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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think this was bitchy?

52 replies

NetflixMom21 · 17/05/2022 13:34

I was talking to my friend the other day because I’m relocating to a different area and the topic went onto food shopping and she asked where I was going to shop now etc… I mentioned that there was an M&S around the corner so I would probably get a few bits from there but generally just shop around in a couple of different places… my friend then stuck her nose up and said that I must think that I’m some sort of millionaire when I’m not buying food from there etc…

AIBU to think this was bitchy and totally unnecessary?

She does most her food shopping in Aldi/Lidl… I do like Aldi and would do most my shopping in there if there was one in the area where I live. I usually do most my food shopping in Tesco/Asda/Sainsburys and pick up small bits throughout the week in Waitrose because it’s the closest one to us, but would never do a full shop in there. She is not into her food… doesn’t cook nice food… just bungs whatever food into the oven most nights and prefers to spend her money on clothes etc. Whereas, for me, I don’t drink or smoke or buy clothes for myself or go out often (hardly ever), so nice food is my indulgence and something I put into our budget every month.

It really has been bugging me and playing on my mind ever since, because I really felt embarrassed afterwards the way that she turned on me.

OP posts:
Original poster
NetflixMom21 · 17/05/2022 15:23

It wasn’t said in a jokey tone at all - it was in a kind of ‘who do you think you are’ kind of way.

I wasn’t being bitchy about her food - I have shopped in Aldi myself and would more often if I lived near one. She admits herself she isn’t interested in food, just thinks all food tastes the same regardless of price etc, when I said about not cooking nice food - she doesn’t cook home made food hardly ever and prefers ready made stuff etc, which is fine if that’s what she wants to do of course that’s her choice, but she expects everyone else to do the same and slags off people who spend more money on food, buys branded stuff etc…

OP posts:
MsTSwift · 17/05/2022 15:25

M&S not that much more expensive. Also their stuff is noticeably better quality than Lidl - fresh bread/eggs/yoghurt all immeasurably better. Even my teens noticed. Agree there aren’t loads of ingredients but for a quick top up shop for the weekend you can’t beat it.

MsTSwift · 17/05/2022 15:25

Also op knows her friend not us - you know when you’re being sneered at!

Original poster
NetflixMom21 · 17/05/2022 15:26

For example if you was to buy Heinz beans instead of stores own branded beans she would make comments like “why are you trying to be flash, they are just beans, they all taste the same” in a sarcastic tone, like not everyone wants to buy 10p beans in a tin if they don’t have to… she prefers to spend her money on clothes and shoes… I prefer to spend mine on food

OP posts:
SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 17/05/2022 15:26

KyaClark · 17/05/2022 14:40

People actually asks questions like that?

I was thinking this... the only reason I would have a clue where anyone else shopped would be if a) I went with them/bumped into them there b) I specifically asked where they got a certain thing from or c) I asked them if they'd tried the such and such from [inset supermarket name]

Rosehugger · 17/05/2022 15:33

MozerellaSalad · 17/05/2022 14:33

So if you like cooking nice food then I am afraid you wont be shopping at M&S

Indeed. M&S is for people who don't want the bother and like just heating things up or getting things out of a packet. Quite limited for individual ingredients if you're cooking from scratch, most things are very packaged up.

I like food and cooking and shop at Aldi/Lidl.

Rosehugger · 17/05/2022 15:35

MsTSwift · 17/05/2022 15:25

M&S not that much more expensive. Also their stuff is noticeably better quality than Lidl - fresh bread/eggs/yoghurt all immeasurably better. Even my teens noticed. Agree there aren’t loads of ingredients but for a quick top up shop for the weekend you can’t beat it.

Lidl is better than any supermarket in terms of baked goods. And I would defy you to tell their organic eggs from any other type, or their plain Greek yogurt.

ShandaLear · 17/05/2022 15:37

sounds like she was just having a bit of a laugh. I produced a tub of Lurpak one evening and my friend said, “Ooh, Lurpak. You’re doing well for yourself”. And it still makes me chuckle.

Rosehugger · 17/05/2022 15:39

ElenaSt · 17/05/2022 15:34

The headline doesn't match the story. The basket of 18 items was £5 cheaper at Lidl than at M&S. Plus the fact I buy about 100 items so the difference is consdoerably more than £5. Plus I wouldn't be able to get everything at M&S, they have hardly any non-food items for a start.

