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By *ed Martin OP   Man
31 weeks ago

Shefford

I’m taking my parents to Dunelm to buy curtains this morning. There’s talk of calling in at a garden centre in the way home too.

What’s your least favourite combination of shopping companions and destinations?!

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By *obilebottomMan
31 weeks ago

All over

Sounds like a lovely day out to me

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By *eliWoman
31 weeks ago

.

What are you talking about?

Garden centres are peak pleasure - little potter around looking at plants you'll never buy, cake and tea with the old biddies. Truly delightful.

Have a great time Ned.

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By *inky Biscuit DunkerMan
31 weeks ago

Gloucestershire

Most Garden Centres have tea and cake these days. Lots of single ladies wandering around too

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod

31 weeks ago

East Sussex


"I’m taking my parents to Dunelm to buy curtains this morning. There’s talk of calling in at a garden centre in the way home too.

What’s your least favourite combination of shopping companions and destinations?!"

Oh my goodness! I do not envy you.

My least favourite combination is my friend and charity shops. She will insist on going in every single on, picking up things, wandering round, deliberating for ages then putting the whole lot back

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By (user no longer on site)
31 weeks ago

My husband and Halfords

Looking at screwdrivers and various other tools becomes incredibly boring around the half hour mark.

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By *ose-tinted GlassesMan
31 weeks ago

Glasgow / London


"My husband and Halfords. Looking at screwdrivers and various other tools becomes incredibly boring around the half hour mark. "

Half an hour?

I thought the unwritten rule of man shops was that we know what we’re there for so we just go in, buy it, and leave.

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By *illy IdolMan
31 weeks ago

Midlands

[Removed by poster at 15/04/24 10:37:39]

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By *illy IdolMan
31 weeks ago

Midlands

If you behave they might treat you to a McDonald's

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
31 weeks ago

Central

Many garden centres now enforce an excessively long maze trawl through tat of anything that is as far removed from plants and gardening as possible, before you even get to anything that's living . Don't go to Trentham garden centre, near Stoke, I beg you!

The maze will take you close to where you want to be at times but 15 feet high shelving loaded with supplies for an Antarctic scientific research posting, will force you along the sole approved retail route.

I'm going with a garden centre and any shop experience as my nightmare friend's trip. I am an avid gardener and plant enthusiast but my will to live sinks in these places.

I've never been to Dunelm but assuming it's about as bad?

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By *ed Martin OP   Man
31 weeks ago

Shefford


"If you behave they might treat you to a McDonald's "

“Treat” =/= “macdonalds”!??

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By *ed Martin OP   Man
31 weeks ago

Shefford


"Many garden centres now enforce an excessively long maze trawl through tat of anything that is as far removed from plants and gardening as possible, before you even get to anything that's living . Don't go to Trentham garden centre, near Stoke, I beg you!

The maze will take you close to where you want to be at times but 15 feet high shelving loaded with supplies for an Antarctic scientific research posting, will force you along the sole approved retail route.

I'm going with a garden centre and any shop experience as my nightmare friend's trip. I am an avid gardener and plant enthusiast but my will to live sinks in these places.

I've never been to Dunelm but assuming it's about as bad?"

Dunelm is fine, it’s not got the IKEA layout thing going on, at least…it’s just taking my parents would be easier if there was such a thing as dementia sheepdogs to help keep track of them, stop them making inappropriate comments to strangers etc…

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By *ed Martin OP   Man
31 weeks ago

Shefford


"I’m taking my parents to Dunelm to buy curtains this morning. There’s talk of calling in at a garden centre in the way home too.

What’s your least favourite combination of shopping companions and destinations?!

Oh my goodness! I do not envy you.

