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Original poster

To have “childish” hobbies?

209 replies

Littleanchor · 13/02/2026 12:23

I am 32 and I still play the sims occasionally and I love to colour. I have an assortment of different colouring pens and books and find it very relaxing to switch my mind off and do some colouring. Is this really pathetic?

They’re not my only hobbies. I also like to swim and read and go to shows and concerts, and we don’t have children so spend a lot of weekends exploring new places etc. but I almost feel ashamed of playing computer games and colouring in… my friends and colleagues are at home raising children and I’m sat colouring haha. Does anyone else have hobbies or interests that would be perceived as childish?

OP posts:
Redpaisley · 15/02/2026 04:29

longtompot · 13/02/2026 12:53

I saw a post on Instagram only yesterday from someone wearing one of those Oura rings and it showed how high their stress levels were when watching tv against how low they went when they were colouring in their colouring books. It seems to reset their brains and helps them relax.
Anyway, yanbu to enjoy your hobby. I love crochet, knitting, gardening and cross stitching and have done most of these things since my mid 20s, age is not a determiner of what hobby is acceptable. My dh is mid 50s and still loves pc gaming, something I have never got into, although I do enjoy free puzzle games on my phone

I have noticed this too. Whenever I draw, colour, make any sort of art, I feel so relaxed.

I think it applies to any sort of craft where your attention move to the activity.

Do you mind if I ask you about the instagram account which posted this?

Strngerthings · 15/02/2026 02:10

Corknut · 15/02/2026 00:20

I’m 40, have a DD and I play Call of Duty, build miniature kits and I’ve just started learning electric guitar - YOLO, do you

plunder or resurgence or battle royal ?

Pryceosh1987 · 15/02/2026 00:41

Colouring is good, i stopped in my early teens doing that though. I used to draw things with my brothers and colour them in. A hobby is a hobby, its nothing to be ashamed of.

Corknut · 15/02/2026 00:20

I’m 40, have a DD and I play Call of Duty, build miniature kits and I’ve just started learning electric guitar - YOLO, do you

grafittiartist · 14/02/2026 23:55

I have just realised another hobby of mine that resurfaced from childhood- a dolls house.
That is lots of fun and quite addictive!

MauveLibrary · 14/02/2026 22:13

If you have a hobby that you love and you arent hurting anyone by doing it then absolutely crack on with whatever makes you happy. I love gaming, crocheting, adult colouring and reading. These things bring me joy and help me unwind. Nothing better than curling up with a cup of tea and a good book on the kindle or gently and calmly crocheting a blanket while I have Netflix on or listening to an audiobook while I do some adult colouring for mindfulness. I love playing some of the relaxing platform or open world games on the Switch. With the world feeling like such a frightening and depressing place its important to do things that make us all happy and relaxed.

WashingQueen16 · 14/02/2026 21:58

Im in my 40's and I like colouring.
I have my own book & pens, would maybe let the kids have a go now they are older teens and won't ruin them lol.

I also love Pokemon Go & can be found going for Pokewalks alone or with other adults I met in town that also play. Get some funny looks from other people though but I don't care. The kids don't play like they used to so won't go walking with me any more.

I like crafts too - card making, scrap booking, sticking, glueing, trying new crafts.

I know loads of adults that play various computer games.

I think whatever helps you unwind. I like things that with little or no thinking involved, often creative stuff, as I use a lot of brain power at work.

RoniPepper · 14/02/2026 21:53

I'm 48 and I love colouring. I also have a collection of cuddly toys🙂

Coco1379 · 14/02/2026 20:32

I thought colouring was a ‘thing’ - loads of books for adults on Amazon, and it’s more sophisticated now with shading. I’ve always liked it, so what anyone else thinks doesn’t bother me.

