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        <title><![CDATA[Mumsnet Talk RSS Feed used for socials]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/feed]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[An RSS feed for Mumsnet Talk containing the most recent threads.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:36:44 +0000</pubDate>

                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Partner wants relationship with pregnant woman after one night stand]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/relationships/5561030-partner-wants-relationship-with-pregnant-woman-after-one-night-stand</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Sorry if this is a long one…
after getting out of an abusive marriage about 4 years ago, I met my new partner online. Up until recently we’ve been together 2.5 years.
its been a breath of fresh air, really happy and seemingly no problems.
 That is until back in June he confessed he’d had a one night stand and the woman is pregnant. This shocked me to my core as I thought we were so happy and he said he had no problem with me or our relationship and it was a moment of regret. I was willing to work through it if she decided not to keep the child and we have been on a break but keeping in daily contact since. However, he has no children and this has made him realise how much he wants a child. (We are both in our 40s and I have teenage children) A few days ago I spoke to him and he said she would only keep it if he has a relationship with her and that he will do whatever it takes in order for her to keep the child. For context he is from a completely different culture where this may be more expected. 
However, my brain just can’t compute that he would throw our relationship away for someone demanding a relationship. 
He has behaved in a way that we would be able to work through it so I’m shocked that this is not the case.
I feel more heartbroken by this than my marriage ending because it’s so much more of a shock. I thought I’d found my happy relationship. I don’t want to be single but I don’t know how to get over this heartbreak and start yet again. 
my ex husband is still trying to financially control me and put me through hell and I’m also caring for a child going through a mental health crisis. I can’t take much more! 
Any advice, hope, experience or motivational messages would be very much appreciated.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561030</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:36:44 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Relationships</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[TMI: is this normal pregnancy discharge or should I be worried about leaking amniotic fluid?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/pregnancy/5561029-tmi-is-this-normal-pregnancy-discharge-or-should-i-be-worried-about-leaking-amniotic-fluid</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Currently 20 weeks.

The last few days I’ve been worried that I might be leaking amniotic fluid but I’m also really worried about overreacting.

I know that more watery discharge is normal in pregnancy but is it normal to get large wet patches in your underwear? It isn’t constant which is what makes me think it’s just discharge and there is some obvious discharge as well… however it is very thin/clear and has leaked through my underwear to my trousers and it is just WET.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561029</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:34:31 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Pregnancy</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[How do I move on after a sudden breakup of a 6 year relationship?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/relationships/5561028-how-do-i-move-on-after-a-sudden-breakup-of-a-6-year-relationship</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I (30F) was with my ex (34M) for nearly 6 years and we lived together for 5.

At the beginning of the year, we had a discussion (initiated by me) about how we should be ready to get engaged this year. He agreed, bought the ring, planned the proposal, booked the venue, etc. Then, one night before the planned proposal, he told me he couldn't do it. He said that because I'd been in a bad mood too often over the years, he couldn't actually be with me anymore and wanted to break up. 

That evening, we had gone out for dinner. For reasons partly related to him (he hadn't told me if he will have time for dinner with me or if I should plan something on my own... which anyhow happened a lot over the years) and partly completely unrelated to him, I was a bit moody, distant and cold. According to him, my behaviour that evening pushed him end things. He said that I'd been like that too often throughout our relationship. I always apologised and promised I would change, but in his view I never actually did.

We had some bigger arguments early on in the relationship, but for the last 2 years I genuinely believed we were a really stable and happy couple. We talked seriously about getting married and starting a family. We both have demanding jobs, with very long hours on his part and a lot of travel on my part. Most of the arguments we had in the last few years came from me asking him to spend more time with me, work less, etc. I guess I was being too needy or nagging.

In the weeks leading up to the breakup, we spent what I genuinely believed was really nice time together. He didn't seem emotionally or physically distant at all. There was nothing that made me think he was having such huge doubts about us. 

On the night of the breakup, I left to stay with my family because I was in such a state of shock. Since the breakup, we've mainly spoken about logistics because I had to move out of our flat. We also had one longer conversation about what happened (initiated by me), and he basically repeated what I've written above. He said I'd been too difficult over too many small things and that we couldn't work long-term. He also said that until that night of the break-up he had believed we could overcome these issues, and then suddenly he didn't anymore, so he told me straight away. He has always struggled to talk openly about his emotions... I guess that's the reason he never really brought up those issues before in a constructive way. By the time he finally did, I guess the only solution he could see was leaving the relationship. 

I guess the problem was also that outside work and the relationship he didn't really do much else... His work was super long hours (he basically never really came home before 8-9pm) and then I wanted to spend time with him on the weekends. I have quite some of my own hobbies / friends, and have actively encouraged him to also do things on his own but he didn't really pick it up. We often saw friends together though.... I don't know. 

Since the breakup, I've been going through absolute hell. I won't go into all the details, but I feel so regretful and guilty that I basically ruined this relationship. I know I wasn't a perfect partner. I know there were many times when I should have been more appreciative of him and shown him better how much he meant to me. At the same time, I also believe I was kind in many ways and showed through many actions (and also words) how much I cared about him. 

My friends and family are quite angry at him for leaving me so abruptly. I guess that even if he hypothetically apologised and regretted his decision (which is I guess impossible, as there's been no indication of that), I'm not sure I could forgive the way he ended things. It's now been almost a month since the break up and we haven't talked in more than 2 weeks. 

I guess my real question is: how do you survive something like this and move on with your life? I'm going to therapy, trying to see friends and family, and doing everything people recommend, but I'm in agony most of the time. I almost feel like this is my karma and  will never be happy again...]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561028</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:32:13 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Relationships</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Am I unreasonable for finding a neighbour using the lawn outside my flat odd?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5561027-am-i-unreasonable-for-finding-a-neighbour-using-the-lawn-outside-my-flat-odd</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Not posted in AIBU as I know I technically am, but would you do this?

I live in a ground-floor flat in a small block of 11 surrounded by lawned communal gardens.

My flat seems like it was an afterthought. The main building is a rectangle, and my flat has been added onto the end as a smaller rectangle, so it's set back from the rest of the block.

I also don't have an upstairs neighbour, and I have my own private entrance. All the ground-floor flats have a patio and lawn in front of them, and there's also a large lawn at the rear of the property that is also quite private.

Because my flat is on the end and set back, you have to walk around the corner to reach the lawn outside mine or even know there is a flat there at all - as I said, it’s kind of been stuck on and is self contained. A lawn also runs down the side of my flat as well as in front too. 

Nobody really uses the space outside mine due to its odd location and even the communal path doesn't lead to it... well, nobody except one person.

This neighbour has her own patio and lawn directly outside her flat, but she seems to prefer putting her clothes airer on the lawn outside mine. There's also plenty of space at the back of the building for hanging washing, where there are not really any windows overlooking - if she's after a bit more privacy for underwear, etc. 

I know the gardens are shared, and technically she has every right to but it just feels a bit bizarre - the flat was empty for while before I moved in, so I am wondering if she was using the garden for washing and hosting etc.

