To think this isn’t that weird

Your DH would think I was an eccentric freak then OP. I went away for a week by myself a few weeks ago (except for the dog) and have booked to do the same next year. Mind you my DC are 20+ but DH didn't turn a hair.

I remember my uncle, who would be 100+ now, telling me that when he was a young man this was the case, but that is a long time ago. He also told me that around that time a man said "fuck" during his conversation and got physically thrown out! 😂Rural North East

On the odd occasion I had to stay somewhere that didn’t have room service available, I’d also take a book or my kindle with me to the table as a prop/buffer/safety net?

I haven’t needed to travel alone involving an overnight stay for quite sometime. I’d like to hope now I’m in my 40s, older, wiser, not to mention peri-menopausal, that should the need arise in future, I’d embrace the solo dining experience.

Not weird and I've been known to pop into a beer garden over the years with a sleeping baby in a pram just to sit in silence with a cold drink 👀🫣

Cider with ice is weird. Everything else? Brilliant and well done.

Nah, this sounds heavenly! And well done you for seizing the opportunity.

he must be methuseleh. I am old and have been going to pubs alone all my adult life.

Is he very, very old? Once upon a time it was considered unusual or even inappropriate for a woman to have a drink alone in a pub (although somehow magically OK if you also ordered food) and that attitude persisted in some rural pockets even into the late 20th century. Anyway, it sounds like you've discovered a nice little break for yourself - enjoy it, you definitely deserve it!

He’s enjoyed your anxiousness. Mine feeds my anxiety and it keeps us subservient, polite and obliging. I bet you wouldn’t have half as much anxiety if you weren’t with him.

Not weird, well done you ❤️

Well done and hope you enjoyed your me time. Totally not weird.

It's so normal I'm honestly not 100% sure what element he finds weird?

Is it drinking in the afternoon, going for a drink when you weren't planning it, just having a drink rather than a meal at a restaurant or the fact you're on your own?

Literally none of which are the slightest bit unusual, alone or in combination!

I could do with one of those now!!! I think you're being perfectly normal in my opinion, however I would question the bar person's choice of glass for a cider with ice, but that's just me.... 🤷🏼‍♀️😁 Cheers!! 🍻

That’s not weird. One of my favourite things to do is read a book with a nice drink in a beer garden.

Well done on being out and about alone!

Keep an eye on his attitude in case he picks at or dismisses your new achievements. He should be able to manage without you for a while without asking when you are coming home x

I'd make it a weekly thing and Let him take over at home for a bit to give you a break

This. Really don't get what could be weird about it.

Must admit I can't help wondering if something like this is going on.

Its such an odd reaction from him.

I used to feel like this but then I also had to travel regularly with work for a few years (many moons ago). I found taking a book with me made it feel much easier, it seems more socially acceptable somehow and you don't feel quite as awkward.

I think the physicality of a book is different than just scrolling on your phone. It almost makes it look as if you've gone to the pub/restaurant with purpose.

Once you've done that a few times, you realise that actually, it's perfectly OK and you don't even need the book any more (although I bloody love a couple of hours in a pub or restaurant sat reading!!)

Only mentioning in case this tip helps anyone who's worried about being seated alone.

Well done OP!
Might he just be a bit taken a back, given he's got used to you behaving in certain ways?
Tell him to get used to it 🙂

This 100%.

Is he generally controlling or critical of you op? O think we might have found the route of your anxiety 🤔.

It sounds bloody brilliant op, well done you 🍺

Your husband is weird not you.

I can't believe he is not over the moon happy for you that you are able to start living a normal life, doing normal things like this as you have found medication that works for you.

Sounds amazing. I miss the time pre kids that I’d arrange to meet DH in the pub after work but get there an hour before him with the evening standard to read and a bit of down time. I’ve quite often put a book in my bag this summer in the hope one of this opportunities might present itself, sadly not.
I hope you enjoyed it and had another!

I don't like having an alcoholic drink in the middle of the day if I've got to go back and do childcare. Not because I'd be pissed or incapable, but because I associate a drink with being able to relax for the day.

I'm assuming that you being summoned by phone means you will need to go back and do childcare 😖

However, there is NOTHING weird in sitting and enjoying a relaxing cider on a hot sunny afternoon.

Pre-DC I enjoyed many a lovely afternoon sat by myself in a pub garden or restaurant with a good book. Absolute heaven. Being able to enjoy a nice drink or good food without the pressure of company is a treat (and that's not to say I don't love my friends and family very much!)

Absolutely good for you. I hope you enjoyed this afternoon - and I hope you feel encouraged to repeat it when you get another opportunity.

@LazyLionsThat is fantastic. Which medication have you changed to? I am having similar (but not as severe) issues and was wondering.