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Original poster

Help me plan my secret day off tomorrow.

106 replies

CHO0SE · 18/08/2025 20:19

I have taken annual leave for the day.
My husband and kids don’t know, I know it might sound wrong but I need a break.
To put it mildly, it’s been the worst year of my life.
Anyway, I’ve booked a massage for the morning. I’ll probably go to the beach for a bit and find somewhere nice for lunch. what else shall I do?
Im so looking forward to it. Can’t do anything at home as husband and both teens will be there.
Thanks for any ideas
I’ll be in Shoreham area if anyone has any wise ideas for there or nearby but just anything really

OP posts:
FurForksSake · 18/08/2025 20:25

Pub. Pub garden? Wonder around Waitrose, b&m and the range.

I love a slow wander around Waitrose and buying some snacks that the kids will not be having. They’ve got some lovely grown up gelato.

or I’d go to the garden centre and eat a massive piece of cake. Alone.

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 18/08/2025 20:24

Second the cinema, I also like museums and art galleries, a good country house/national trust property etc. (I don’t have a clue as to what’s available where you are.)
Is there anywhere you’ve always wanted to go, but no one else has?

Focussingonme · 18/08/2025 20:24

I love this and do it too sometimes!!

Why don't you find a nice pub for your lunch, sit in the pub garden and eat with a book all afternoon and enjoy the sun - and a few nice mocktails if your driving? Or the cinema if there's something you fancy seeing?

Otherwise, I also like to find little independent shops, browse all the lovely interesting things and treat myself to something small. Often jewellery or a candle holder or picture frame - my DH doesn't notice those kinds of things but they bring me joy and remind me of a lovely day.

Before others pile on about how you shouldn't need to do things in secret, sometimes that's half the point. Everyone knows my every move at every moment and I'm usually run ragged trying to pick everyone up, get to clubs with bags and sort dinner on top of work so this is my sanity. I don't have hobbies, but this is my equivalent.

Enjoy OP, it'll be lovely!!

Superscientist · 18/08/2025 20:24

I used to call these days sneaky free time!
Enjoy your day!

Funsummerfun · 18/08/2025 20:23

Oh lovely! Enjoy! I would probably go to slightly naff shops like a big TK maxx or a shopping outlet, but I know that's not for everyone!

Cinema? Or do you want to be outside? Mooch around Arundel?

NonHighStreetClothes · 18/08/2025 20:21

Cinema in the afternoon