How did you find Mumsnet and what keeps you here?

[Joysmum]

It came up on my Facebook memories that it’s been 5 years since I found MN. I came on here for the first time when my friend suggested I Google ‘penis beaker’ and the rest is history!

Since then things got more serious. I only really bother with the Relationships section and I finally faced up to the fact that I used to be in an abusive relationship and was raped. Being on here with others who have been through the same helped me to fall apart but kept me together enough to know there was hope and to get the help I so desperately needed.

From that counseling came the realisation that I was a people pleaser and was attracting people who took advantage. My relationship ‘D’M wasn’t good and a tip from the counsellor to mirror the effort and input of others to identify the takers in my life really highlighted how bad my relationship with her and others were. Im now NC with my mother and have reframed what I thought as friendships to be acquaintances instead and enjoy them for what they are with less expectation and disappointments.

Things have never been better for me but it all began thanks to the Penis Beaker thread!

I came to mumsnet when I was pregnant 11 years ago. Used it when he was a baby for advice etc. Then I returned about 4 years ago (maybe a bit more) to the relationship board to help me deal with an increasingly emotionally abusive long term relationship. Then 2 years ago i got some very good advice and support as I was planning to leave. Since then I check most days the relationship board but don't post or read so much now.

Depends on how busy I am at work ;) (I have am office based job now). If I wasn't at my PC all day though I probably wouldn't go on mumsnet that much.

I came on here just for some light reading at night in bed.. reading others worries actually got me thinking about my own marriage. Let's just say I was a deluded good housewife who lost her shit and uncovered my oh so wonderful dh's double life. It's been epic! Anyway what worries me is I read the same thing almost daily now on the relationships board. I take comfort in the fact that I wasn't alone and give advice where I can. It's made me see men through a whole new world and never again will I trust anyone.

I arrived about a decade ago - I don’t have DC but was googling for advice on something entirely unrelated and a very useful MN thread came up. The thing about MN is it isn’t just about children and families, it’s also a wide demographic of views and experiences and discussions about all kinds of things, which is why I’ve stayed.

I find it a very interesting social barometer and also a telescope into lifestyles I and most of my friends don’t really have. There are viewpoints and opinions I’d never really otherwise encounter or consider - sometimes this is helpful and insightful and I’ve had some good advice in occasion. Though sometimes it just serves as light relief when I simply can’t identify with it or understand why anyone would think that way / find it important.

I came on here when I left a religious cult after 32yrs, 4yrs ago. I was googling advice to help me cope, and this came up in my searches.

It has been invaluable for being presented with opinions/advice on all sorts of topics from lighthearted to serious along any given spectrum. It's been my life-line. It's aided me in becoming more aware and less entitled. It's surprising how in the dark I was regarding traits, foibles & behaviour I was exhibiting. And also to embrace my strengths.

Thank you for this thread.

Accidentally found PigletJohn’s sagely advice on woodburning stoves a few years ago.

I am not a mum, not intending to have children and really could not believe that there were non-parenting topics with such detail of discussion. Been referring to it as a resource since, and also enjoy some of the funnier threads.

Always on the lookout for those that will turn into Classics, and of course any PigletJohn wisdom is always devoured with great reverence.

In general I enjoy seeing opinions of a diverse group, though this does depend much on whether the original post has incendiary potential. The honesty and brutal put downs can be refreshing when nobody in real life dares say those things to another person. :0)

Googled some marital issues and came here about 5 years ago. Then other issues brought me back. The issues are still here but I deal with them differently now because of MN. I am not alone and I'm not worthless and I need reminding of that sometimes.

And now my daughter has boyfriend baggage...

I remember reading a news article about MN 'bullies' and came and had a look out of curiosity. Been here since Feb 2010, although I de-regged my old account after Jeffreygate. Still mourning the loss of being able to view 1000 posts on a single page - was so handy for the ones you knew were about to get zapped!

Still here because it's a varied community of women - some hilarious, some wise and some frankly batshit. Plus the FWR threads are great and I have learned a huge amount from the incredibly knowledgeable posters on there.