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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

IABU but I do not like outside

90 replies

idonotlikebeingoutside · 07/04/2026 10:24

I do not like being outside.

It has taken me a while to admit this to myself as it feels like a moral failing in many ways.

I love looking at the outside. At beautiful views, or when I wake up in the morning and take in the birds singing and the fields and the blossom. It’s beautiful. But actually in it? When it’s either too chilly or hot, and you don’t get to sit down, and it’s, you know, a bit too outsidey. Oh and bugs, and itchy grass.

I would far rather a day indoors contained.

Unfortunately I have young children. I have to hide the fact I hate garden play and parks and walks, for their benefit. But given the choice give me a rainy day ‘oh what a shame!’ Soft play it is!

OP posts:
Dinosuarlady2026 · 07/04/2026 10:50

idonotlikebeingoutside · 07/04/2026 10:31

I always wonder what the soft play hate is on here.

So they are loud yeah but so are most places with little kids.

I get to
sit down
if I go with a friend talk to them
if I’m alone browse my phone
the kids play
it isn’t generally that expensive

maybe I am missing something

No phobia of outside. Given the choice I’d rather be inside though.

Show quote history

I think it’s just because I still have a small child that requires me to follow her around everywhere so I can’t catch up with a friend or chill yet! You’ve just given me hope for the future though 😁

SquidPotato · 07/04/2026 10:49

I agree. I’m happy to spend time outside when it’s nice weather. Short walks around nice places, sitting outside to eat etc. But if it’s windy or rainy or muddy, I have no desire to be outside at all.

It’s tedious that people here are suggesting it means some kind of anxiety or that you’re just not doing “going outside” right, it’s just a preference like any other. I’m not some idiot who wants to go for a walk and doesn’t realise I’d be warm with the right clothes. I’m just someone who doesn’t want to put on clothes I don’t want to wear to do an activity I don’t want to do!

JoeSikoraTommysStory · 07/04/2026 10:48

Nothing worse than being outside just because!
I need an aim, shopping/meeting someone/going to work otherwise it’s boring and pointless.

KevinsSignatureShortdeads · 07/04/2026 10:44

I don’t think the UK weather helps; we have high expectations of nice weather, but it’s usually so disappointing. You know where you are with autumn and winter. I think I have Seasonal Affective Disorder in reverse and long for the dark nights.

weareallcats · 07/04/2026 10:43

I too am very indoorsy by nature. I am extremely fussy about the temperature - I like 14 and sunny, no wind, and that’s about it.

rosycheex · 07/04/2026 10:42

Start growing things in your. Garden

Original poster
idonotlikebeingoutside · 07/04/2026 10:40

If you’re cold/ hot you’re not dressed for the weather

The weather isn’t consistent though, is it? So you have to take waterproofs or jumpers / coats you don’t need and carry them or be too cold / hot, sometimes within the same ten minutes.

I don’t have a phobia. Just like being able to park my arse somewhere for a while 🤣

I’m outside loads, I just generally CBA with it. My children are in the garden all the time and want me there too. Then we have battles when I want them to come in to eat or have a bath and go to bed.

roll on autumn!

OP posts:
Deadringer · 07/04/2026 10:37

I am not very outdoorsy, but when I force myself out on a nice day, usually with the dog, I am always glad I did.

u3ername · 07/04/2026 10:36

If you’re cold/ hot you’re not dressed for the weather. If you prefer dusty, germ-full, plastic soft play indoors, you may have anxieties around not contained areas or some sensory disorder?
It may not feel right but plenty of research has proven being outdoors is healthier for your body and mind. Do you just not believe that?

I’d say keep doing more of it incrementally for a period of time and journal to observe what happens.

Original poster
idonotlikebeingoutside · 07/04/2026 10:31

Dinosuarlady2026 · 07/04/2026 10:26

I was 100% with you till I saw your comment about soft plays, I find those places hell on earth 😂

I always wonder what the soft play hate is on here.

So they are loud yeah but so are most places with little kids.

I get to
sit down
if I go with a friend talk to them
if I’m alone browse my phone
the kids play
it isn’t generally that expensive

maybe I am missing something

No phobia of outside. Given the choice I’d rather be inside though.

OP posts:
KevinsSignatureShortdeads · 07/04/2026 10:31

I’m similar to an extent; the conditions have to be perfect or else I just find it a bit irritating being outside.

I find summer difficult because as soon as there’s even a hint of sun, everyone insists on sitting outdoors to eat etc and I can’t stand it. It’ll be 17 degrees, windy AF, napkins flying everywhere…such a joy.

MyCheeryMouse · 07/04/2026 10:30

I’m 100% with you.

5foot5 · 07/04/2026 10:27

Is this just a "dislike" or is it some kind of phobia or anxiety associated with being out of the house?

Dinosuarlady2026 · 07/04/2026 10:26

I was 100% with you till I saw your comment about soft plays, I find those places hell on earth 😂

DinosaurBlue · 07/04/2026 10:25

Right with you OP.

Luckily DH is in to all that but he does get fed up it’s all on him so I have to take over sometimes…

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