Builder might have stolen my mug?!

[oiwheresmymug]

Disclaimer: I know, I know. This is not my biggest problem; if anything, I'm mildly obsessing over this to distract me from much more harrowing difficulties. Please read it in a more light-hearted tone than it perhaps comes across 😜

We have builders in. It's the first time we've ever had the money for any house jobs so I'm new to all of this. I've been offering tea and coffee, as you do. One day I used a mug for one of the builders that I guess is licensed merchandise from a popular TV show. Probably not worth more than £10 and used, but in good nick. 'Nick' perhaps being the operative word, as when I went to collect the mugs for washing up that evening, it had gone.

Now, I don't like unsolved mysteries. I am autistic, but I think this one might just be a personality trait ;) I checked the front door camera and saw he walked out sipping from the mug and later came back without it. I assumed maybe he'd left it in his van and would bring it back the next day, but he never did.

I also hate confrontation (let's play autism or personality trait again...). I want to know what happened to the mug, but I'm a bit afraid to ask. I'm alone in the house with the builders and my baby and I'd be a bit scared that he would kick off if it does turn out he's made off with it.

I think it's somewhat unlikely he's just decided 'I'll have that' but I'm not sure what to think. My mum reckons he accidentally broke it and tossed it in the skip to hide the evidence.

I don't have anything else to go on. I walked past earlier and another builder was asking him if he thinks he's going to get another trophy but I can only assume that's about football or something and that I'm getting a leeetle obsessed with this. They've been nothing but friendly and hardworking.

So, what do we think? 'You're overthinking this, make like Elsa and let it go' is a given. What happened to the mug? Do I drop in 'hey, any idea what happened to your [TV show] mug?' when I give him his next drink? Do I let it fester until I explode with an 'OI WHERE'S MY MUG'?

This is why I only let trades have very old mugs which I wouldn't be bothered about if I never saw them again.

Thank you, this could well be an easier option :) (same to @AprilPoisson )

This.

I hate mysteries, too. I would just say, similar to many pp
“Hi, don’t suppose a (e.g. Top Gear) mug’s been left lying around anywhere out there? I seem to have lost track of it”.

The fact it’s unusual suggests he’s nicked it. Just say “I’ll have the BBT mug back when you’ve got a minute please Gary - I think it’s in your van isn’t it?”

Perfect.

It'll be on the wall or somewhere outside where he popped out for a tea break. Don't accuse him of putting it in the van! Ask him if he's seen it, but only after you've had another really good look round everywhere it's likely to be, and then where it's unlikely to be.

DH leaves mugs all over the garden as his small brain moves on to something else.

Same happed to me with my fencers!!! I know it's only a mug but it was one I bought on holiday, I didn't really think much if it when I was making them cups of tea/coffee which mugs I was using, as they were leaving they left my mugs on the outside table, all but that mug, I felt silly asking but one of them got it out of his van, saying he drank it in there on his break.

I'd just ask too. I don't know why you are thinking that asking might be confrontational. You are just asking.

"Have you got my Marvel mug?"

Also, if you have builders in then you really need to be able to stand up for yourself.

This.

We have had builders in for the last few months and some of them leave their dirty mugs in the most bizarre and out of the way places.

Just ask them. "Hey guys, you haven't seen my xxx mug around have you?" and take it from there. It will probably turn up again.

Don't ask if they have seen it.

You one they have seen it.

'I made drinks for you and not all of the mugs have been returned. The XXX one is missing. I want it returned.'

I would just say "we are running low on mugs, can you all have a root around and drop them back pls?"

’Hey, can you bring that mug back I seen you walk off with - ring door bells catch everything ‘ ( tinkley laugh)

I'd leave it. He's probably broken it. It's a mug. It's not a big deal.

Update: the mug is now back, so one thing in my life is going right at least 😂

Thanks for the advice all. I hope I can be a bit better socially and a bit less fixate-y when the baby starts sleeping better. And next time, plain mugs!

This is exactly why I keep the old holiday souvenir mugs in the cupboard. There is no way some tradesman is getting his hands on my Emma Bridgewaters.

DH gave a person doing a job in my Emma Bridgewater hearts mug last week - I was appalled and watched out of the window ready to swoop for its safe return!

Great update! Where was it?!

Saying, "oii you cheeky fucker you stole my mug" is confrontation.

Asking, "Hiya, anyone seen the xyz mug?" Is just a question.

Usual conversation is not confrontation, keep practising usual conversation and I'm sure everything will feel easier when you're feeling more rested.
Glad it's back in the cupboard! And hope you get some sleep.

Same thing happened here - except with people sorting a boiler move, over a 2 day job with 4 blokes involved the only missing mug was the unusual and cool one from a film franchise that men in their 40s tend to love. All the flowery mugs are present and correct!

My ex is a builder and he has DEFINITELY accidentally brought mugs home. They drink, walk, go make a phone call in the van or get a toolbox out, tuck the mug somewhere and drive off with it later 😅

It's good to only use things you don't mind getting lost or broken for workmen I think.

It's likely he left it outside somewhere - just say its the X mug is sentimental can you remember where you left it.
plus I have cheap asda mugs for builders and gardeners for this reason.

Rookie error @oiwheresmymug

I don't want to victim blame, but you NEVER give builders/workmen etc your best mugs. Get 3 or 4 mugs that cost 50p each. (Maybe get a few from a charity shop.)

I have never had anyone take a mug from my home, but that's because I give them cheap, low quality mugs. I would never give a collectible mug to a builder/workman! (Or any visitor really!)

Come on OP, that update isn’t good enough - explain what happened, what you said and where it was.

Emma Bridgewater mugs are rubbish, I’ve had at least four where the handles have come off. Latest this morning and now I’ve got a cut on my thumb!

I always use old mugs for builders. One belonged to my brother when he was a student and he’s 60 next month! It’s indestructible!