She has to go out of her way to use this area because my flat is at the end and isn't connected by the path, this also means she walks quite close past my front door and windows. It's no sunnier than any other part of the gardens, and as I said, she has plenty of space directly outside her own flat.

It's not that I mind looking at washing. It's more that, because I'm the only person overlooking this little area, I start feeling responsible for her stuff. For example, it's on a corner and gets quite windy, so her airer regularly blows over. I've just had to bring my own washing in because it's started raining, but hers is still out there. 

Am I being unreasonable for finding it a bit odd? I obviously won’t say anything to her as I know she technically has the right to it, but I just personally wouldn’t and nobody else does too!]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561027</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:31:55 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Chat</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Friend asking whether a conception test result looks positive or negative]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/conception/5561026-friend-asking-whether-a-conception-test-result-looks-positive-or-negative</link>
                <description><![CDATA[My friend wants 2 knowmif this is positive or negative]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561026</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:27:31 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Conception</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Potty training going well at home but not at nursery]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/potty_training/5561025-potty-training-going-well-at-home-but-not-at-nursery</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I have a just turned 3 year old boy, who’s been potty training for the last 2 weeks. He’s fantastic at home, asking for the potty when he needs both number 1 &amp; 2.

However, when he’s at nursery he’s having constant accidents. They ask him if he needs to go, doing puzzles etc when he’s sitting on it. Yet he does nothing, then goes and wets/number 2’s himself.

Anyone had this issue?]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561025</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:26:35 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Potty training</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Driving: written test and driving test]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5561024-driving-written-test-and-driving-test</link>
                <description><![CDATA[NC. Posting here for traffic. Pardon the pun.

I have just received my provisional driving licence and now have time available to prepare for the theory test. I would appreciate recommendations for reading material, YouTube channels, podcasts, or any other effective study resources. And just any tips, pitfalls etc you would like to share. 

I intend to begin studying today.

Thank you.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561024</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:25:11 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>AIBU?</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Can anyone help identify this plant bought from the local Co-op?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/geeky_stuff/5561023-can-anyone-help-identify-this-plant-bought-from-the-local-co-op</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Hello lovely people. ....can anyone please identify a plant for me? 
Brought them yesterday in our local co op but no identification tag. 
Thank you 🙏 💐❤️]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561023</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:22:26 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Geeky stuff</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Could these panic attacks and palpitations be linked to perimenopause?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/menopause/5561022-could-these-panic-attacks-and-palpitations-be-linked-to-perimenopause</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ended up in a&amp;e twice over the last 3 weeks with what appears to be heart palpitations and panic attacks. All heart and blood tests (iron/thyroid etc) were all totally normal. ECGs were normal other than a fast heart rate at times (mid panic attack). On the second occasion the lovely emergency doctor suggested I went to my GP re perimenopause, I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life. Don’t think I’ve ever been to hospital before! It normally starts in the early morning with a racing heart then I seem to have a panic attack. Constantly got medication music etc and breathing exercises but the bad episodes are absolutely terrifying. Is this it? 🙁 got a docs appointment in a weeks time]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561022</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:19:37 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Menopause</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[After 4 years of being widowed, I’m going to tell my MiL that I have a B/F]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/relationships/5561020-after-4-years-of-being-widowed-im-going-to-tell-my-mil-that-i-have-a-bf</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Just that really - longish story short - it’ll be 4 years soon (DH was 49), I went on dating apps last summer and started seeing someone- it’s been 9 months now.
Why am I telling her? 
We’ve had a good relationship- despite her living abroad - I wouldn’t want her finding out by accident. My DD nearly let it slip last time we went over. My (young) granddaughter may say something aswell so I feel that’s not fair.
My parents have met him - dad is fine / mum has ignored him to his face. She hasn’t said anything directly to me but indirectly says it’s too soon (!) 
My B/F is not putting any pressure on me to say anything.
I was going to tell the in laws when I visited them recently but it was DH’s birthday and they were quite emotional so it didn’t feel appropriate. 
Also the widows they know (in the family) have not dated / remarried etc - maybe generational or cultural reasons. 
Why am I posting? 
To see if anyone has gone through similar?]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561020</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:15:01 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Relationships</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Should I pay off my mortgage before moving next year?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/money-matters/5561019-should-i-pay-off-my-mortgage-before-moving-next-year</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Would it be easier to pay off my mortgage in this situation?

50k left on the mortgage and 50k in accessible savings. 

Planning on moving in the next 12 months so will need a mortgage at that point. In the meantime, ISA allowance has been maxed, cannot put any more into pension, there are also separate savings and investments. 

I think it would be better to pay the mortgage off and save the 4.65% interest that would accrue and also have more disposable income to put into high interest savings accounts. ChatGPT kept saying not to pay it off so there is cash in liquid form for any emergencies but I can’t imagine what I’d need 50k+ for in the next 12 months.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561019</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:13:47 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Money matters</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Help plz!!]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/relationships/5561018-help-plz</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Friends I really need your help to know if this is normal or not?
So, a few months ago I caught my bf looking at pics and vids of porn. To then realise it’s a secret Twitter account. I then snooped and saw he has lots of other secret accounts too. Eg Twitter, Instagram, fet life.
When snooping I saw that he just follows cute looking girls or porn stars, and likes the vid and pics etc or girls with their bits out or looking innocently cute.
Is this normal?
When we are lying in bed too on TikTok, he gets lots of girls pop up as suggested lives with their cleavage hanging out. He just smirks.
He’s said some hurtful things about my appearance in the past but hasn’t since I told him it was wrong.
Idk if this is normal? Deeper problems like porn addiction cos sometimes his search history says like ‘teen porn pics’ ‘blonde big boob porn pics’.
I do know the usernames of these accounts now and I sometimes snoop and see that the following sometimes increases daily. I just don’t know with it.

there’s lots more too it aswell if anyone would love a gossip]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561018</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:13:26 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Relationships</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[MJ injection delivered while away despite request to delay]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5561017-mj-injection-delivered-while-away-despite-request-to-delay</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Help. 
Tldr: MJ delivered while I am away despite me specifically telling them not to. What do I do?

I ordered MJ early last week and then filled in the additional information. Medicine Express said it was complete.
Order didn't arrive in the next 5 days and then I went away.

I contacted customer service to ask what had happened to my order and to not deliver it now but wait until Monday next week as I am not there.
They said they would progress it.
I said do not deliver before Monday - they said they would try not to.

It was delivered yesterday! So it will sit in my "safe space" for 5 days! In this heat wave.

Obviously I am not going to take an injectable that has been subjected to non-standard storage but what can I do? Return to sender?  How? It will have been delivered but not signed for.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561017</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:11:23 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Weight loss injections/treatments</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Is a six-month business mentoring programme a worthwhile investment or gamble?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/small_business/5561016-is-a-six-month-business-mentoring-programme-a-worthwhile-investment-or-gamble</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I’m considering paying for the 6-month mentoring programme from Sina Port. Would you recommend I do this (or similar)? Is it, as they say, an investment- or a gamble?]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561016</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:08:34 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Business founders/entrepreneurs</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[AIBU to expect my husband to learn basic household habits?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5561015-aibu-to-expect-my-husband-to-learn-basic-household-habits</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Why are some men seemingly incapable of learning basic household habits?

