Vipers' nest? Come counter our hissy rep with your stories of Mumsnet Niceness

[HelenMumsnet]

Hello.

Well, it's been bit of a week, hasn't it?

And we don't know about you but we think it's time folks outside MN knew a bit more about the lovely side of Mumsnet. All this stuff about harridans and vipers' nests kinda feels a bit lopsided to us - and is certainly making us pull on our Uggs and want to redress the balance a bit.

We're really chuffed to see such kind words about MN on Talk at the moment and also to see blogs like MmeLindor's that focus so beautifully on the "other side" of Mumsnet.

But we also want to publish, for all the world and the odd tabloid journo to see, a kinda showcase/archive of all the Lovely & Nice Things Mumsnetters Have Done over the years. And we'd really like your help with that, please.

Obviously, we have lots of Mumsnet Loveliness in mind already: ranging from Woolly Hugs to the Christmas Appeal and including everything from the lost toy on Blackpool Pier to the small acts of kindness shown every day from one MNer to another in need of help, advice or support.

But we really want you to tell us, too, about the Lovely Things you've seen (or taken part in) on Mumsnet. Please post them here - with links to the threads if you possibly can.

We'll read them all and, when we've run out of tissues, we'll publish some of your favourites for all the world to see.

Oh, and here's a pic of (warm and lovely) nest of vipers, courtesy of the fab women behind Woolly Hugs, to kinda set the tone

I wish I'd found MN when I was PG and a new parent. The support I had here when DS was DX with autism got me through those first few weeks. Strangely, it was easier to talk to you vipers lot than my friends. I'm a regular NCger in case anyone is thinking 'who the jeff is she?'

I have been in tears reading some of the threads here. There was one about a MNer who's friend was having cancer treatment and was feeling very ill. The friend was home somewhere in London and the OP was in Scotland. Within a couple of hours the power of MN had got some piriton put through the friends letter box, which would help with the side effects.
A few weeks ago I read a thread about helping homeless people, buying them something to eat etc. Today I was out shopping and walk past this poor bloke, sitting in the freezing cold. I went and bought a cup of tea for him and he was so pleased and grateful. I have never even considered doing that before but MN inspired me to want to do something nice.
Obviously not a patch on the things that people have done but I would say that being on here has changed my views a little, and made me a bit more compassionate.

I just wanted to say that, in addition to a lot of the lovely things here, I think there is an awful lot that you will never hear about and that people won't want to share here - for anonymity, to respect the privacy of others and because there are a lot of MNers who don't see what they doing as being especially kind / good / helpful - they just are those things anyway.

I have a couple of specific examples in mind, but can't post here, obviously

But just wanted to post a little nod to those quietly going about their good deeds, sharing goodwill and making the world a little more beautiful - good effort

The fact that MN is a platform / vehicle for those things is a testament to those who run it, too

I have made some lovely friends via MN both in Belgium and in the UK. A lifesaver for a potentially lonely expat. So many lovely threads, I remember many mentioned above. also DreadPirate and her DH who went to the rescue of an abused MNetter, got her to a safe place with her children and organised a collection of clothes/ household stuff so she could start anew. I often wonder how they are all doing now.

The Xmas appeal and the absolutely lovely and gorgeous woolly hugs crew, some of whom I have had the privilege to meet in RL. And another bunch of awful fishwives who have welcomed me to their bosoms.

I love MN!

How can anyone not love this place? They are obviously reading a different MN to the one I participate on.

Everything everyone else has mentioned from the XMas appeal to the Woolly Hugs.

And the time I was sent a PM asking for my address because I had posted what a shit time I was having and a Chocowakka thing cake arrived in the past a few days later. I can't even remember her user name and I am not sure we've spoken before or since.

You lovely wonderful nest of vipers.

I've had support through infertility from a huge amount of people on here (mostly under a previous name). The support has been amazing.

Sigh. They just don't know us like we know us, do they?

I've been around a while now (namechanged a few times because I get bored) and its been a lot of fun for a grumpy, shy reclusive who can't bear interaction with the real world.

I've also learned quite a few new things and got advice and tips that I would have got from my late mother (had she not selfishly up and kicked the bucket).

I missed whatever went on but I'm sure it'll blow over and Mumsnet will continue to be the wonderfully supportive and raucously funny place it has always been.

You lot helpedd me through the fug and misery of a tiny colicky baby and I will be eternally grateful for those kind lovely supportive posts, day and night, for months while I found my feet. The odd flaming was deserved and enlightening :)

The kindest thing ever was Norksaremessy though. I posted looking for tips on budget weddings. The decision to marry came when we received news that MIL was terminally ill, and so we needed to arrange a quick but special wedding on zero budget. Norks handmade a beautiful and unique tiara and sent it to me out of the goodness of her heart. I was and still am incredibly touched, her only request being that I "pay it forward".

I think that spirit of generosity is evident all over MN and I will defend you bunch of hissy bitches to the last

Aside from the big threads (all the wooly hugs, and related posts), I have personally loved the support (and ridiculousness) of both the september '09 and june '12 ante/post natal threads. I've met some fantastic women through both groups, and had a lot of giggles and a lot of support.

Tiktok/EauRouge/TruthSweet and others have helped me go from 'not sure about this breastfeeding malarky' to 'mad extended bfeeding tandem feeding hippy' (thanks also go to StealthPolarBear for just saying she was ebfing her DS on the sep 09 threads - that normalised it for me massively!)

The small sexual assaults thread helped me massively too - made me feel less alone.

All of the above, the kindnesses and great advice, the community spirit and social conscience which, with a bit of levering here or a chain of goodwill there can result in some great life changing moments of pure lasting good.

The swearing! That's freedom, and invites all comers.

gah, posted too soon!

Essentially, I love this place.

Sure, there are some gits about, but they are outnumbered by the good, funny, clever folk - bit like real life, but always always there. Love it :)

Mumsnetters really helped me when I was feeling really shit about my appearance and the pain I was going through.

It was small scale compared to some but didn't make it in any way less. If youget what I mean..

Ferret's full of woe thread

Also the fucking amazing atrocious cunts who i'm honoured to call actual real life friends.

Reads and reaches for tissues....blub.

mrsdevere I am honored to run for Billie and for whatevertheweathers did Erin :) xxx

I feel myself on here. I have no real desire to meet anyone on here in RL, but it is enough to know that there are other people out there who feel the way I do about myself, and about the world.

There are many topics I have never posted about, but the advice given to others has supported, informed and educated me - notably domestic violence, ASD, breastfeeding, feminism etc.

Such clever, kind, articulate women.

Not finished reading because I'm sobbing too much into my wine. But just wanted to say only on mn can someone post asking for witnesses to come to her wedding and within hours all had been arranged. Two lovely mn's attended and posted pictures. The rest of cheered from afar. Only on mn

That was one of my favourite threads, NK2

I can testify that MI is indeed a v nice person. Despite what some posters think of journalists.... There are a load of us on here who joined because we wanted to natter, rather than for nefarious reasons.

Loads of positive stuff on here that has already been mentioned. Lots of people who happen to know about stuff - medical, or financial, or legal, or consumer rights, whatever - give their advice freely and responsibly, pointing people in the direction of RL help. MN can always give you a way to navigate the system, whether it's the NHS or any other form of authority that doesn't always make it straightforward for people to get fair and appropriate treatment. I remember one thread about a very young girl being groomed online where the local copper had basically shrugged his shoulders and told the girl it was her own fault but MN made sure OP got pointed in the right direction (CEOPS).

And abusive relationships. There must be hundreds of MNers who didn't realise how badly they were being treated until a bunch of strangers said, hang on, you deserve better than this.

I've gone back to Reality to post this, because it's important.

MN is such a big, important part of my life.

I have made so many real true friends on here who I speak to every day. They make my life better in both tiny everyday ways and big lifechanging ways.

There was a cohort of MNers at my wedding . This is the first place I go to share good news and bad.

The advice and help I've received has been immeasurable. It's often like having a million people on your team. Slightly scary, shouty people, at that.

An MNer gave me a Kindle, because she never used it. That piece of random generosity was overwhelming. But I've also been sent chocolates, blankets, books, a spork, cards, all sorts of lovely things. Each and every one of them is as wonderful as the others (although the spork has a special place in my heart).

You've all seen me through some weird and wonderful times and I wouldn't be without you all.

But I have to say, out of all of you, my atrocious cunts are the most amazing group of women I have EVER had the honour to know and I count myself very blessed to have them as my friends. And that's all thanks to MN.

4 years ago my DD was only 11 and suicidal. She was diagnosed with anxiety and OCD. She got incredibly scary intrusive thoughts about having the urge to cut her wrists or throat.

I was absoulutely devastated. I had friends and family to talk to and they were marvellous but I wanted to talk about it constantly and try to find out as much as I could.

Pixieonaleaf started a couple of threads to talk about OCD in children and adults. It was a lifeline. She was so kind.

I wasn't posting much for a couple of years and missed up what happened with pixie, but I'll always be grateful to her and the others who posted how OCD has affected their life, both as children and adults.

I agree with Reality's lovely post. It is like having a million lovely, shouty, don't fucking mess with me type people. All standing behind you, willing you to succeed.

Oh good lord, wherever can I start?

First, when I made the decision to return to the UK after my relationship fell apart was the tremendous support form people on here, finishing up with a complete stranger had me, my youngest DD and my mother to stay, in the arse end of nowhere in France, as a break stop in our 1300 mile drive home.

Then, when I was having an awful time trying to get some maintenance from DD3's father and spending a lot of time up at the High Court - just knowing I could rant and sob was an added strength.

When I was diagnosed with cancer late last year the support was mindblowing. I received parcel after parcel with wonderful goodies from a beautiful hand knitted hat to sticky toffee puddings and chocolates to wine, gin and a whole damn load of chocs and flowers. Another bunch clubbed together to give me something to spoil myself with. A case of wine came from elsewhere.

The MN Secret Santa made me cry with generosity of posters to both me and all the other receivers.

Wooly Hugs well, what can I say.

There are other things too, but they were under a name change that I'd rather not link to this name as it was a very sensitive and personal matter. But the overwhelming kindness shown to me by three particular MNers will leave a warm glow for ever and a day.

I fucking love Mumsnet. i can truly say that some of my dearest and most amazing friends, who will hopefully be in my life forever, were met on here.

My atrocious cunts in particular are, quite simply, beyond awesome.