A thread for those of us who just want to tell each other things about our day

[LikeMyHeartIsAboutToStopBeating]

Prompted by a discussion on another thread, this is a safe and supportive place to share those small and inconsequential things you'd probably tell your partner but aren't big enough to warrant calling your friend, starting a new thread here or discussing with your therapist. It's for those of us who don't have someone we can talk to in that way - maybe we are newly (or long term) single, we have a partner who isn't willing or able to have those conversations, we have teenage children who grunt but aren't that interested, or we just want to hang out here.

No rules, apart from be nice. Nothing too small to share if sharing will make you feel more connected to people or you just want somewhere to offload about small problems/share something funny/have a "would you believe it" anecdote. I can't guarantee to be here all the time but will try and make a habit of checking in.

I'll start by saying that I went to Screwfix to pick up a plunger because the toilet keeps blocking (my life is whatever is the opposite of glamorous) and there was a couple there trying to buy something but struggling because they didn't speak great English. The guy behind the counter asked them where they were from (he had a proper Cockney accent) and when they said France, he started speaking French to them. Not the best French (my mother is French, I'm not fluent but I know enough to distinguish good French from bad) but enough to help them figure out what they needed. Then the woman on the next still said (in French) that she did French at school and wished she still remembered more of it, and I said it was funny to hear people speaking French in a Screwfix in East London, and suddenly the world felt like a very friendly place. I came home with a new tape measure but realised I didn't ever get round to buying the plunger, so I will have to go back tomorrow.

Aww thats nice that people were able to help them.

We have a lot of Chinese students in my city and every year around now you can see them all trying to negotiate their new surroundings.

I had to step in yesterday when an elderly gentleman was trying to give them a pound coin so he could use their trolley before they returned it and I could see both parties getting more and more confused. With zero Chinese but some hand gestures and pointing we got there in the end and I then helped them get a taxi. I can tell I've aged because I felt quite motherly towards them but I'm sure it was only a few years ago I was their age!

Just place marking.
I'm on another long running thread because I used to be a boozer. However I think the advice given over the weekend to our new friend was heartwarming. Most people are nice and kind. They are not all looking for a 'bun fight' but I do get caught in those sometimes on mumsnet because I have a diverse family.
I bought my friend lunch today because she helped me get around a designer shopping village. It wasn't healthy but it was delicious. I was looking for a wedding outfit and hat. Nowt to be had.
I'm newly disabled but still work after being ill for eight months. I hope to improve even more after my next proceedure. I'm married with two adult DC. They are both at home atm.
Thats me mrsredlipstick, hello.

Today was a hard day. The last 6 weeks have been all hard days bar one, truly. The idea behind this thread is lovely.

Today I went to primary school and sat in a counselling session with my 10yr old son. I did also have a lovely bubble bath but it didn't put a dent in how horrible I feel.

Lovely idea for a thread, thanks OP.

@Nogodsnomasters I'm sorry you're going through such a hard time. I hope tomorrow is better.

Today I started my application for an Irish passport, I never have any confidence at doing these things. I quickly started to feel overwhelmed and stressed. But I've made a start and reminded myself there's no rush.

I will join in with what might be almost trivial, but it matters to me.
Two weeks ago, my wife fell on the Friday, and I took her to hospital to have the wound on her leg checked.On the Monday we were back as she fell again and hurt her arm. We were at the treatment room today and the wounds are slowly healing.
She has lost all her confidence; she is frightened to try to walk with her Zimmer and uses me as a support.I don’t mind but I want her to be able to move on her own.
I phoned today and the physiotherapist will come and see her.
I simply worry about her a lot. (We are both 77 years old)

@MissyB1 Irish passport? You lucky thing - that's the passport lover's passport isn't it? I hope the application process goes well, and I understand that feeling of anxiety when faced with a task like that.

@OldJohn that must be worrying. Your wife is lucky to have you looking after her. I hope someone is also looking after you.

@Mrsredlipstick I spent about three hours yesterday looking for a dress in the shops that I can wear to a somewhat fancy work event. No joy. I found a really nice one online on the Boden website but they didn't have it in my size. In desperation I looked on eBay - it was there! Brand new with tags for half the price. All of which is to say, maybe try eBay.

@Nogodsnomasters I'm so sorry about your awful days. Do you want to chat about them, or just hang out here? I love baths but haven't had one since my relationship of 12 years fell apart in the summer. The last bath I had was with my partner and the bath salts remind me of him. I should just throw them out and buy some new ones, really. Or offer them to someone else on Olio (one of my favourite things to do is list stuff on Olio and see it make people happy).

@OldJohn I hope the physio is able to help your wife regain her confidence.

That's lovely OP.
Mine is that I am feeling sick and anxious about the impending Christmas plans conversations. Last year there was a dreadful argument between my DH and mum, and I was upset for different reasons, and there was a lot of aggro and nitpicking about many things. We've decided we're staying at home and I'm waiting for the fallout. I don't want anyone to be upset. But certain people's emotions and desperation for the perfect Christmas, like every year, lead to unrealistic expectations, tears and arguments.

Sorry about your relationship breakdown OP. Throw them out and buy yourself lovely new ones!

Aw bless you and your wife, that's a stressful week. I'm sure she is just nervous now of another fall and you're doing everything in your power to help her, you're lucky to have each other.