Before you start saying "weaponised incompetence", I'm honestly not sure that's what this is... but I'm running out of other explanations. Am I being unreasonable/having unrealistic expectations? 

My DH is a lovely man. Intelligent, successful at work, learns new systems and processes all the time, manages people, solves problems... yet somehow cannot consistently manage things like:

- putting used tissues straight in the bin instead of leaving them by the sink 
- putting socks in the washing basket rather than wherever they happen to come off
- putting things back in the cupboard after using them 
- putting his shoes in the shoe rack 
- the list goes on….

I know some of it is probably down to his upbringing. His mum worked all the time and his dad was very hands-off, so he never really learned the basics of running a home. But like… at what point does that stop being an excuse?

I've asked nicely, explained why it bothers me, reminded him over and over again, lost my temper, left things where they are.……. nothing sticks!!!! can't imagine him repeatedly ignoring basic instructions from his boss or colleagues like this

Do some men just not see this stuff? Is it because they know someone else (me) will eventually sort it out? 

Has anyone actually found a way to change this awful dynamic? Should I just accept that I’ll be reminding a grown man where the washing basket is for the rest of our lives? I’m exhausted!!!!]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561015</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:08:24 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>AIBU?</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Suggestions for a mid-October three-night break within £2k]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/holidays/5561014-suggestions-for-a-mid-october-three-night-break-within-ps2k</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I need help! 

Where would you go mid October for a special trip? Looking at 3 nights budget of £2k. Looking for beautiful scenery, nice walks and relaxation. Can be in the UK or Europe. Ideally staying in a hotel rather than Airbnb. 

anywhere but London or Paris please!]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561014</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:05:30 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Holidays</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Would you eat chicken sausages that expired two days ago?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5561013-would-you-eat-chicken-sausages-that-expired-two-days-ago</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I just realised they expired on 29th July i.e. The use by date is 29th. They are heck's chicken chipolata sausages and have been in the fridge though out. They look and smell ok but I'm a vegetarian and have just recently started cooking meat for the kids so I don't really have a clue. And I don't want to try them myself. The kids are 7 and 5. What would you do?]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561013</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:58:11 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Chat</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Having to dump a client- how to word it?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/work/5561012-having-to-dump-a-client-how-to-word-it</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I have been a freelancer for a while. I took on a new freelance contract/client 2 weeks ago but it is just not working for me. I have never had to end a contract so early before so would appreciate help on wording my one week notice (as per the notice required on the contract). 

_The issues are: _
- The client insists on me being on site, although the work is mostly project management and completed funding applications that can be done remotely. The journey to work is convoluted and I am wasting too much time on this one contract when the pay is just average.
- The client did not clearly explain at interview that the work is funded by the DWP access to work. So every week I have to submit an invoice to the DWP and the money is then due to be paid to the client who then pays me. I don't want to risk invoice piling up and remaining unpaid for ages as the DWP seem to have a backlog or the client not paying me the money the DWP gives them
- I have concerns about this small business general financial situation now that I have some insight into it. 

Basically I want out...

I also would like to state on my notice that I can only conduct the work remaining remotely. The contract just states that the work can be conducted remotely or at the business offices. 

Any advice on wording/how to approach this client is most appreciated.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561012</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:46:46 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Work</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Why some people respond better to Mounjaro for weight loss - Clinical Study Evidence.]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5561011-why-some-people-respond-better-to-mounjaro-for-weight-loss-clinical-study-evidence</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Saw this which claims to explain why certain individuals respond better to Mounjaro.  I have to say that this does fit with my own experience.

[[https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/obesity-phenotype-predicts-tirzepatide-super-responders-2026a1000pax?form=fpf https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/obesity-phenotype-predicts-tirzepatide-super-responders-2026a1000pax?form=fpf]]]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561011</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:45:30 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Weight loss injections/treatments</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[How much to pay to have curtains made?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/home_decoration_pictures/5561010-how-much-to-pay-to-have-curtains-made</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Hi all, my friend has very kindly offered to make a set of full drop curtains and two roman blind for me. She is getting the fabric for me with a trade discount and says she doesn’t want money for making them but I don’t think that’s fair. How much would it cost to have them made?]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561010</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:45:03 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Home decoration</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Furious (Disney+)]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/telly_addicts/5561009-furious-disney</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Anyone else watching? I started it because I saw a Guardian review that described it as the most feminist show on TV...

I'm enjoying it so far - although slightly distracted by the serial killer because I associate her so strongly with the IRA character she played in a different show 🤔]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561009</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:40:27 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Telly addicts</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[To think that &quot;difficult&quot; people are life&#039;s winners?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5561005-to-think-that-difficult-people-are-lifes-winners</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I realise that "difficult" is a bit vague, so what I mean here is people who are demanding, domineering, strongly opinionated, lack self-awareness, self-serving, uncompromising, combabitive, say it as it is  etc ......

To think that all those qualities stand you in better stead than being considerate, kind, self-aware, able to compromise, polite, reflective, tolerant etc.

I just can't see how unless I move to a Buddhist community the later serves me well!]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561005</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:34:06 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>AIBU?</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[When did you decide your child was ready for their first smartphone?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/parenting/5561004-when-did-you-decide-your-child-was-ready-for-their-first-smartphone</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Hi everyone,

Our eldest has recently started asking for their first phone because "everyone else in class has one." 

We're trying to work out the right balance between giving them some independence while keeping them safe online. It feels like there are so many things to think about now compared with when we were younger—screen time, social media, strangers online, inappropriate content, location sharing, and even whether parental controls are easy to bypass.

*I'm curious:*
- What age did your child get their first phone?
- Did you choose a regular smartphone or something designed for children?
- Which parental control features have you found genuinely useful?
- Looking back, is there anything you wish you'd done differently?

I recently read a useful guide covering the questions parents should ask before handing over a first phone, and it gave me a few things I hadn't considered, particularly around choosing a device that's safe from day one rather than relying on lots of apps afterwards. If anyone else is researching this, here's the guide:

[[https://www.mywingio.com/blogs/is-your-childs-first-phone-safe-parent-guide-2026 Child's First Phone Safe? Digital Parenting Guide]]

I'd love to hear what worked (or didn't work) for your family.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561004</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:33:57 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Parenting</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Finally ended it, need a handhold for next steps]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/relationships/5561003-finally-ended-it-need-a-handhold-for-next-steps</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Hi, 

I have posted on here numerous times before under different names. I have NC as frankly I am ashamed I let this go on for way too long. 

I have finally called it quits on my relationship of 8 years. It has ended previously, once properly (for a few months, moved out etc) and other occasions for shorter periods where no moving etc has happened. 

its not all been bad, hence I’ve stuck it out so long, gone back etc. but overall it’s not good. 