My least favourite combination is my friend and charity shops. She will insist on going in every single on, picking up things, wandering round, deliberating for ages then putting the whole lot back "

My ex-wife used to buy clothes from charity shops that she’d never wear. I’d donate bags full back to them, and she’d buy the same items again…

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By *iss.Bella.Woman
31 weeks ago

Wales

Dunelm and garden centre? (really I mean the tea room they usually have)

Can I go instead

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod

31 weeks ago

East Sussex


"Many garden centres now enforce an excessively long maze trawl through tat of anything that is as far removed from plants and gardening as possible, before you even get to anything that's living . Don't go to Trentham garden centre, near Stoke, I beg you!

The maze will take you close to where you want to be at times but 15 feet high shelving loaded with supplies for an Antarctic scientific research posting, will force you along the sole approved retail route.

I'm going with a garden centre and any shop experience as my nightmare friend's trip. I am an avid gardener and plant enthusiast but my will to live sinks in these places.

I've never been to Dunelm but assuming it's about as bad?

Dunelm is fine, it’s not got the IKEA layout thing going on, at least…it’s just taking my parents would be easier if there was such a thing as dementia sheepdogs to help keep track of them, stop them making inappropriate comments to strangers etc…"

You deserve a medal. That must be a really difficult experience.

Have they both got dementia?

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By *ed Martin OP   Man
31 weeks ago

Shefford


"What are you talking about?

Garden centres are peak pleasure - little potter around looking at plants you'll never buy, cake and tea with the old biddies. Truly delightful.

Have a great time Ned. "

Thanks- plants I’ll never buy?! That’s the problem…I buy them, I have a slight houseplant addiction.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod

31 weeks ago

East Sussex


"I’m taking my parents to Dunelm to buy curtains this morning. There’s talk of calling in at a garden centre in the way home too.

What’s your least favourite combination of shopping companions and destinations?!

Oh my goodness! I do not envy you.

My least favourite combination is my friend and charity shops. She will insist on going in every single on, picking up things, wandering round, deliberating for ages then putting the whole lot back

My ex-wife used to buy clothes from charity shops that she’d never wear. I’d donate bags full back to them, and she’d buy the same items again…"

I guess at least my friend puts them back

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By (user no longer on site)
31 weeks ago

I'd load up on coffee & cake from the garden centre cafe!

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By *uncouple153Couple
31 weeks ago

Abergavenny

Supermarket. Shopping. Wife. Lost. Message. Where are you?

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By (user no longer on site)
31 weeks ago


"My husband and Halfords. Looking at screwdrivers and various other tools becomes incredibly boring around the half hour mark.

Half an hour?

I thought the unwritten rule of man shops was that we know what we’re there for so we just go in, buy it, and leave."

Well that’s what I thought! Apparently not. Most of the time he’s also checking his phone to see if he can get it cheaper elsewhere, meaning we leave empty handed!

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By *ose-tinted GlassesMan
31 weeks ago

Glasgow / London


"Well that’s what I thought! Apparently not. Most of the time he’s also checking his phone to see if he can get it cheaper elsewhere, meaning we leave empty handed! "

See, I do that first. Find it cheaper online and then avoid going to the shop completely. Win-win.

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By (user no longer on site)
31 weeks ago


"Well that’s what I thought! Apparently not. Most of the time he’s also checking his phone to see if he can get it cheaper elsewhere, meaning we leave empty handed!

See, I do that first. Find it cheaper online and then avoid going to the shop completely. Win-win."

He likes to torture me.

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By *illy IdolMan
31 weeks ago

Midlands


"Well that’s what I thought! Apparently not. Most of the time he’s also checking his phone to see if he can get it cheaper elsewhere, meaning we leave empty handed!

See, I do that first. Find it cheaper online and then avoid going to the shop completely. Win-win."

But a good screwdriver should feel like it's part of your hand. You can't do this online

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By *imply DeeWoman
31 weeks ago

Wherever

I’d say I wish I still had parents I could take them wherever they wanted to go.

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By (user no longer on site)
31 weeks ago


"I’d say I wish I still had parents I could take them wherever they wanted to go."