I love baths too OP, can't stand a shower. I agree with PP you should throw those bath salts out and buy yourself something new for the bath, fancy bubbles or bath oils! Make your bath your own again.

I was due to go to a funeral today. It was an extended family member but not someone I knew well. I got to the church but was too anxious to go inside. A mixture of anxiety about being at a church service ( I often get panic attacks if I feel it's difficult to escape) and social anxiety of seeing family I have not seen for ages. I went home and watched the service online. It was lovely and I wish I had been brave enough to go. I know my extended family will think me rude for not attending.

Thanks for this thread.

My role at work was made redundant a couple of weeks ago and I was offered another role (which I've done before and hated)
I'm 5 months pregnant so felt well and truly trapped.
I know I should be happy. I have a job, I haven't had a pay cut. But I feel so sad. I loved my job and I've quickly turned into someone who doesn't care and I hate that.
No one seems to understand and everyone thinks I should be grateful (maybe I should be) but I've cried every day so far and I feel a bit trapped because I'm pregnant.

The trapped feeling makes sense to me, OP. I felt really sad for you. I hope you can find something in life that's just for you and nothing to do with the baby or others' expectations, rewards etc - something to tide the you in you over the hump of pregnancy and maternity.

I think you were very brave at attempting to go to the funeral - the panic attack when feeling trapped resonates with me although my experience of it was mild and I have managed to overcome it over the years so I hope you do too. I understand the worry about what others will think but you have to try and not let that bother you, they are not in your shoes. Did you go out to upset anybody - no, did you do what you thought was best at the time - yes. You cared enough to watch the service online so that’s all that matters.

I have lots of worries, I worry if I’m not worrying! 😆 My mind thrives on negative thoughts and I’m sick of it. Started during Covid, I’ve had therapy and now I’m using CBT on the NHS well-being service to try and overcome it. My friend reckons I’m peri menopausal too and this is perhaps contributing to it. I ruminate A LOT and think up things from the past that I’ve “done wrong” I have a lovely family who are supportive and listen to me but I try not to overburden then with my silly thoughts and constant guilt. I’m a fairly intelligent, sensible woman who annoys herself with my stupid thoughts and ramblings, however I can’t stop them. That being said the past week I’ve been feeling better mentally despite my husband having some health worries. I’m guessing having something worthwhile to worry about detracts your mind from finding something to fret about, if that makes any sense and of course id rather my husband wasn’t going through this.

@LikeMyHeartIsAboutToStopBeating Thanks so much for starting this thread.
I often think it's one of the hardest parts of living alone to address - just someone to share the smaller things with and care. I hope you find it beneficial too.

I love your Screwfix story - I could really picture the scene! But I'm concerned about your plunger...

@OldJohn time as they say is a healer. Perhaps if you can gently encourage your wife, literally one step at a time she will make progress. Tell her we're all routing for her here and want to hear good things 😀

Oh blimey @HiCandles not the dreaded C word! I've started the annual slide into worrying about it intermittently already too. If you're feeling a bit lonely that time of year is a real challenge plus you cannot help remember all the Christmases gone with lost loved ones. It's like it was designed to torture anyone who's not part of a 2.2 family.

I bought the plunger today. All good .

Currently on my way home after a work event which went on much longer than I would have liked. I don't love coming home to an empty house when it's dark and cold so I'm thinking of getting some smart bulbs which I think will let me turn on lights remotely. I am really looking forward to a shower and a cup of tea and getting into bed. My huge splurge is that I have a cleaner come once a week and she changes my sheets and leaves the house immaculate - she has been today so everything will be calm and clean and the sheets will be fresh. It's worth every penny.

Hugs to anyone feeling down. It's hard when you don't have people willing to listen to your worries. But we are here and we will listen.

Great idea for a thread.

@LikeMyHeartIsAboutToStopBeating I think you may be going back to Screwfix 😆....I suggest you get a timer switch so your lights are on a timer and automatically turn on/off. I have one and it's great.

I'm another one with no one to share the little things. I mumble to myself a lot!!

Doesn't start with an L does it?!

Morning all, yesterday was another very hard day but really productive in terms of moving forward in my son's health journey. Although it was difficult to get through I now feel we have a plan moving forward and that hopefully we're getting somewhere.

I'm the only person awake right now and it's pouring down rain outside so I'm just quietly lying in bed listening to it and trying to remember my lovely dreams that I had last night (as usually I am plagued with nightmares due to PTSD so the lovely dreams are rare and worth their weight in gold!)

Hope everyone has a good or at least decent day today!

No starts with an S

Hello one and all.

I really love these sort of threads where it's a glimpse into real life and not the glossy world social media and friends would have you believe is real life.

I've spent this morning getting some Christmas gifts sorted. I am struggling physically at the moment and am unfortunately at risk of hospital admittence at any point so I've got myself organised. Last year I had to travel quite a distance to deliver gifts as I left it too late so this year my friends are going to be shocked and not sure whose sending gifts in October 😆

I took myself to Starbucks yesterday and didn't have my daughter a lady was struggling with both of her children so I offered to hold her baby whilst she had her coffee hot (for a change!!) was lovely to snuggle into a baby and I think the mum was quite touched.

Oh I hope you aren't admitted to hospital and managed to avoid it!

Baby snuggles are just so good for the soul aren't they? Last week I met my old friends baby for the first time, she fell asleep on me for over 30 mins, think it soothed me more than the baby 😂