I do believe there is abusive behaviour and have been questioning narcissistic behaviour too. 

trying to blame me, twisting the truth etc. trying to make me think there is something mentally wrong with me. But I’ve taken a real step back and realised I don’t deserve any of this and the problem definitely isn’t me. 

So I’ve done it. He still needs to move out so I’m living in this horrible limbo stage right now. I have some bits I really need to do for work and study with deadlines of next week. Once they are done this will become my main focus to get this all sorted. I am dreading how it’s going to go. He’s not going to make it easy for me, or leave quietly. 

just need that moral support. I have lots of IRL support too, but I also don’t want to keep banging on about it to them all so felt I could create my own little safe space here to do that.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561003</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:33:55 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Relationships</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Has anyone been to Plopsaland Belgium and used Le Shuttle?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5561002-has-anyone-been-to-plopsaland-belgium-and-used-le-shuttle</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Has anyone been to Plopsaland In Belgium? I saw a video real on Facebook and it’s looks quite good.
we are going to be in London on weekend on8/9th august. I am on holiday following week so thinking of booking trip Mon - Friday on Le Shuttle Eurostar. It all takes about 5-6 hrs.

i have looked up price of car on Le Shuttle for 4 in our car - not too bad. With standard tickets there is a 4 hour window to board. Is that enough time. What are queues like at Dover? Probably would be mid morning/lunch time.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561002</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:33:42 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Chat</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Amnesty apologises - &quot;An Apology for A Growing Threat briefing, published on 8 July 2026&quot; apology published 31st July 2026]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/5561001-amnesty-apologises-an-apology-for-a-growing-threat-briefing-published-on-8-july-2026-apology-published-31st-july-2026</link>
                <description><![CDATA[[[https://www.amnesty.org.uk/latest/an-apology-a-growing-threat-briefing-published-on-8-july-2026/ https://www.amnesty.org.uk/latest/an-apology-a-growing-threat-briefing-published-on-8-july-2026/]]]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561001</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:33:24 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Feminism: Sex and gender discussions</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Removing husband from house deeds but continuing to pay mortgage temporarily]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5561000-removing-husband-from-house-deeds-but-continuing-to-pay-mortgage-temporarily</link>
                <description><![CDATA[My husband and I are separating, my husband has caused this marriage breakdown, it not repairable and it is not safe for me or our child to live together with him as a family. If my husband is in agreement, can we jointly remove him off the house deeds so that I own the home and any equity within the house. He will move in with his dad and I will sell our family home to move into something smaller that I can then afford on my own. Can we do this with him on the mortgage temporarily until I can then find a smaller property to move in to? It sounds unfair but it’s unfortunately needed, I do not feel safe living with him with our child. I can’t disclose the details on here but it is serious, I need to protect myself and our child.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5561000</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:32:03 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Chat</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Student beans discount for Dunelm]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/shopping/5560998-student-beans-discount-for-dunelm</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Hello, 

bit of a cheeky ask but I don’t suppose anyone has a student beans discount for dunelm?

thank you!]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560998</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:28:33 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Shopping</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[We beat men at chess. Now we are forces to let one join our team.]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/5560997-we-beat-men-at-chess-now-we-are-forces-to-let-one-join-our-team</link>
                <description><![CDATA[‘We beat men at chess. Now we’re forced to let one join our team’

[[https://www.thetimes.com/article/305079ce-4881-4171-ac6a-72df0fdedce7?shareToken=3ecb5b6135b8b8f023c4a0f07898bdd8 https://www.thetimes.com/article/305079ce-4881-4171-ac6a-72df0fdedce7?shareToken=3ecb5b6135b8b8f023c4a0f07898bdd8]]]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560997</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:28:21 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Feminism: Sex and gender discussions</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[AIBU to ask what more I can do for traumatised children?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5560996-aibu-to-ask-what-more-i-can-do-for-traumatised-children</link>
                <description><![CDATA[What am I missing? What else can I do? 
I’ve left an abusive marriage after 12 years. I suffered physical abuse, emotional abuse and my ex is being charged with coercive and controlling behavior, harassment and GBH (as well as some other things but let’s not be too outing!)
As a result I’ve been left with some very damaged children (aged 7 and 6) - I will never ever forgive myself for the damage that’s been done.
They replicate the behaviour they’ve seen and been victim to themselves. They speak to me in the most vile way with insults, swearing and disrespect, they tell me to shut up, they rampage my house, they kick, bite and punch me and one another. They call me liar and useless. They say ‘I don’t have to listen to you’ 
I have an allocated Social Worker, I have completed an 8 week DVAP course and the children are on the waiting list for DVAP, I’ve had a DVAP worker allocated this week. I’m in the process of paying for private play therapy for the children. I’ve paid for the Freedom Programme.
What else can I do? what else should I do? I can’t fail the children any longer.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560996</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:08:44 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>AIBU?</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Husband&#039;s uncle discussing his marriage is triggering my own past regret]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/relationships/5560995-husbands-uncle-discussing-his-marriage-is-triggering-my-own-past-regret</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Firstly, I know that mumsnet absolutely hates anything to do with indefidelity. So please bear with me. Please.  

I'm not going to give a full back story, as I have wrote here about it alot ( struggle from bad anxiety) I guess hence at the time the constant need to find some sort of support..  Im in my early 30s, husband aswell.  We have kids, build a life for ourselves and I love him and what we have. Been together since 14. I don't even know how to say this but I did mention here that I had a fling at 19, i got married at 29.. something that I chose to not tell about and was also adviced here to just keep to myself.. Till this day, it's something I regret with eveything in me. It fills me with dread and anxiety..  

My DH's Aunt and Uncle have been having problems in their marriage for a long time now, it's been 10 years I think now. But in the past I didn't know, I only realized now or rather my MIL told me about it in the past 3/ 4 years ago.. The aunt is married to MIL's brother.. And have always been close with them, in face when I was younger I thought shes related to MIL and not the husband) that's how close they are. So, MIL told me that the aunt had an affair in her marriage( I don't know how old was she then) but I know she already had her first child, ( they have two kids) she also started dating husband at 14, however she had a baby at 15. So I guess she had the affair in her 30s maybe cause in her 40s now...  Husband tried to move on but never really got over it but he still loves her, you can see when it and I didn't know they had problems cause they always tocsther when they come visit here at MIL..  

Fast foward.. Things were fine but now it seems like she is going through a midlife crisis and is all over the place, she told MIL that her in actuall fact the husband has never really forgiven her, he doesn't really ill treat her but she says she has been deprived of sex for years now after this and told herself they will get there but still he will just cuddle her.. So now, she's got a boyfriend, husband knows. But they still leave together because she can't afford to move out.. I think she is over the marriage at this point.. Husband now wants her back. When he is here, he now tries to make conversation( this has never happened before, I have just seen them as my husband's aunt and uncle and given them respect) he is much older then me too, so I don't want to know their business really... But guess now that I am grown, he feels it's okay to discuss his marriage. He was telling me about what's been happening, that he still loves her but she seems to have moved on, kept on mentioning the past affair of hers. It's just a mess basically.. 

