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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Soaking in the bath

159 replies

Divorcedalongtime · 24/01/2023 16:04

I read on a thread here someone who said that maybe instead of having people in her home she sometimes wanted to soak in the bath for a couple of hours and it got me wondering…
I assume most people wouldn’t be able to stay in a bath for that amount of time but even half an hour to me in a bath is unthinkably long. maybe 10 minutes tops for me (yes I know that’s probably considered a waste of water but I’m curious)

AIBU or do people actually soak in the bath for ages?

OP posts:
PotterLottery · 24/01/2023 17:51

I don't get it. I like the idea of spending a long time in the bath. But people who say they use their phones/read books - then your arms and hands have to be out of the water. And then they get cold really quickly?! So how do you manage it...

tulippa · 24/01/2023 17:51

I must be weird. I get bored and uncomfortable after 15 minutes. I'm a proper fidget on a sofa too though. Can't justify using all that water for such a short time. As for lying in your own diluted wee for hours 🤢

4thonthe4th · 24/01/2023 17:52

PotterLottery · 24/01/2023 17:51

I don't get it. I like the idea of spending a long time in the bath. But people who say they use their phones/read books - then your arms and hands have to be out of the water. And then they get cold really quickly?! So how do you manage it...

My arms don’t get cold… my bathroom is warm though.

heidihigh · 24/01/2023 17:59

I LOVE a bath. I can easily spend 1.5 hours in it, topping up the hot water a couple of times. I usually watch something on my phone or browse Mumsnet. That being said, the bath in the house we moved into 18 months ago is rubbish compared to my old one, I don't find it anywhere near as comfy but sadly the bathroom suite is only about 3 years old so no excuse to rip it out and put a new one in Grin

Frazzled25 · 24/01/2023 18:00

They’re either something you love or hate aren’t they. I absolutely love the bath. Glass of fizzy water, face mask, and my phone to browse Amazon/mumsnet etc. bliss.

husband hates them though, doesn’t see the point in them.

PuppyMonkey · 24/01/2023 18:03

So… wee in the bath before or after washing hair?

see that’s another thing, washing hair, rinsing, conditioner. Faff in the bath.

DappledThings · 24/01/2023 18:06

PuppyMonkey · 24/01/2023 18:03

So… wee in the bath before or after washing hair?

see that’s another thing, washing hair, rinsing, conditioner. Faff in the bath.

I never wash my hair in the bath. That is definitely too much faff. Impossible to rinse properly.

RufustheFloralmissingreindeer · 24/01/2023 18:08

Anything between 30 minutes and an hour…not usually more than an hour unless I’m trying to get to the end of a book

rattlinbog · 24/01/2023 18:12

Love love love a bath.
Sitting in wee is utterly disgusting!

Anonymous48 · 24/01/2023 18:14

Alarae · 24/01/2023 17:34

I'm lucky in that when my DH wants to potter about in the evenings (usually meaning cleaning!) he says I can go for a bath and relax after our DD is in bed. I tend to spend around 90mins just floating around, reading stuff on my phone with a show on the iPad. He will also come up after an hour or so with a full boiled kettle to give the bath a bit of extra warmth and will also bring me up food/drinks if I want anything.

It is a lovely thing but I'm also well aware he likes to have me out of the way so it works well for everyone!

I'm lucky in that if I want to take a bath in the evening after the kids are in bed, I just go and do it and don't wait for my husband's permission.

UnctuousUnicorns · 24/01/2023 18:19

I love a soak, but only for 30 to 40 minutes. Anyone saying it makes them sweaty and fuzzy headed must have the water too hot! I used to love a near scalding bath myself, but post menopause my internal thermostat is screwed so I have the water cooler now. A baby could probably bathe in it. 😅

We have a Bluetooth speaker in the bathroom so I can listen to my music, radio, audio books etc. I don't watch anything as I'm very short-sighted and would feel daft wearing my glasses in the bath. No drinks either as I'd just have to get out to pee.

Thirteen year old DD3 loves her soak too; sometimes have to order her out when someone needs the loo (only one bathroom with toilet in the house).

BellePeppa · 24/01/2023 18:36

I usually spend about 40 mins to an hour in the bath. Once the water won’t reheat enough for top ups I’m done. I listen to music or read, in fact I have to remind myself to actually wash while I’m in there as I’m so relaxed. 😁

DarkShade · 24/01/2023 18:37

Hour is ideal for me, I like reading in the bath and I like that nobody disturbs me.

BellePeppa · 24/01/2023 18:40

tulippa · 24/01/2023 17:51

I must be weird. I get bored and uncomfortable after 15 minutes. I'm a proper fidget on a sofa too though. Can't justify using all that water for such a short time. As for lying in your own diluted wee for hours 🤢

wee? Why would you be sitting in your own wee in the bath? I’m sure an adult can either get out and use the loo or go before hand.

AnotherNameChangeYes · 24/01/2023 18:47

The only time I have a bath is when I’m ill as it takes all my aches away for a bit.

Benjispruce4 · 24/01/2023 18:51

@DappledThings unless you have a shower attachment on the bath taps!

Zanatdy · 24/01/2023 18:51

Never have a bath but 15mins tops

Verytired123 · 24/01/2023 18:55

Could easily spend half a day in the bath if time allowed for it.

MirandaWest · 24/01/2023 18:56

I can easily have a two hour bath

Quiltedandwilted88 · 24/01/2023 18:56

I love a good bath! Before the cost of living crisis and fuel prices going up, I used to have a warm but not too hot 20 min bath every morning extremely early before everyone was up. It allowed me to relax, meditate and feel mentally ready and energised for the day. Now it’s a horrid shower and I loathe it!

jadedspark · 24/01/2023 18:59

2 hours would be a bit too much for me as I don't like feeling like a prune but I can easily spend an hour in there.

greenacrylicpaint · 24/01/2023 18:59

maybe I don't find baths relaxing because I'm tall. have the choice between cold shoulders and cold knees...

BiggerBoyMadeMeDoit · 24/01/2023 19:01

Ostryga · 24/01/2023 16:05

I can easily spend 2 hours in the bath. I get a good book and can turn the hot tap on with my toe to keep it warm. It’s my most favourite thing.

This. Although not quite as long unless I fall asleep.

tulippa · 24/01/2023 19:03

BellePeppa · 24/01/2023 18:40

wee? Why would you be sitting in your own wee in the bath? I’m sure an adult can either get out and use the loo or go before hand.

Show quote history

PPs were saying how they couldn't be bothered to get out if they needed a wee during a long bath so would just go while they were in there. Confused

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 24/01/2023 19:06

I with you @BlueBlueBlueWinter