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Preppers
Original poster

Lack of support

19 replies

myislandhome · 23/03/2022 08:05

I know this read has likely been done before but is anyone else worried about when SHTF and the complete lack of support from a partner or family? They all think I'm an idiot for having even a small stash of canned goods etc.
DH is a greedy bastard and last night, for example, went for thirds. When I suggested we leave some to freeze and to start thinking about the cost of food rising, he had a strop. I know I can just freeze portions before he hits the leftovers but in the big picture,
how am I going to deal when this man wont cope with being rationed?

OP posts:
bellinisurge · 23/03/2022 08:50

I think an adult who has a strop about how much food they have is a more immediate and non- prepping problem.
On the wider point, there were loads of people scoffing on here at Brexit prep then suddenly realising it was a good idea during lockdown to have a buffer of food.
People generally rise to an occasion when needed. Even the dickheads.

RainbowZebraWarrior · 23/03/2022 20:13

I don't have a great answer for you either, because my Prepping was and is fundamental to who I am. Anyone who mocked me, pre Pandemic largely benefited from my (clearly amazing) foresight should be fully on board by now. Crikey, we have had enough tests over the past few years. If they believed me / in me, they stayed with me. If they didn't and still mocked me, then they were promptly dumped.

I had a partner at the time who would get home early from work and scoff an entire Chilli Con Carne which was meant to feed 3 people plus leftovers. I used to have to hide cheese too, as he would eat the whole block.

Nope. That's gluttony and selfishness. That's utter disrespect, and my biggest bugbear. And that's not someone who is on board at all. Not with every day life, never mind prepping.

For that reason, I am very happily single.

Ohsugarhoneyicetea · 23/03/2022 20:20

LTB

BiddyPop · 24/03/2022 09:41

DH is not entirely on board, but did see the value in what I had when Covid hit (Brexit didn't impact us much but initial days of covid wiped shelves bare here). And trying to keep things DD would eat in the house. But I am the logistics and procurement manager in the house generally, so he lets me to it and is happy when I can produce what's needed (pasta, a jar of sauce, specific sized batteries, face masks....I have a wide range of supplies! Grin ).

DD, on the other hand, raids my stores, grumbles when there is nothing there that she wants (as her tastes have changed again, or she's eaten it all and not told me!), but also wants to empty out that space and not have food there any more. Which is hard to understand as it doesn't impact on her at all and she wouldn't use that space anyway. But it's like she's both embarrassed and angry about it.

But then wants to know if I have a spare pack of STs as she forgot to ask me to buy more and she's out of them, or have I a bag of the granola she eats as a snack as she has finished that off and the shops are closed.... so she does appreciate it somewhat...in between the grumbles and embarrassment...

JovialNickname · 24/03/2022 09:43

This is the funniest thread I've read in a long time, thank you Mumsnet

Replying so it stays on the Active page.

Original poster
myislandhome · 24/03/2022 11:31

Last night I made home burgers for me and the kids, DH was going out for dinner. I had one cooked burger left and had it cooling to wrap up to keep for another meal. Greedy bugger ATE IT before going out for dinner.

I need to HIDE MY PREPS.

OP posts:
Justanotherobserver · 24/03/2022 16:23

I need to HIDE MY PREPS

You do! Have you got anywhere to hide them? This could turn into a real issue if prices rise a lot more, one person will be hogging most of the food while others go without.

Years ago, we were staying with friends while moving house and one night the friends were going out for dinner and we were staying in and cooking pizza. We'd prepared everything and set it out ready. I walked into the kitchen to find the four of them, parents and two teenagers, busily eating the toppings before they went out. They thought it was funny.

Lottie4 · 25/03/2022 10:41

I'd be tempted to just cook enough for that day's main meal. Once he's scoffed his that'll be it. Also, if he's going out and your making something like burgers individual portions for everyone else, make them a bit bigger so there isn't any for himGrin.

1Dandelion1 · 25/03/2022 16:33

My OH didn't see the benefit in having a well-stocked pantry and bathroom until covid happened and frequently used to take the mick.

At least he appreciates my organisation now, although I do have to constantly remind him to tell me if he's taken something out the cupboards.

If someone eats leftovers that we're going to be for another meal I would still make that meal but minus that ingredient for that person. Maybe in future you could put it in a tub not quite sealed to cool down?

Justanotherobserver · 25/03/2022 17:17

It was OH who got us started in the first place, which is a relief. He got going in the 90s when we lived in an earthquake zone and it was freaking us both out.

With the left overs planned for another meal, I'd be tempted to stick a little flag in it saying it's to be used for something else and is not to be eaten.

AdoraBell · 25/03/2022 17:24

My DH used to do that. I started portioning the food into freezer bags before it cooled. Once, after finishing dinner - spaghetti bolognaise- I told him he could finish the 8 portions with the entire loaf of bread if he was still peckish. He was so embarrassed he didn’t take me up in the offer.

D0lphine · 25/03/2022 18:40

@JovialNickname

This is the funniest thread I've read in a long time, thank you Mumsnet

Replying so it stays on the Active page.

Agree- hilarious.

Husband eats food - scandalous! 🤣

Sideorderofchips · 25/03/2022 19:06

Not as hilarious as people who come to the prepper board to take the piss 🤷‍♀️

EzzieLove · 25/03/2022 22:31

My adult son who still lives at home is a big eater, very into sports, body building etc. I very rarely have left overs but don’t view his excessive eating as a problem. As long as the food is being eaten and not going to waste. Fussy eaters or people who just throw food away cause much more annoyance to me. May just have to up his housekeeping to help cover the growing costs though.

Original poster
myislandhome · 26/03/2022 08:48

I actually don't begrudge anyone food, everyone has plenty and I am certainly not rationing or restricting now.

It's more considering how this will play out if we ever have to seriously ration food that concerns me. In all honesty, I am also trying to think about future budgets and about being a little more careful with excess and with waste. Really, eating what could be another meal as a "little snack" before going out for a huge meal is a bit much with the way costs are going.

OP posts:
D0lphine · 26/03/2022 09:17

If he is fatter he would be able to survive longer.

Original poster
myislandhome · 26/03/2022 09:42

@D0lphine

If he is fatter he would be able to survive longer.
Not really...sarcopenia is more likely, unless he is retaining muscle mass.
OP posts:
Knotaknitter · 27/03/2022 15:16

I sort out the leftovers as I serve, a portion on each plate and other portions into freezer boxes. There might still be a bit leftover, that are genuine leftovers. This is because I used to live with someone who would go back for thirds if there was any, just because it was there.

lightand · 29/03/2022 09:16

@bellinisurge

I think an adult who has a strop about how much food they have is a more immediate and non- prepping problem. On the wider point, there were loads of people scoffing on here at Brexit prep then suddenly realising it was a good idea during lockdown to have a buffer of food. People generally rise to an occasion when needed. Even the dickheads.
Yes. This. My DH is being dragged kicking and screaming. Trouble is, he is acting late and missing the immediate "bargains".
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