And it's not the first time he tells me about this.  I just realized it triggers me so so much. Maybe cause I have buried something at the bsck of my head with me and totally hate that part or phase of my life.  When he comes here and talks to me, I can feel drained for weeks after the conversation..]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560995</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:06:50 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Relationships</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Advice with ‘settle’ for 5 month pup]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/the_doghouse/5560994-advice-with-settle-for-5-month-pup</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Miniature poodle is 5 months old. She’s generally pretty well behaved and picks up things quickly. I’m looking to work on settle for in public places as we’ve started to take her to cafes etc and she’s going on holiday with us so will be great on the beach. Currently she’s ok in cafes but doesn’t really settle - a little on edge, looking about. 

At home she has a towel that she lies on in the kitchen to sleep (it was a dog bed before the heatwave!) and will settle if we just leave her in there. At night she’s in a crate next to our bed. I’ve got her a settle mat to take out - should I use this at home as well or is it best to have a home bed/towel separate? I’ve read lots of different versions of the settle so would love to know what’s worked for you.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560994</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:02:57 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>The doghouse</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Anyone else feel like they need a hobby]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/music/5560993-anyone-else-feel-like-they-need-a-hobby</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Hi,
I wanted to ask: has anyone here (or your kids) ever wanted to learn an instrument but it just never happened? Life gets in the way, or you didn't know where to start, that sort of thing.
I've been putting together some thoughts on this and would love to know what people actually think, whether it's something you'd want for yourself or for your children.
If you don't mind, there's a short form here that will take no more than a minute: https://forms.gle/PPCwEcgnjMmHenHm7

Thanks for helping me out!]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560993</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:55:32 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Music</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[I want to tell daughter in law to stop posing on photos]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5560992-i-want-to-tell-daughter-in-law-to-stop-posing-on-photos</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I know I'm being unreasonable, I know it's harmless, I know it's none of my business.

But if I see another family holiday picture where its all best profile, drinky with pinky cocked over her straw sunglasses tilted look at my boobs again I'll scream.

Or I can vent here and you can all talk me down before I say something everyone will regret.

I mean just relax, play with the kids, have fun .

The fact I was rung on day one of the school holiday cause she couldn't deal with them might be colouring my attitude to all the time spent styling, posing and collating perfect pictures must be taking.  But I'm old school and my kids weren't accessories.

I do feel better now, thank you for listening.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560992</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:55:28 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>AIBU?</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[How much credit do you keep on your energy account?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5560991-how-much-credit-do-you-keep-on-your-energy-account</link>
                <description><![CDATA[How much balance (if any) do you have sitting on your energy supplier account?

I got an email yesterday from Octopus saying they want to increase my DD by another £30. This despite the fact my monthly DD is already £240 (gas and elec), and have a credit balance every month at the moment. I’m currently £280 in credit. 

I can’t find it now but recently I saw it suggested I should be having a balance of over £500 just sitting there. 

Now, I know my usage is low this time of year and that will begin to increase over the next few months but I will deal with that as it happens. I’m not going to just let them sit with even more of my money in their bank accounts.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560991</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:49:49 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Chat</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Would I be wrong to leave part of my inheritance to my stepchildren instead of everything to my biological son?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/relationships/5560990-would-i-be-wrong-to-leave-part-of-my-inheritance-to-my-stepchildren-instead-of-everything-to-my-biological-son</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I'm looking for outside perspectives because this has been weighing on me for a while.

My husband and I have been married for 8 years and together for 12. We're both in our mid-40s. We were both widowed before we met. I had one son, and my husband had a son and a daughter. The kids were only around 3–4 years old when we became a family, so for the past 12 years we've raised all three together.

In real life, I don't think of them as "my son" and "his kids." They're all our children. His two call me Mom, and my son is incredibly close to his stepdad. We've always been one family.

The issue that's been on my mind is inheritance.

My late husband came from a wealthy family. After he passed away, I inherited everything from him. I also have assets that are entirely in my own name, both from my family's inheritance and from what I've earned myself over the years. None of these assets have ever been part of my current marriage.

For a long time, I assumed everything would eventually go to my biological son. But life has changed.

My current husband and I have both been high earners. A few years ago, he left his executive job to start his own business. Unfortunately, it failed, and he lost a significant amount of money. We can manage the debt, but realistically there probably won't be much left for his two children to inherit from him.

That's where I'm struggling.

My son will always have the advantage of inheriting from his biological father's side of the family, while my husband's two children likely won't inherit much from their own father.

I've helped raise them since they were toddlers. I've been there for school, birthdays, illnesses, milestones, and everything in between. I financially support them just like I support my son. I genuinely love all three of them as my children.

Because of that, I've been thinking about changing my will so that my entire assets I inherited from my late husband and the assets in my own name is divided 50% to my biological son, 25% to my stepson, and 25% to my stepdaughter.

Part of me feels this reflects the family we've built together over the last 12 years. I also honestly believe that if our roles had been reversed, my husband would have wanted my son to be treated equally too.

At the same time, I know the wealth from my late husband's family originally came through my son's father. Part of me wonders if I'm doing something wrong by sharing that inheritance with children who aren't biologically connected to that side of the family.

My biggest fear isn't really about the money. It's that my son might someday feel betrayed or believe I loved him less if he learns I divided everything this way. I would never want him to question how much I love him.

Should I speak to him before making any changes to my will Or is this something that should simply be my decision as the owner of the asset]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560990</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:49:14 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Relationships</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Tell me about your Christmas holidays!]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/holidays/5560989-tell-me-about-your-christmas-holidays</link>
                <description><![CDATA[We are wondering about going away for Christmas but can’t really decide on where we might go. We have never gone abroad for Christmas before so we don’t really know what to look for and how shut down places are likely to be or what people do on these sorts of holidays. Very keen to hear from anyone well has good experiences or recommendations! 

Two adults and a 13 month old (yes, we are running away from the horror experienced with a newborn last Christmas!)]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560989</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:49:03 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Holidays</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[If your nc with family member, how have you found it, had it been overall a good choice for you ?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5560988-if-your-nc-with-family-member-how-have-you-found-it-had-it-been-overall-a-good-choice-for-you</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Been nc with in-laws for 8 years now due to their abusive behaviour 
and wish I took that stand years sooner
been a very positive thing for us]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560988</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:48:38 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Chat</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Could you make this money last?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5560987-could-you-make-this-money-last</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Just a bit under £200 to last me ten days. May need to get some food in but we have some bits in fridge and cupboard. It’s one child and one adult. My child has recently turned 7. Also will most likely need a bit of petrol. Thinking how to make it stretch and any days out we can do for cheap until I have some more money? Thank you]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560987</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:48:02 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>AIBU?</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[To find the Corporate Dad in the Med look kinda attractive?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5560986-to-find-the-corporate-dad-in-the-med-look-kinda-attractive</link>
                <description><![CDATA[You know the type - past the tiny kids era, so maybe 40 plus. Moans about choosing the holiday but once here's there he loves it. 
wheels out a straw trilby that he thinks is beachy, crew clothing polo - collar *popped* , and patterned swim shorts (maybe featuring a lobster design) 
slight paunch. Good legs. 
Will be prevailed upon by his 12-year-old daughter to get an ill advised bracelet from the place they're in. Was given a leather one for 40th but can't remember where it went. 
retires to the beach bar at 12 to check his work emails without the family seeing. Gets a beer as soon as is respectable 