100% agree with you

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By *ose-tinted GlassesMan
31 weeks ago

Glasgow / London


"But a good screwdriver should feel like it's part of your hand. You can't do this online "

You also can’t find the good ones in Halfords, though. Touché.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod

31 weeks ago

East Sussex


"I’d say I wish I still had parents I could take them wherever they wanted to go."

Sometimes and I can vouch for this from experience, while you love your parents dearly and would willingly do whatever it takes to ensure they're ok, you just need to make light of situations that are incredibly stressful, difficult for all concerned and quite sad.

It doesn't mean you won't miss them

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By (user no longer on site)
31 weeks ago

I’ve been to Dunelm two of the last three weekends! I love all their cheep crap. You never know if you’ll come home with a Yoda travel pillow/hood or a garden set

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By *2000ManMan
31 weeks ago

Worthing

Parents are not around forever. Cherish every outing no matter where it is.

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod

31 weeks ago

O o O oo

One word. Ikea

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By *lderflower_AppleWoman
31 weeks ago

Basingstoke


"I’m taking my parents to Dunelm to buy curtains this morning. There’s talk of calling in at a garden centre in the way home too.

What’s your least favourite combination of shopping companions and destinations?!"

That sounds like a perfect day out. I could come off the bench and substitute for you if you like!

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod

31 weeks ago

East Sussex


"One word. Ikea "

We've never been. Every time we've tried divorce has been discussed on the journey there

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By *ealitybitesMan
31 weeks ago

Belfast

Taking my kids or grandkids anywhere with changing rooms going by other threads

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By *ad NannaWoman
31 weeks ago

East London

Boot sales.

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod

31 weeks ago

O o O oo


"One word. Ikea

We've never been. Every time we've tried divorce has been discussed on the journey there "

I went once then said never again as you can never get out. Then my grown up kids tricked me and said you don't have to go through every section now , please come.

They lied. It is a shame they are too old or I would have grounded them !!

What a nightmare place

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By *rsMistyPeaksWoman
31 weeks ago

Essex


"Most Garden Centres have tea and cake these days. Lots of single ladies wandering around too "

This is my hunting ground of choice (not really)

But sometimes a garden centre has a gentleness to it. A way to lose a couple of hours.

If I was there OP I’d strike up a conversation with your parents for hours. They’d proclaim me to be a lovely young lady (never knowing the depravity that lurks under the surface).

Dunelm on the other hand - nope. No thank you.

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By *rHotNottsMan
31 weeks ago

Dubai & Nottingham


"I’m taking my parents to Dunelm to buy curtains this morning. There’s talk of calling in at a garden centre in the way home too.

What’s your least favourite combination of shopping companions and destinations?!"

Oh that sounds truly horrific. My thoughts are with you

Add a visit to Birds Café for some instant coffee, white sugar, and a cheese and onion sandwich

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By *ed Martin OP   Man
31 weeks ago

Shefford


"Most Garden Centres have tea and cake these days. Lots of single ladies wandering around too

This is my hunting ground of choice (not really)

But sometimes a garden centre has a gentleness to it. A way to lose a couple of hours.

If I was there OP I’d strike up a conversation with your parents for hours. They’d proclaim me to be a lovely young lady (never knowing the depravity that lurks under the surface).

Dunelm on the other hand - nope. No thank you. "

I’m not sure I’d be able to find a reason to take them all the way to Essex for a garden centre, but if I knew you were at the other end of the trip I’d give it a go!

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
31 weeks ago

Central

Is Dunelm similar to a B&M type store? I thought it was like for something for knitwear.

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By (user no longer on site)
31 weeks ago


"I’m taking my parents to Dunelm to buy curtains this morning. There’s talk of calling in at a garden centre in the way home too.

What’s your least favourite combination of shopping companions and destinations?!

Oh my goodness! I do not envy you.

