Invited to a sparrow's lunch

[FluentRubyDog]

Having recently had a baby, I made friends with a neighbouring mom. We went together to vote today and she invited me over for lunch. We'll... lesson learned.

The lunch consisted of a kraft cheese slice between 2 slices of bread, crustless and cut in two between us, 5 grapes each, a custard cream and a cup of tea that just about reached middle of a cup to a generous eye.

She's categorically NOT struggling with money. Fridge was in the full view and well stocked. Looking at her you'd never guess she's sparrow minded when it comes to food. We both EBF.

Why then invite me to lunch? I don't even know how to reciprocate without either causing offence or spending 2 hours chatting, starving and trying to breastfeed? Was she trying to get a point across???

Almost???

Shark jumped.

I’ve known some appalling users in my time.

I would look on the positive that having acted spectacularly rude, you can hopefully now exclude this woman from your circle.

This can't be real! What on earth

Didn't happen. This is an exact same post from agggges ago.

I’ve never come across the phrase “shark jumping” before! Is it a common American turn of phrase? Just googled it - very interesting! And yes, it seems very applicable to this situation!

Wow, what an update! Nightmare fuel, at least you know that she's never to be invited over again

Sounds to me like she is a small eater/trying to lose weight and thinks you are like minded. I would not take offence but watch her in future to see if she is indeed a small eater and, if and when you invite her, just put out a selection and let her choose. I've had issues with food and can see both sides. Many folks I know love their food and get stuck in. I am not very good at entertaining.

Why on earth didn't you say something when you came downstairs?

'What's going on? Who are these people? I only invited mum and child! You've eaten everything! All the food that was die those that I've invited. You, you and you get out of my house NOW!'

If this really happened why didn't you tell them to leave? I actually hope it's not true because I can't imagine anyone being so rude and entitled. If they were avoid this family from now on

I wouldn't have a clue if it's common in America. I've seen it on here before though.

I assumed you were American as I’ve never heard it here before! I’ve obviously been leaving in a cave. According to wiki, the opposite of shark jumping is growing a beard. Another new one for me!

It does sound implausible. I would have said something before they wolfed down all of my food intended for people who were actually invited.

Grown women left used sanitary products all over your bathroom? I hope you told them to clean up after themselves, that is disgusting and extremely unhygienic.

What was her company like? Did you enjoy it?

If someone invited me over and I liked chatting to her I couldn’t care less what she served for lunch. It’s food. It doesn’t matter.

Do you only go over to people’s houses for the food?

Sorry, but I don’t think you sound very nice. Your priorities are a bit skewed.

If I had been invited to lunch I would expect to be fed. You don't sound like you know how to be a decent host.

I would never insult any guest of mine with that meagre lunch offering.

Ahhh I wouldn’t be surprised. It certainly sounds like a badly written sitcom. Anyone got a link to the old thread?

Ive just read the update and realised that it’s all made up anyway 😂

But I stand by my position. I wouldn’t serve this either, but I also wouldn’t bitch about it if someone served it to me. Horrible. Just eat what’s offered and be grateful! It’s the company you’re there for. Some people are so judgey.

That's not always the case. I know someone with an eating disorder who likes feeding other people. I think it's so the other person eats unhealthily/potentially puts on weight. And the person with the ED feels good for restraining herself.

There have been a few of these posts lately. People being invited over to friends houses and them complaining about the quality/quantity of food. She was company as two new mums together and offered a nice gesture of inviting you to her house. Being neighbours I am sure it took you no time at all to get back and have a top up lunch!

Just seen your update, that’s really weird!

Bloody hell op!!! I would keep her as an acquaintance OUTSIDE of either of your houses!

Well, mumsnet HQ is welcome to check the story's veracity. Otherwise, I don't know what to say, although any suggestions for getting chocolate tiffin out of my sofa, I'd HIGHLY appreciate it.

What is "EBF" ?

I don’t see why you’re quite so outraged about it. Ok, you were hungry for a bit, and you’ll know to eat in advance of lunch at hers if your invited again, but she didn’t starve your baby or attack you with a machete. You were able to eat as soon as you got home.

Etiquette? The social contract? Basic social skills and manners? You know, the kind of fundamental things that most of us are brought up to take into account. When you invite a guest you should aim to think about what the guest might need or want — it isn't all about your wants and need. It's called hospitality. So even if you're on a very restricted diet you don't assume your guest will be appreciate a 200-calorie lunch. And ideally you serve something a bit nicer than a bod-standard everyday lunch.

Exclusively Breast Fed.