I love this guy. He's so predictable]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560986</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:47:50 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>AIBU?</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Would this stop you from using a name?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/baby_names/5560985-would-this-stop-you-from-using-a-name</link>
                <description><![CDATA[If you loved a certain name, would knowing multiple people that you dislike or just don't get on with who are called that same name make you decide not to use the name?]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560985</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:45:46 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Baby names</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Pregnancy first trimester]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/pregnancy/5560983-pregnancy-first-trimester</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Hello Ladies, 

I am in my first trimester and having severe constipation. Did anyone experienced this and how do you manage?]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560983</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:42:06 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Pregnancy</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Three FREE Birmingham Sea Life Centre tickets - Saturday 1 August]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/school-holidays/5560982-three-free-birmingham-sea-life-centre-tickets-saturday-1-august</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I have 3 tickets to the Birmingham Sealife Centre for tomorrow (Saturday 1 August) which I am now unable to use and which are non-refundable.

Offered free to the first volunteer - please send me your email address in a private message and I will forward you the PDF ticket.

SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
anytime entry - Saturday 1 August (cannot be used on another day)
1 adult - 2 children (aged 2-17)]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560982</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:41:49 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>School holidays</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Three free Birmingham Sea Life Centre tickets for Saturday 1 August]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/uk/5560981-three-free-birmingham-sea-life-centre-tickets-for-saturday-1-august</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I have 3 tickets to the Birmingham Sealife Centre for tomorrow (Saturday 1 August) which I am now unable to use and which are non-refundable.

Offered free to the first volunteer - please send me your email address in a private message and I will forward you the PDF ticket.

SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
anytime entry - Saturday 1 August (cannot be used on another day)
1 adult - 2 children (aged 2-17)]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560981</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:41:13 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>UK travel</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[You on the film Marley and me, when he says to her that maybe she’s got PND]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5560979-you-on-the-film-marley-and-me-when-he-says-to-her-that-maybe-shes-got-pnd</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Post natal depression 

did she? Or was she just knackered ?

amd was he out of order asking her that or just trying to be supportive ?]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560979</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:35:38 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Chat</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[What order to renovate in?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/property/5560978-what-order-to-renovate-in</link>
                <description><![CDATA[We’ve just bought a new house and need to do some work downstairs.

We’d like to knock down a wall between the kitchen and dining room (I’m sure this isn’t a load bearing wall), build a stud wall to create a utility room, change a window to a door, redo the downstairs loo, then new kitchen, new floor throughout the whole of downstairs, new skirting and then we’ll decorate.

We’ve never done anything like this before. Please can someone help with what order we should do things in, and if anyone has a very rough idea of cost that would be great.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560978</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:33:00 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Property/DIY</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Suggestions for a therapeutic retreat?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/relationships/5560977-suggestions-for-a-therapeutic-retreat</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I am looking for a - week long? - therapeutic retreat in the UK, a space in which to reflect and reset. 

I’m putting this in Relationships, not Mental Health, as I am not in any way depressed , just need some support in a mid life review. Am mid 50s, DC are young adults, i myself did a lot of therapy in my 30s to come to terms with abuse in childhood. I’ve ticked along, I’m a stoical, make-the-best-of -what -is type of person .

However, my father died last year and it transpires that my older sister was not his. This makes a lot of sense of everything - all  family relationships constellated around my narc mother’s  secret and she ensured I was not permitted any form of emotional connection to my dad or to my full sibling. Intellectually i know this but I’d like some help coming to terms with all the lifetime of ramifications away from DH and the DC, who do not need me perseverating about this around them.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560977</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:31:59 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Relationships</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Help! The front bit of my hair won&#039;t grow]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5560976-help-the-front-bit-of-my-hair-wont-grow</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Interested to hear if anyone has dealt with similar. I have very curly hair, prone to dryness and frizz. For YEARS I used straighteners on the front part of my hair because otherwise it would just curl up madly (also see: the 90s). I'm sure this caused a lot of damage and now, it just won't grow. I have tonnes of split ends in this area. 

I'm currently growing my hair out again and would really love to sort this once and for all so that it's all the same length. What products/techniques have others used? 

NB this isn't about increasing the density of hair in this area, which a lot of products seem to be aimed at when I search - just encouraging it to be healthier and grow longer!]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560976</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:30:25 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Style and beauty</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Feeling isolated on maternity leave after being excluded by old friends]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5560975-feeling-isolated-on-maternity-leave-after-being-excluded-by-old-friends</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Just really looking for some advice or something to just make me feel like I’m not all alone in this…

I always had the same group of friends through school recently for no reason known to me one of them decided to just ignore and exclude me over time which has been pretty hurtful to say the least. I’ve now had my second child and I am currently on maternity leave and it’s feels so bloody lonely, the loneliness’s consumes my day. My previously maternity leave I had my friends, social plans etc and now nothing. It’s really been affecting my mental health and I just don’t know what to do, due to this persons actions I do not want to reach out them, if they’ve felt it’s fine to treat me like this then of course I no longer wish for them to be in my life. I want to make new friends im a social person and enjoy most things in life, but it seams hard when I feel everyone in their 30’s has their ‘tribe’. I suppose I’m just wondering if anyone else has ever felt like this and if anyone has ever made new friends later in life or if this is just it for me 🥹.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560975</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:30:07 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Chat</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Would this annoy you? Nuisance neighbour?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5560974-would-this-annoy-you-nuisance-neighbour</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Basically I find my neighbour quite a nuisance and I am not sure if I am over reacting.

She has wind chimes by my side of the fence so I can hear them at night as my bedroom is at the back.

She has multiple cats who would poo in my garden but then didn't like it when I got a motion activated sprinkler and blocked up the hedgehog hole.
I have young kids and didn't want them coming across disgusting cat poo.

She has multiple plants growing over my living room window which I shall be cutting back but again why plant a Buddleia on the boundary by my window?

Some days she will be doing DIY in the back garden past 9pm.

I wanted to be civil with her but now match her energy, ie not saying hello.

With the summer holidays and having kids at home it's just noisy non stop past 6pm most nights.
AIBU]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560974</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:27:44 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>AIBU?</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[AIBU to suggest a Barbados birthday trip if friends pay flights?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5560973-aibu-to-suggest-a-barbados-birthday-trip-if-friends-pay-flights</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I have my 30th birthday coming up in January and was thinking it would be nice to have a big trip with friends to celebrate. I love Barbados as do some of my friends. I go for a week every winter.

I found a really nice villa for a week that would cost around £4,000. 3.5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room, garden, pool. It’s a big space. We’d be three couples.