Panjandrum123 · 14/02/2026 20:20

OP carry on being you. You’re not alone.
I’m 60, still play video games. Anything from Animal Crossing to the Like a Dragon Yakuza games. I will be getting GTA VI when it launches. Intermittently I bake, I read, I go to theatre/concerts/comedy gigs. I crochet blankets and Amigurumi, I own colouring books (DP bought me some) need to get back to them.
Do what floats your boat, and never mind what anyone else thinks.

BoldAmberCat · 14/02/2026 20:11

I compete in hobby horse competitions, dressage & showjumping. I’m the only adult in the UK competing.

JustMeAndTheFish · 14/02/2026 20:10

Can you give a clue about the utter shite?

TheatreTraveller · 14/02/2026 20:07

I'm a fairly successful and "grown up" adult by conventional standards, 2 Degrees, professional career, married, 2 small children.

My hobbies are musical theatre, Disney, Lego, reading and I LOVE Sims!! Just enjoy what you enjoy, life is short 😊

Noodles1234 · 14/02/2026 20:04

Not at all, there are plenty of adult colouring books it is a popular way to relax and for mindfulness. I know a few adults who play SIMS / Animal Crossing, in this world it is a gentle escape. You go and enjoy.

Unprecedentedusername · 14/02/2026 19:41

I like Hollow Knight and embroidery which is colouring in with thread

CeeJay26 · 14/02/2026 19:19

I spent most of my second mat leave playing Witcher 3. Do not care if childish 😂

Tamboreen · 14/02/2026 19:12

Sounds nice and much better than doom scrolling

BassBug · 14/02/2026 19:12

InMySpareTime · 14/02/2026 18:54

I’m Autistic but would also love it if Neurotypicals normalised play and curiosity into adulthood.
The world is better if people are confident to be individuals with interests rather than a homogeneous herd.

Show quote history

I try to have minimal contact with 'greys' (NT's) because they drain me! I think they would only normalise play if their favourite celebrity or influencers told them to. There's only so much BS I can put up with in a day! 😂

Libertoo · 14/02/2026 19:11

Don’t worry about it - I’m 36 and love board games and graphic novels as well as the more “normal” things like going to the beach, hiking etc. The ladies in the office looked at me like I had two heads when we were discussing free time 😂

InMySpareTime · 14/02/2026 18:54

BassBug · 14/02/2026 18:42

Are you possibly Autistic? Nothing wrong with it, do what makes you happy. If it makes others feel uncomfortable then get better friends.

I’m Autistic but would also love it if Neurotypicals normalised play and curiosity into adulthood.
The world is better if people are confident to be individuals with interests rather than a homogeneous herd.

MrsKJones · 14/02/2026 18:50

grafittiartist · 13/02/2026 12:27

It s a lovely thing to have a hobby. Really important I think. Much better than mindless scrolling!
I recently bought myself a sticker book- because it was all about fashion history which I love! And I’m not their target age range at all :)

I love the "grown up" sticker books. I got some geometric ones from Costco and they're great

BassBug · 14/02/2026 18:42

Are you possibly Autistic? Nothing wrong with it, do what makes you happy. If it makes others feel uncomfortable then get better friends.

Bookaholicwithwine · 14/02/2026 17:54

I am 33 with a teenage child and I still love playing sims ! Just bought latest pack !

Peachee · 14/02/2026 17:46

I am 35 and I have only recently admitted I am addicted to a game on Roblox 🙈😆. It helps me decompress and reduces my mindless scrolling. It’s only recently that I have started gaming again and I think I am actually a bit of a gamer..

BauhausOfEliott · 14/02/2026 16:30

PyongyangKipperbang · 13/02/2026 16:08

I have a lego obsession. I find it really helps with mental health, focussing on the build helps to destress and feel centered. Its so mindful. Yet I have been told lego is for kids....sod off is it! They make specific ranges aimed at adults ffs!

ETA the worst thing about lego is following any groups on SM, and seeing comments from Americans about "legos" NO!!!!!!!! Just fucking NO!

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