Original poster
NetflixMom21 · 17/05/2022 15:41

I’m not planning to do all my food shop there as I stated in my OP, just a few bits and bobs

OP posts:
Flippermeflopits · 17/05/2022 15:44

Dear me, it's a total non event

pigsDOfly · 17/05/2022 16:00

Thats how people stay millionaires, they shop in Aldi!

No, that really isn't how people stay millionaires. Saving twenty pounds here or there on shopping is not going to make a difference between being a millionaire and not being a millionaire.

vitahelp · 17/05/2022 16:00

She asked a question and you answered, then she judged you. I get the feeling she asked the question on purpose so she could make a sarky comment. She sounds a bit jealous, possibly because you have more money or manage money better.

vitahelp · 17/05/2022 16:01

NetflixMom21 · 17/05/2022 15:41

I’m not planning to do all my food shop there as I stated in my OP, just a few bits and bobs

So what if you were doing your full shop there? Shouldn't result in sarky comments from friends. As you say, it doesn't mean you are loaded, it may just mean you prioritise food over other things.

vitahelp · 17/05/2022 16:03

phishy · 17/05/2022 14:34

Not sure you should comment on what constitutes nice food if you can't spell mozzarella.

Show quote history

Brilliant😂

Rosehugger · 17/05/2022 16:05

Saving twenty pounds here or there on shopping is not going to make a difference between being a millionaire and not being a millionaire

True, but spending £120 a week on shopping instead of £180 is over £3,000 a year I'm not emptying from my bank account into Sainsbury's coffers, and will be spending on a nice holiday instead.

Tamzo85 · 17/05/2022 16:08

Whole lot of Aldi shoppers here are also upset OP lol.
Dont worry, Aldi is garbage.

pigsDOfly · 17/05/2022 16:14

Rosehugger · 17/05/2022 16:05

Saving twenty pounds here or there on shopping is not going to make a difference between being a millionaire and not being a millionaire

True, but spending £120 a week on shopping instead of £180 is over £3,000 a year I'm not emptying from my bank account into Sainsbury's coffers, and will be spending on a nice holiday instead.

Yes, £3,000 saving on shopping a year is a good amount but it's still not going to affect someone's millionaire status.

I don't think people who have millions are going to be worrying too much about saving on their food shops so they can save up for holidays.

cakewench · 17/05/2022 16:14

Aldi and Lidl are generally the more affordable options, but Tesco is quite pricey for what it is and I'm always surprised that they have such a 'bargain' perception. Perhaps they were once upon a time but nowadays, unless you're buying things on offer, there isn't much savings. This weekend I was in M&S for a few nice items and thought I'd pop to Tesco for a particular brand name they hadn't had. When I priced up a few of the items I'd purchased in M&S (all produce) they'd all been cheaper by weight in M&S. Tesco had bagged the same items in smaller amounts and were charging the same.

But as to your OP, I agree her comment was a bit ridiculous. She doesn't sound like someone I'd be friends with but I assume she has other qualities!

MajesticallyAwkward · 17/05/2022 16:15

How dull is your friendship that the conversation is comparing supermarkets? And be grateful the biggest issue in your life is someone disagreeing with your hypothetical M&S trips.

The friends comment is odd, but so is OPs reaction and comments about the friends lack of cooking.

Move on, maybe find some more interesting subjects to talk about?

zingally · 17/05/2022 16:37

I'd say you're massively over-thinking it. If one of my friendship group said they were doing their shopping in M&S, we'd probably say something a bit sarky like "oooh, aren't you fancy?!" but that's just our humour! No malice meant!

But your comment about her not cooking "nice food" is pretty mean actually! I'm sure SHE likes it! I mean, who goes out of their way to cook horrible food!

browneyes77 · 17/05/2022 16:45

I’m more of an Iceland and Asda girl myself….😁

Original poster
NetflixMom21 · 17/05/2022 17:06

@MajesticallyAwkward haha you think that’s my biggest issue in life? Hun, if only you knew. Just something that was playing on my mind and wanted an outsiders perspective on.

OP posts:
Wheresmywoolyjumpers · 17/05/2022 17:13

Kind of depends on the tone I think? Was she laughing?

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