I was going to offer to my friends to pay for the villa if they covered their own flights. One couple is comfortably off so this will be no problem, plus they only fly biz or first. My other friends work for non profits so earn something like £40k each, so dropping £600 on flights might be a bit much, but when I mentioned in the past they seemed keen.

AIBU to suggest this? I guess I could probably pay for half of their flights but don’t want them to feel under any pressure.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560973</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:26:36 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>AIBU?</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Metformin]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/conception/5560972-metformin</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Has anyone been in Metformin for PCOS? I started five or six weeks ago. My problem wasn't that I didn't have periods, it was that they were light and because I'm TTC I knew I wasn't ovulating from LH strips etc. I felt I did ovulate last month (only a few weeks into metformin so probably unrelated), my period came as usual. Whilst my cycles are long they are quite regular (34 day cycles), this month I am six days overdue a period so day 40 and my breasts have been swollen since the week before my period was due. I seem to be stuck in the 'week before period symptoms' phase. Anyone had this issue?]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560972</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:26:30 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Conception</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Going back on bc]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/conception/5560971-going-back-on-bc</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Im 42. We tried having another baby and decided to give up now after 1 yr. I want to go back on bc but my hb doesnt see the use - as we didnt succeed - i think he wants to leave chances open. 
But in a way, I want to move on and not have to watch all I eat, no drinks etc…
Don’t really know to tackle this one without hurting his feelings. 
Anyone having tips or advice on this?]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560971</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:26:18 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Conception</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Hildah]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/parenting/5560970-hildah</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Hello family am hildah from Kenya am happy to join this website and hope to get friends and learning culture and more about being a parent **]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560970</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:25:38 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Parenting</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[To dislike sharing platters/buffers at wedding?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5560969-to-dislike-sharing-plattersbuffers-at-wedding</link>
                <description><![CDATA[We went to one on Saturday which had a sharing platter, food was brought to the table in big dishes and we were to share it out between the 8 of us. There were 3 of us and we didn't know the other 5. The seating space was quite small to begin with, we found that some people would keep that dish for themselves rather than passing it around,  until they were asked to. Or, they'd take 50% of the dish for themselves then pass the rest around. 
You couldn't really just eat the meal due to having to keep passing things around, and at one point a girl I didn't know rudely reached right over my plate to get something. I  said to her 'I'd have passed that to you'. 
I understand they're cheaper,  and I personally couldn't afford the typical sit-down meal but I wasn't a huge fan, anyone else?]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560969</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:24:40 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>AIBU?</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Tell me about your older dino loving boys]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5560968-tell-me-about-your-older-dino-loving-boys</link>
                <description><![CDATA[My eldest son turned 9 yesterday. He loves dinosaurs and similar things - sharks, reptiles, mythical creatures, volcanoes, sea life, Steve Backshall, David Attenborough etc etc. He also loves Lego, drawing, going to the beach, museums and swimming. He’s has friends and is doing well at school. 

I found him in tears last night worried about not liking/not being able to like dinosaurs and all those other things as he gets older. I told him the David Attenborough is 100 and still thinks those things are awesome! However I can see what he means - many of his friends are getting more and more into video games, competitive sports, surfing, mountain biking etc. He’s still asking for Jurassic World toys for his birthday and Christmas.

He is young for his age, and by that I don’t mean immature, just quite childlike in his interests. I think kids grow up too quickly these days, so I have no problem with that at all, but it would be lovely to hear about how boys like him have progressed as they’ve got older.

He does play rugby and has tried cricket, as well as some other sports at school, but isn’t naturally sporty and I’m not sure if he will continue those things. He’s quite clumsy and just doesn’t have the hand-eye coordination needing for sport. I think he does them more to be part of the crowd and spend time with other kids, which is obviously fine and just as important as being good. We never push him but we do encourage any activities that keep him busy and active. I’m trying to get him into cubs and I think he’ll enjoy something like Army Cadets when he’s older. I thought he’d love martial arts but he wasn’t fussed. Hates riding his bike!

I want to just let him be, but I don’t know how to reassure him that it’s ok to maintain these interests as he gets older if he wants to. I don’t want him to feel different to his peers, but I also want him to know that it’s ok to feel/be different if he wants to be!

By contrast his younger brother is a typical sport loving boys’ boy and for some reason I just don’t have the same worried about him. It seems much easier to be a boy if you’re good and enjoy sports.

Any words of wisdom from anyone who’s been there and done it?!]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560968</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:24:05 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Chat</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[How to phase out constantly responding to overbearing MIL without feeling guilty]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5560967-how-to-phase-out-constantly-responding-to-overbearing-mil-without-feeling-guilty</link>
                <description><![CDATA[My MIL texts and voice notes me everyday. Asking how our baby is and how we are. That is sweet. But then she ‘reminds’ (more like demands)  me to send pictures every day.
 If I don’t reply within 6 hours it turns into ‘you ok’?? She will sometimes FaceTime me 3 times in a row… when she knows we have other family members here. Her ex husband (my FIL) was here for the weekend and she kept messaging me saying for him to be ‘careful with the baby and with hot drinks’ and she asked if my husband had told him about her recent ailments…  she’s always been a lot but it has intensified massively since we’ve had a child.

When I first met her 6 years ago my husband did say not to set a precedent and respond because then she’ll come to expect it (which is what she did with him growing up) and now he doesn’t really respond to her at all unless it’s urgent because he knows she’s overbearing and he’s a grown man. She always complains about my husband not responding and thanks me for keeping in touch. He is the other end of the spectrum but even if he did reply normally it wouldn’t stop her from sending more. She is smothering and repetitive. She always sends me pictures of my husband as a child in the group chat too and not to compare baby pics she did this practically 2 weeks after I met her!

She messages me to send pictures of her grandson everyday …. For the last 5 months. I love to share pics but my own mother doesn’t do this! Because she trusts that I send them in my own time… I more a less send one everyday maybe every other day if it’s the weekend and we’re busy as a family….

she also places so much emphasis on the pics like ‘ oh he makes me so happy and makes all my worries go away’ and kind of puts emotional weight / blackmail on it if that makes sense? It takes the joy out of sending the picture to her because there’s so much drama and feels like I’m making her miserable if I forget. 

she was like this before the baby ie would message me to ‘ensure my husband went to the drs’ if he briefly mentioned he had an upset stomach at Sunday lunch. I should’ve listened to my husband but I was just trying to make a good impression all those yrs ago by replying! She asks me what’s for dinner all the time, part of me thinks she is lonely and I feel sorry for her which is why I respond because she’s so intense she doesn’t really have many friends. Her partner drinks 2 bottles of wine a night and I’m inclined to think it’s because she’s driven him to insanity (he is the complete opposite and totally laid back) 

I also know that it’s so hard to suddenly stop replying as often  because she will think there’s something wrong. 95% of these messages are in the group chat with her partner and my husband (surprise, the group chat icon is a pic of my husband as a child and is called his childhood pet name she called him)… 

I’ve just got to the point where I find it cringey, thankfully we live HOURS away now. My husband just says I don’t need to reply but I’m worried she will start to resent me?? What shall I do without it causing a drama]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560967</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:23:01 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Chat</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Is customer service right here?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5560966-is-customer-service-right-here</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Hello. So generally I don’t like to complain or request escalation to a manager, because I have been in a customer service role and know how silly people can be. But I wonder if I am missing something here?

