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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think a grown woman....

405 replies

ToTheMax0 · 11/04/2023 22:28

Should be able to know how to operate a dishwasher?
New colleague didn't know how to do it. She stacked it correctly but was then standing around looking stumped. I had to intervene and help.
She is 41!

OP posts:
NotTheOtherMother · 11/04/2023 22:29

Maybe she's never had or used a dishwasher?

TheChosenTwo · 11/04/2023 22:29

It takes me a minute to work out how to operate new dishwashers in eg holiday houses, just because they’re different to mine! Cut her some slack, if she’s never switched it on before she was probably just figuring it out.

Bao · 11/04/2023 22:30

Sounds like you're being a bit of a dick.

dudsville · 11/04/2023 22:32

Don't worry about criticising the small things. Iyswim, not knowing how to work a dishwasher isn't unethical.

Hubblebubble · 11/04/2023 22:32

I wouldn't either. I've never had one. I could afford one, but it doesn't strike me as energy efficient or best hygienic.

Multipleexclamationmarks · 11/04/2023 22:32

I've no clue how to use a dishwasher, I've never owned/used one.
I'm 50, intelligent and a functioning adult that just never to have had the need to use a dishwasher. Judge away..

Pocketfullofdogtreats · 11/04/2023 22:33

It took me two days to work out how to work the microwave in our holiday cottage last year, and that's with online instructions!

Luredbyapomegranate · 11/04/2023 22:33

Have you really got nothing better to think about?

Luredbyapomegranate · 11/04/2023 22:33

Pocketfullofdogtreats · 11/04/2023 22:33

It took me two days to work out how to work the microwave in our holiday cottage last year, and that's with online instructions!

Microwaves can be WEIRD. More do than dishwashers IMO

Luredbyapomegranate · 11/04/2023 22:34

More SO

TheDogthatDug · 11/04/2023 22:34

I wouldn't have a clue, don't have one, never used one.

Smokingonthestairs · 11/04/2023 22:34

Ever come across the concept of people living different lives and having different skills?
I could mend/plumb/ operate any dishwasher. Millions of simple things I wouldn’t have a clue about though. We’re all different. And I’m crap at washing up by hand.

WeAllFellIntoThePit · 11/04/2023 22:35

Don't think this is that terrible tbh, lots of people have never owned one and even if they have, different appliance makes all tend to operate slightly differently. It would take me a bit to get my head around someone else's washing machine/dryer/microwave etc..

Blossomtoes · 11/04/2023 22:36

You’d be astonished how many 18 year olds have to be rescued in the laundry room in their first week at university as they stare mystified at the controls on a washing machine.

MistressoftheDarkSide · 11/04/2023 22:36

Never owned one.

Would need instructions as I am prone to breaking technical things. Could probably master it in time, although old dogs / new tricks and all that.

If that makes me a failure, so be it.

(I don't drive either. Horrifying, I know.....)

SquareRootOfAllEvil · 11/04/2023 22:37

My mother wouldn’t have a clue, and she’s considerably older than 41.

Not something that’s ever been a priority for her to get.

Thedogscollar · 11/04/2023 22:37

I think you need to get a life instead of bitching about whether your new colleague knows how to operate a dishwasher.
You sound welcoming, not.

Ted27 · 11/04/2023 22:39

never owned or used a dishwasher

also never owned an induction hob/oven either and had a very difficult time trying to work it out in a holiday flat last year.

PoseyFlump · 11/04/2023 22:40

I can wire a plug @ToTheMax0 can you? I even know what all the different colours mean. When we were kids new appliances didn't come with plugs. We spent our days 'borrowing' plugs from hairdryers and irons. Should I judge all the mumsnetters who can't wire a plug?

megletthesecond · 11/04/2023 22:40

Yabu. Loads of people have never had a dishwasher.

808Kate1 · 11/04/2023 22:40

Imagine being a grown woman and starting a thread like this.

DimplesToadfoot · 11/04/2023 22:43

I've never used one, so I wouldn't have a clue, although like most things if there's an instruction booklet to read before use then I wouldn't have a problem.

MrsShortStuff · 11/04/2023 22:47

I have one in my kitchen and hate it so I store pots and pans in it.I forgot years ago how to run the thing.
Wanna judge me on that?🤣

ClandestineAdulation · 11/04/2023 22:47

I didn’t grow up with a dishwasher in the house and never used one. Only learnt how to use one when I was 26 and we moved into a rental with a dishwasher… they’re not an appliance that everyone has, sometimes because of space, financial blockers and reasons of preference.

OzempicClicker · 11/04/2023 22:48

I don't know how to use one. I'm 57. We've never bought one as there are only two of us in the house. I can't drive either as I live in central London. People are different and have different life experiences and talents. I expect there are re lots of things your colleague can do that you know nothing about.