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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To break up over toilet hygiene (or lack thereof)?

313 replies

wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 17:44

Name changed for this one.

So I've been seeing a new chap for several months - my first relationship since divorcing over three years ago, and with a lot of dead-end online dates in the interim. I.e. quite a big deal for me to have entered into. Lovely chap, very like-minded, considerate high-achieving professional, seems into me, etc. - and the relationship is exclusive.

I need a sense of perspective on this issue - not the only emergent niggle in the relationship, but the most "in your face" (as it were) in recent weeks.

Most of our "sleepover" dates are at mine for various reasons. I've noticed bad toilet hygiene at mine in terms of weeing on the seat / leaving poo stains, which I wasn't overly impressed with, but didn't say anything at the time. Last week I was at his - not the first occasion, but this round time the toilet / bathroom was pretty grim. Not Trainspotter bad or anything - but think piss and pubes caked into the ceramic and bristles / toothpaste residue all over the sink. The rest of his place is cluttered but clean enough.

I was again due to visit him at his today, and - after some agonising on the subject - sent a message during the week that he'd need to give the bathroom a once over first, to which he replied already on the list. And he did clean up, and even made a point of asking me if it was acceptable when I arrived.

Later that afternoon, we were taking it to the bedroom and I made a quick pit stop - only to find massive poo stains down the pan and wee over the seat from a visit he'd made in the meantime. It's hard for me to address these things directly, but I basically came out, said it was a massive passion killer and that I didn't expect to find the toilet like this at his or at mine, and if he wanted bedroom activity he'd need to factor in bathroom activity. He did clean it, apologised (blaming not having his glasses on - he did have his glasses on) and said my views were fair enough. I left soon after without re-initiating any sexual activity.

It's not the mess in itself that bothers me - I'm not a clean freak, and have literally used some of the worst toilets known to man in my time. It's the lack of respect it indicates - especially coming from someone so otherwise clearly intelligent / senior, etc. and not otherwise seemingly unhygienic. And the fact that I'd already pointed this out once before coming round - which is already unattractive enough to have to do towards a grown man. In his shoes I'd personally be dying of embarrassment, not making a mess of things that very same afternoon. Unless he was doing it deliberately to make a point right back to me, but that doesn't seem like him at all.

Either way, whether deliberate or just obliviousness, it's not attractive. I made a vow at the end of my last relationship that I wouldn't tolerate man children / incompetence (whether strategic or otherwise), so maybe I'm overthinking this one - but yeah it's irked me a lot.

Please do tell me if I'm being unreasonable on this one! I wouldn't end things "only" cause of this, but genuinely not sure if I'm just being a massive priss on this. TIA!

OP posts:
PrinceYakimov · 05/01/2025 19:44

If he has to be asked to clean up his actual shit in the early days of a new relationship, when most men would be trying to impress a new GF, no way he will ever do it in a long-term relationship ...

FinneganFois · 05/01/2025 19:45

Arrgh !! Apologies OP, and other readers, I've just re-read, and he has left OP's
bathroom dirty too ! I was under the impression it was just the OH's own residence.

MaggieBsBoat · 05/01/2025 19:45

echt · 05/01/2025 19:39

I must lay claim to this too. My lovely late DH never left the bathroom less than perfect.

Yes it’s an attractive thing.
My DH insisted on a bidet in our flat as he likes to wash when using the toilet and he always sits down. I’ve never met a man with such clean (and fresh smelling) nethers! It’s fabulous!

Tidbit · 05/01/2025 19:45

FinneganFois · 05/01/2025 19:39

@wobblychicken
OP, I hear you ! And yes, it's gross, however . . it's his place, not yours, and it may have become a habit (I know!) without him realising the grossness. If you are considering long term, maybe 2 bathrooms would be the answer?

But it was sparkling when OP arrived and was brought up in converstaion as she was asked to approve .... and then just before the action he has created a 'dirty protest'....this was all in the same evening.

Hunglikeapolevaulter · 05/01/2025 19:46

My DH is another one who leaves the bathroom clean. He gets really grossed out by dirty toilets.

OddBallNumber5 · 05/01/2025 19:48

wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 18:10

I eat a fibre-rich plant-based diet and believe you me can cause some serious fucking carnage in the toilet department. The difference being I clean up after myself - whether someone else is present or not!

Sorry but this has made me proper laugh!!!

On a serious note though, I’d be querying his own personal hygiene if he can’t clean the toilet pan. Fucking gross.

CuppaAndABiccie · 05/01/2025 19:48

It’s still quite early days, and so presumably this is him on his BEST behaviour - it will not improve (or become less annoying/ick-inducing) over time 😬

Paradisegained · 05/01/2025 19:48

Beamur · 05/01/2025 17:46

Yeah, that's gross.

Went over to DSS’s flat yesterday and he had poo stains caked all over the toilet I almost vomited. It was foul and we paid for a deep clean less than 8 weeks ago for him.

We went to Morrisons brought harpic, rubber gloves, and a toilet brush. DP told him to get up there and clean it up. We left.

You shouldn’t even have to even mention it. End of any sort of relationship.

socialdilemmawhattodo · 05/01/2025 19:48

Hygiene is so personal but there really are minimum standards. I met someone recently in a professional context - lovely guy, really interesting. I looked forward to a decent professional ongoing relationship. He is young enough to be my son so definitely not a future personal relationship. Where we met has a slightly old-fashioned set up in that a toilet is just off the kitchenette. Old building - probably listed - perhaps that's why this could be. I was clearing up in the kitchen and he was leaving, needing to use the loo on his way out. Not an issue. But the toilet is fully contained with toilet, handbasin, soap and an air-dryer. They are noisy. Well no hand dryer was used and he didn't come out with wet hands as he wished me goodbye. I had to conclude he hadn't washed his hands. And now I have the ick. I may meet this man again in a professional context - I certainly wont want to shake hands. And I am thinking back over my professional career just wondering how many others like him I have met. I am not OCD, our house is not the cleanest and tidiest (apart from bathrooms and kitchen), but just gosh - where are basic standards.

wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 19:51

"Dirty protest" yes, whether intentional or otherwise.