So my son has a pair of shoes, a size 25EU, he grew out of them, I went to their website and ordered a size 26EU, same shoe. My order says 26EU. They sent me a size 25EU. It is exactly the same size as the pair we have. I sent the store a friendly email asking how I can get the size I ordered. I don’t want to pay for shipping them back and reordering as it’s not the pair I ordered (but happy to drop them back to a store). My local store doesn’t have the right size or I would go there. The store (well known) sent me back a email saying there might be potential sizing error with ordering system that they had to look into before sorting a resolution. I replied saying that’s fine but really not a concern of mine I just want my shoes and asked to be sent a size 26EU. They are refusing to send saying that I may just get sent wrong size again. WTF, I’m so confused why they can’t just compare a size 25 to 26 and ensure the one they send me is correct/larger. This is a popular kids shoe they have had for sale for years - if there was sizing problem they would know by now. This back forth has been going on a while and I just really want shoes for my son 😩 Any tips on how I can get them to resolve?]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560966</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:17:35 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Chat</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[AIBU to offer 3 free Birmingham Sea Life Centre tickets for tomorrow?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5560965-aibu-to-offer-3-free-birmingham-sea-life-centre-tickets-for-tomorrow</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I have 3 tickets to the Birmingham Sealife Centre for tomorrow (Saturday 1 August) which I am now unable to use and which are non-refundable.

Offered free to the first volunteer - please send me your email address in a private message and I will forward you the PDF ticket.

SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
anytime entry - Saturday 1 August (cannot be used on another day)
1 adult - 2 children (aged 2-17)]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560965</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:15:59 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>AIBU?</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Is it unfair to send baby to nursery more than toddler?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/parenting/5560964-is-it-unfair-to-send-baby-to-nursery-more-than-toddler</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Please be kind - I will be working PT on Fridays - morning only. To save us some money, toddler will be off nursery that day and will spend morning at creche in local gym which he loves, while I work on site. However, baby can be a bit needy and clingy at times atm (14m) and I am hesitant to drop his day at nursery in case he is unsettled with creche staff and I need to look after him etc. I also don’t want to send him for a half day as he might be napping at 1pm and wouldn’t want to disrupt his nap. Is this very unfair/cruel? This means that until he is a bit older (maybe 24m) he will go to nursery 4 days a week in total, 1 day more than his brother. The thought of it is giving me knots in my stomach. Equally, his older brother did do 4 days when he was still an only child and I worked 4 full days.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560964</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:15:52 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Parenting</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Anyone else with seven or more children considering having another?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/larger_families/5560962-anyone-else-with-seven-or-more-children-considering-having-another</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Anyone here with 7 or more? I said I would stop after 7th but I'm wanting more. Am I totally mad to want more?]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560962</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:00:05 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Larger families</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Polycule falls apart]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/5560961-polycule-falls-apart</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I expect people remember that Heather Herbert (charged in relation to social media comments he made after Ann Widdecombe's death) is in a polycule with Sophie Molly (aka Sparkles, aka Euan Weddell) and someone called Poppybear. 

Molly, I believe, is a witness for Jolyon Maugham in Sarah Phillimore's libel case against Maugham. 

Poppybear has been posting some very indiscreet posts on BlueSky about both Molly and Herbert, and it looks, tragically, as if the polycule has fallen apart.

According to Poppybear, Herbert's comments about Widdecombe "painted a bullseye on all of us", and led to the police coming in and "invading" all their devices (whatever that means).

Also according to Poppybear, living with Sophie Molly is "like being permanently slapped around the face by pathological laziness unless it's something that grooms her ego."

Oh dear. 

[[https://x.com/search?q=poppybear&amp;src=typed_query https://x.com/DogLoverOfPI/status/2082944747862188490]]

In a separate development, apparently Herbert has had his toxic kidney removed by the NHS so the money donated to the fundraiser is going to be used for something else:

[[https://x.com/WillyWoofter/status/2082494111555190875 https://x.com/WillyWoofter/status/2082494111555190875]]]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560961</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:54:39 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Feminism: Sex and gender discussions</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Was your first period after hysteroscopy much heavier than usual?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5560960-was-your-first-period-after-hysteroscopy-much-heavier-than-usual</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Hey ladies, those that have had a hysteroscopy. Was your first proper period alot heavier? Had hysteroscopy a week ago and had light spotting everyday then my proper period started yesterday but is so heavy and just wondered if others experienced this too?
Thanks]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560960</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:54:31 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Chat</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Team RH - is this ethical?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5560959-team-rh-is-this-ethical</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Disclaimer: I hate Richie from Team RH and think he’s generally an awful person as well as being a massive grifter. His latest is that he claims that he will be offering Mounjaro pens to members of Team RH at cost price (this must be through some sort of partnership with a pharmacy but he hasn’t said this). You can only get them at this cost though if you sign up to his monthly plan (the one you can’t cancel without him sending debt collectors). How is this remotely ethical? Surely Mounjaro needs to be prescribed by a pharmacist or doctor? How can he be the gatekeeper for this? Say I sign up to his club and want the pen? Can I cancel if the pharmacist declines to prescribe it? Will he be putting pressure on the partner pharmacy to prescribe to people who might not be suitable so that he can get his members? 

Sorry for the rant. He just pisses me off and I don’t think that he should be flogging prescription drugs at cost price that he doesn’t know much about. He takes them himself and claims that his BMI is over 30 due to muscle but I doubt that.]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560959</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:49:38 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Weight loss injections/treatments</category>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Anyone TTC after a recent early loss and wanting support? (Aug 26)]]></title>
                <link>https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/conception/5560958-anyone-ttc-after-a-recent-early-loss-and-wanting-support-aug-26</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Hi, I thought I’d start a separate thread for anyone who is TTC after a recent early loss, so we can support each other through what can be a really difficult time. 💕

I’m 39 and TTC for my first. I conceived after around four cycles, but sadly had a missed miscarriage mid-July at around 9 weeks, (development had stopped at 6).

I stopped bleeding last Sunday and have started noticing some cervical mucus returning over the past few days, so I’m hoping my body is beginning to get back into its normal rhythm. 

I’m still testing positive on pregnancy tests, so can’t use LH strips to track ovulation yet, so for now, my plan is to get back to some exercise, eating well and have sex every 2-3 days. I’m feeling positive and hopeful but also trying to take my mind off the waiting!

If anyone else is going through something similar and would like to share the journey and support each other x]]></description>
                <guid>https://www.mumsnet.com/5560958</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:45:50 +0000</pubDate>
                                    <category>Conception</category>
                            </item>
            </channel>
</rss>
