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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to have no hobbies

135 replies

BunTHoven · 05/06/2025 15:31

Over the years, I’ve noticed a curious pattern across countless threads on here: time and again, the narrative involves the OP - or a close relation, be it a spouse, sibling, or friend - grappling with some issue or entanglement related to a hobby. These pastimes are often alluded to in oblique or cryptic terms, as though their mere mention might unravel anonymity.

AIBU to have no hobbies whatsoever?

I work full-time. I commute. I have two children—one teen and one tween. Even if I did somehow carve out a scrap of time, I genuinely wouldn’t know how to fill it.

Does this make me the odd one out? Or is it that Mumsnet, by some strange gravity, draws to it a disproportionate number of stories where hobbies play a central role?

YABU = having no hobbies is weird AF
YANBU = lots of people don't have a hobby

OP posts:
Lavender14 · 05/06/2025 15:44

Ponderingwindow · 05/06/2025 15:34

If you get a chance to relax, what do you do, just stare at the walls? Most people have some sort of recreation that they enjoy. It might just be so integrated into their life that they don’t think of it as a hobby.

^this.

What do you do when you're not working or being 'mummy'? What is just for you?

Sometimes it's as simple as taking a really nice bath or going for walks or getting nails done or cooking new recipes because you want to try them out. But there should be something in your life that refills your cup and that you just enjoy.

Koalafan · 05/06/2025 15:43

hydriotaphia · 05/06/2025 15:38

Completely agree, I have no free time and no hobbies (unless you count reading before bedtime). It is very normal for a working parent imho.

Reading probably is your hobby, if you get pleasure from it.

Ryeman · 05/06/2025 15:43

It's probably not as uncommon as you think to have no hobbies. And if you're happy like that then fine. What do you do in your spare time though? I find it hard to believe when people say they don't have a single scrap of time to pursue a hobby. Your house must be immaculate!

Koalafan · 05/06/2025 15:42

YANBU to not have hobbies, however hobbies can be beneficial for well being. Maybe once the kids get a bit older you could try some different things.

DorothyStorm · 05/06/2025 15:42

Are hobbies a class thing? I read something the other day on here that alluded to it, saying something about people with no hobbies who just watch tv.

I’ve had lots of different hobbies over the years. But it is certainly more difficult to maintain at my current middle-age with teenage children, a full-time job with an hour commute each way, and ageing parents who currently need me.

Notyomama · 05/06/2025 15:40

I don't think it's vital to have a hobby but it's nice to have one - it gives you an outlet that's not work or home, something that's about what you enjoy. I sing in a choir and I love it. I also go to the gym which isn't really a hobby as such but I love it too (way more that I thought I would).

CharlotteRumpling · 05/06/2025 15:40

If you are happy with no hobbies, then continue. I wouldn't be happy.

hydriotaphia · 05/06/2025 15:38

Completely agree, I have no free time and no hobbies (unless you count reading before bedtime). It is very normal for a working parent imho.

MissDoubleU · 05/06/2025 15:34

I’d say you might feel more fulfilled if you did something you enjoy, surely??

No hobby? None at all? Light reading, the crossword, watching particular shows? It doesn’t need to be mountain biking but it’s quite sad and u healthy to say there is no time for your personal enjoyment and to do the thing you find joy in, whatever that is.

Ponderingwindow · 05/06/2025 15:34

If you get a chance to relax, what do you do, just stare at the walls? Most people have some sort of recreation that they enjoy. It might just be so integrated into their life that they don’t think of it as a hobby.

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