My least favourite combination is my friend and charity shops. She will insist on going in every single on, picking up things, wandering round, deliberating for ages then putting the whole lot back "

Erm that is like me what you mean

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By (user no longer on site)
31 weeks ago

Going out window shopping because my mate Bill has taken my earnnings

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By *ools and the brainCouple
31 weeks ago

couple, us we him her.


"Is Dunelm similar to a B&M type store? I thought it was like for something for knitwear. "

Think more home furnishings

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By *s10biladMan
31 weeks ago

wednesbury

b&m followed by ikea I know straight away that it's going to be harsh on the wallet and involve manual labour

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By (user no longer on site)
31 weeks ago

Clothes shopping, with anyone. Can't abide it. I'm perpetually scruffy because of it but it's fantastic for virtue signalling ones green credentials.

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By *cotsguyyMan
31 weeks ago

Belfast

Did the OP make it out alive ?

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
31 weeks ago

Central


"Is Dunelm similar to a B&M type store? I thought it was like for something for knitwear.

Think more home furnishings "

Thanks

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By (user no longer on site)
31 weeks ago


"One word. Ikea

We've never been. Every time we've tried divorce has been discussed on the journey there

I went once then said never again as you can never get out. Then my grown up kids tricked me and said you don't have to go through every section now , please come.

They lied. It is a shame they are too old or I would have grounded them !!

What a nightmare place"

I visualise it like a 28 days later zombie meets crystal maze challenge, navigate the maze & win food near the exit

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By *ot to giggleWoman
31 weeks ago

Coventry

did you survive - did you get new bedding - love new sheets and cake at the garden centre - cake is always good

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By *nnCeeWoman
31 weeks ago

East of Eden, West of Hell


"Dunelm is fine, it’s not got the IKEA layout thing going on, at least…it’s just taking my parents would be easier if there was such a thing as dementia sheepdogs to help keep track of them, stop them making inappropriate comments to strangers etc…"

You could always buy them helium balloons and tie them to them - at least you'd spot them in the shop that way...

Seriously, though, I hope it wasn't too stressful today. Hope the tea was hot and the cake fresh at the garden centre. Sending hugs

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod

31 weeks ago

East Sussex


"One word. Ikea

We've never been. Every time we've tried divorce has been discussed on the journey there

I went once then said never again as you can never get out. Then my grown up kids tricked me and said you don't have to go through every section now , please come.

They lied. It is a shame they are too old or I would have grounded them !!

What a nightmare place"

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod

31 weeks ago

O o O oo


"One word. Ikea

We've never been. Every time we've tried divorce has been discussed on the journey there

I went once then said never again as you can never get out. Then my grown up kids tricked me and said you don't have to go through every section now , please come.

They lied. It is a shame they are too old or I would have grounded them !!

What a nightmare place

I visualise it like a 28 days later zombie meets crystal maze challenge, navigate the maze & win food near the exit "

That is a really good description

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By *ealitybitesMan
31 weeks ago

Belfast


"One word. Ikea

We've never been. Every time we've tried divorce has been discussed on the journey there

I went once then said never again as you can never get out. Then my grown up kids tricked me and said you don't have to go through every section now , please come.

They lied. It is a shame they are too old or I would have grounded them !!

What a nightmare place

I visualise it like a 28 days later zombie meets crystal maze challenge, navigate the maze & win food near the exit "

Those who don't complete the maze are transformed into zombie meatballs served up by the Swedish chef from the Muppets.

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By *nnCeeWoman
31 weeks ago

East of Eden, West of Hell


"One word. Ikea

We've never been. Every time we've tried divorce has been discussed on the journey there

I went once then said never again as you can never get out. Then my grown up kids tricked me and said you don't have to go through every section now , please come.

They lied. It is a shame they are too old or I would have grounded them !!

What a nightmare place

I visualise it like a 28 days later zombie meets crystal maze challenge, navigate the maze & win food near the exit

Those who don't complete the maze are transformed into zombie meatballs served up by the Swedish chef from the Muppets."

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