He has afforded me a lot of dignity outside this one issue - it's not fair to say otherwise, but yes he's got to go.

And yes to doubts up until this point, but ones that certainly don't distract from HIS dignity or character - just differences in perspective.

Further advice on biting the bullet very welcome! As I say, it's been a while since I broke things off with anyone - barring ex-husband, and let's just say that was rather more clean cut (as it were). Of all his problems, toilet hygiene wasn't one.

OP posts:
Paradisegained · 05/01/2025 19:51

Message Dear Derek

I’ve decided this is not working for me. The basic issues like toilet etc and things which quite frankly at the age of 53 you hadn’t sorted are not going to get better. I do wish you all the best.

wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 19:53

FinneganFois · 05/01/2025 19:45

Arrgh !! Apologies OP, and other readers, I've just re-read, and he has left OP's
bathroom dirty too ! I was under the impression it was just the OH's own residence.

Correct. But less noticeable by comparison, as you could practically eat your dinner off my toilet otherwise.

OP posts:
socialdilemmawhattodo · 05/01/2025 19:53

Can you just not tail it off? ie not reply to texts for a few days, not be available for telephone calls or catch up, not able to meet for weeks due to work pressures/family issues, etc.

wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 19:53

Paradisegained · 05/01/2025 19:51

Message Dear Derek

I’ve decided this is not working for me. The basic issues like toilet etc and things which quite frankly at the age of 53 you hadn’t sorted are not going to get better. I do wish you all the best.

Bit harsh after 4 months, and otherwise genuine kindness and consideration throughout...?

OP posts:
BillBloodyPurchase · 05/01/2025 19:54

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Tidbit · 05/01/2025 19:54

wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 19:51

"Dirty protest" yes, whether intentional or otherwise.

He has afforded me a lot of dignity outside this one issue - it's not fair to say otherwise, but yes he's got to go.

And yes to doubts up until this point, but ones that certainly don't distract from HIS dignity or character - just differences in perspective.

Further advice on biting the bullet very welcome! As I say, it's been a while since I broke things off with anyone - barring ex-husband, and let's just say that was rather more clean cut (as it were). Of all his problems, toilet hygiene wasn't one.

He has afforded me a lot of dignity outside this one issue - it's not fair to say otherwise

I could see this as grooming / reeling you in - so that he woos you to place where he gets to degrade you.

wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 19:55

socialdilemmawhattodo · 05/01/2025 19:53

Can you just not tail it off? ie not reply to texts for a few days, not be available for telephone calls or catch up, not able to meet for weeks due to work pressures/family issues, etc.

Feel I owe him a bit more than that. I want to keep my head held high and all that.

OP posts:
wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 19:55

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Not only this, but this is how he will perceive it.

OP posts:
Pedallleur · 05/01/2025 19:57

53 and can't lift the seat? And it isn't just going on the seat. Will be splashing on the floor. Does he wash his hands? Just no.

BillBloodyPurchase · 05/01/2025 19:57

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 19:57

Tidbit · 05/01/2025 19:54

He has afforded me a lot of dignity outside this one issue - it's not fair to say otherwise

I could see this as grooming / reeling you in - so that he woos you to place where he gets to degrade you.

You could be right, but feels a stretch. Greater likelihood is geeky / nerdy / good-hearted guy finally gets a girlfriend; fucks it up with ingrained (and therefore unto him long invisible) lack of toilet-based hygiene. Neither acceptable, but the latter option at least less deliberate.

OP posts:
Boardgamedust · 05/01/2025 19:57

AMurderofMurderingCrows · 05/01/2025 17:58

It would make me think about how clean he is. Does he wipe fully. When he washes does he clean his penis properly.

That would worry me for any P in V action.

And I'm not a clean freak, I've just read about too many manky men dripping sweat mixed with shit onto their partner during sex 🤢

Jesus, I've made myself queasy just typing that.

Yes, this.
If he's been for a poo in between cleaning the bathroom and going upstairs with you for sex, has he washed properly, washed his hands? I couldn't let someone rut me knowing their bum 'ole might be covered in poo-and by his standards that are clearly visible, even KNOWING you'd notice it, I'd not be trusting that it wasn't.

OwlFeatures · 05/01/2025 19:58

You don't owe him chapter and verse though? Fair enough, you want to break it off (and I absolutely would too) but all you need to do is send him a message saying it's not working for you and you'd like to leave it there and all the best etc

Nothing more required really unless you want to drag this out and up the drama ...

Applepoop · 05/01/2025 19:59

What a fucking pig. That said, a LOT of men are like this. They seem to see it as no issue whatsoever.

My DS is an 18yo student and doesn't behave like this. When I visit him, his ensuite toilet is always clean with no shit smears. My husband though, he does sometimes leave shit stains - I've just asked him and he acknowledges that it's disgusting and that he would not like a visitor to see it. Perhaps it's because we've been together 25 years that he does worry about me seeing it. I do think that in a new relationship, it's worse - because you are supposed to be trying to impress someone.

wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 19:59

OwlFeatures · 05/01/2025 19:58

You don't owe him chapter and verse though? Fair enough, you want to break it off (and I absolutely would too) but all you need to do is send him a message saying it's not working for you and you'd like to leave it there and all the best etc

Nothing more required really unless you want to drag this out and up the drama ...

"Just" a message? If the boot was on the other foot, I'd expect a proper call at least.

OP posts: