didn't work.

Op really wouldn't cope!

barbrahunter · 15/12/2021 22:36

yabu for not using online banking, it's so much easier.

SpiderinaWingMirror · 15/12/2021 22:37

He was trying to start a conversation.
Be kind.

TheOrigRights · 15/12/2021 22:42

I agree, it is very unlikely he would have said "no school today?" to a man on his own in the queue.

Anyway, what is this "we were in the bank" event of which you speak?
My nearest branch is a good 45 mins away since both closed in the nearest two towns.

2319inprogress · 15/12/2021 22:44

We home ed : I can not tell you how many times someone has said "no school today then?" we just smile & say no school at all!

Mostly people are just being friendly with the kids & it's an easy way to start a conversation.

We actually find it easier than the "have you been good for/excited for Santa" conversation starter Xmas Grin

Bamburghdoodle · 15/12/2021 22:44

Sounds like he was making conversation. How shocking :/

TurnUpTurnip · 15/12/2021 22:45

Your being ridiculous, women cashiers ALWAYS use to say “no school today?” To my 3 year old! He was tall so looked older.

Snugglepumpkin · 15/12/2021 22:46

We home educate & EVERY single time we go anywhere in term time someone at some point smiles at my son & asks about school.
I'm talking about every time over decades (was the same with my older now long left school son).

It's not because they care about school or similar 99% of the time, it seems to be the stock thing to talk to children about.

DrierThanANunsNasty · 15/12/2021 22:47

More surprised people still queue in banks anymore Confused

-misses the point-

NoNameHere12 · 15/12/2021 22:52

General chit chat seems to go over the head of some women. There was a thread not long ago about a guy making general conversation in the petrol station and a women got offended by it.

I think covid has had an effect on people’s social skills.

Reviewer123456 · 15/12/2021 22:53

Wow,. How rude of you and what a terrible example to set your children. This is probably one of the most ridiculous things I have read on here!

BestZebbie · 15/12/2021 22:54

Do you think he was wondering if your child was supposed to be in covid isolation?

MargaretThursday · 15/12/2021 22:58

Sounds normal conversation.
I said exactly that to a child today with his dad. We had a nice chat about what he was doing over the holidays and how he had been very pleased to operate the curtains for the school nativity because he doesn't like being on stage.

CheesyWeez · 15/12/2021 22:58

I laughed when a man said me "No school today then" - but it was 1988 and I was 23 years old.
I did look about 15 but still.
I was with my dad who just said "No".

Christmaswindows · 15/12/2021 23:04

Wow! Ok…. Did you know that some people suffer from loneliness? So make conversation with strangers as it’s the only communication they have in their life?

WorraLiberty · 15/12/2021 23:05

@DinosaurStompGrrrr

But why do older men need to challenge younger women? Would they say that to a man?
Oh FFS

If he thought the man wasn't going to get his boxer shorts in a twist, then yes, I imagine he probably would Hmm

It's threads like this that make me so utterly thankful Mumsnet in no way reflects the world I live in.

It's like every single interaction with a stranger or a shop assistant is viewed as something terrible.

WorraLiberty · 15/12/2021 23:06

@Reviewer123456

Wow,. How rude of you and what a terrible example to set your children. This is probably one of the most ridiculous things I have read on here!
And yes I agree, it's an absolutely shit example to set a child.
slaybell · 15/12/2021 23:09

@DinosaurStompGrrrr

But why do older men need to challenge younger women? Would they say that to a man?
But he didn't challenge you. He was speaking to your son.

You really did overreact there.

FissionMailed · 15/12/2021 23:11

The UK was once known as a place for idle small talk in queues, it'd be about weather, or the buses they're waiting for, their favourite teas etc.

I was asked if the frozen pizza I bought was for tea once by the checkout operator... I'm glad I complained to the police tbh. Literal violence.

kikipie · 15/12/2021 23:11

Wow, I hope you never have anything really serious happen

NinaDefoe · 15/12/2021 23:12

Wow. That will teach him not to make polite conversation with anyone in future.

I would have taken it as ‘No school for you today then (aren’t you lucky children! Have you broken up/got an INSET day?)’

I think your response was rude and odd.

Summerfun54321 · 15/12/2021 23:12

You’re reading WAY too much into this. If you feel self conscious that you pay for private education and your kids have longer holidays then that’s on you. Some elderly people spend days at a time not talking to others, loneliness and isolation is a huge problem for many elderly people. If someone strikes up a conversation, I take time and effort to talk to them, you never know how it could brighten up their day or their week.

BlackSwan · 15/12/2021 23:12

Totally depends on tone, expression & how he said it.

And your response too.

If you felt he was being a dick, I suspect you were right.

MrsMiddleMother · 15/12/2021 23:12

It would have pissed me off too op. It does sound challenging and above all else It is absolutely non of his business. Nosey fucker.

BurntO · 15/12/2021 23:15

He was making conversation. Honestly can’t see why people think your response was rude though. You matched his energy…he shouldn’t ask if he didn’t want it in return.