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A woman has gained flack online after her friend shared a text message requesting to prep her house for photos, in return for just "lunch and bubbles."
In a post to popular forum Mumsnet, the woman explained that she was hurt by the request and felt she had been chosen because she does not have children.
The text read: "Darling! We are putting the house on the market ASAP if you have any spare time in the next few weeks to and do some gardening, cleaning, packing or anything to get this house looking good for the photos I would be very grateful! And pay you in lunch and bubbles! Xxx."
In the post however, the friend was left offended by the "lunch and bubbles" offer, asking if cleaners and gardeners would usually get paid in such a trade. She added that she doesn't even like "bubbles."
"Where is all this spare time coming from?" she asked. "And why would I not have my own stuff to fill it with? Like, for example, my own life admin. Or even just relaxing after a stressful few days at work!"
The friend added that she feels she was designated thanks to her child-free status, meaning she must have time to help.
In 2020, there were more childless 30-year-olds in the U.K., where the post originated from, than mothers of the same age for the first time since records began, according to the Office of National Statistics showing how choosing to be child-free is growing in popularity.
Mumsnet users were left reeling over the assumption of free time for the childless woman, and took to the comments to express their thoughts.
"Helping someone paint is very different. To asking someone to come and clean your house for you. I'm so surprised folks can't see the difference and think nothing of asking their mates to clean their toilet for them. Personally I've more respect for my friends and would not ask this," wrote one user.
Another added: "She's a cheeky cow. If she was disabled, bereaved, unwell, a carer for a disabled child or any other difficult situation, I'd totally go round and help. If she is healthy, able bodied and not going through a traumatic time, then she's taking the piss. Wouldn't occur to me in a million years to ask a friend to do this."
"It's one thing to ask for help on moving day, when it's all a bit frantic and time is of the essence. But in this case she's wanting help to make the place photogenic before it goes up for sale! That's why it's really cheeky," noted one user.
Others reasoned in favor of the mom, pulling on their own experiences and writing: "I definitely think that's what friends are for. She's asked for a favor and you can say yes or no as you choose. We last moved house 16 years ago. Two good friends didn't even need asking, they volunteered to come over and pitch in. I was very grateful.
"I had to sort out my late mum's house last year. One of those friends turned up unexpectedly on the last day to help with the final clean and polish for the new owners."
The friend updated in a further comment that she felt the message focused on her lack of children as the friend had previously expected her to help out at a children's birthday party too and was left surprised when she didn't stay to clean up after.
