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Original poster

Is it possible to go out and avoid photos?

34 replies

Aquarius1234 · 09/05/2026 19:35

Is it possible to make new friends, but avoid pictures?

Im in that late 30 to 40s bracket where its still possible to not do the selfie thing when going anywhere with a friend/ family or group activity/ night out/ theatre/ country walk. Whatever else.

Ive realised I really need to make new friends before I get too old..
Can't be too picky so it will likely be people in their 20/ 30s/ 40s.
I can't quite join the over 50 s groups yet lol

Anyway. I dont like being in photos due to a medical reason and never used to when younger. But I didnt have the medical issue. So put up with it..plus I was younger and fitter.

What am I supposed to say?
I have managed this most of the time with family. Or when going out with one person.
But new groups or activities is a whole other story.

OP posts:
CurdinHenry · 09/05/2026 19:57

What are the medical reasons?!?!

I am against photos faod I just try to drift away

Original poster
Aquarius1234 · 09/05/2026 19:56

theodextrey · 09/05/2026 19:48

I feel the same. Whenever I say I don’t want my photo taken I get treated like I’m some weirdo for not wanting my photo taken and posted ugh

Yeh and I can't see this changing any time soon...
A perfect example used to just be that some people are not beautiful and photogenic.

Im totally fine that im not great looking, which to me means stay away from photos! Your only gonna feel bad when you see them.

Why can't it just be the nice attractive ones are in the photos and the others stay back lol

OP posts:
LiviaDrusillaAugusta · 09/05/2026 19:55

Not quite ready to join the over 50s? It’s a shame really as they aren’t anywhere near as shallow. I have never taken a selfie in my life

Original poster
Aquarius1234 · 09/05/2026 19:52

Somesweetday · 09/05/2026 19:46

Quite frankly I find it absolutely ridiculous that taking photos has come to be seen as a compulsory part of doing things for a lot of people.

I don't see why you can't just say you don't want to be in a photo. If they think any the less of you for not wanting to be in a photo then are they people you really want to mix with anyway?

Tbh i woukd find oeople obsessed with taking selfies and photos pretty tedious .

Yes that's what I think.
I would have to say something and say Ill take the pictures. It'd still tedious though. And depending on what the social event its not gonna be that easy to avoid all.

I do feel I will be the awkward one so can see me not going back.

Im not even sure its easier with groups that are in their 50s and 60s?
Anyone else feel pressure to be in pictures when they can't be bothered.?

OP posts:
theodextrey · 09/05/2026 19:50

Somesweetday · 09/05/2026 19:46

Quite frankly I find it absolutely ridiculous that taking photos has come to be seen as a compulsory part of doing things for a lot of people.

I don't see why you can't just say you don't want to be in a photo. If they think any the less of you for not wanting to be in a photo then are they people you really want to mix with anyway?

Tbh i woukd find oeople obsessed with taking selfies and photos pretty tedious .

Exactly! It’s like some people act like if you don’t take photos the event didn’t happen ugh 🙄

theodextrey · 09/05/2026 19:48

I feel the same. Whenever I say I don’t want my photo taken I get treated like I’m some weirdo for not wanting my photo taken and posted ugh

Somesweetday · 09/05/2026 19:46

Quite frankly I find it absolutely ridiculous that taking photos has come to be seen as a compulsory part of doing things for a lot of people.

I don't see why you can't just say you don't want to be in a photo. If they think any the less of you for not wanting to be in a photo then are they people you really want to mix with anyway?

Tbh i woukd find oeople obsessed with taking selfies and photos pretty tedious .

Original poster
Aquarius1234 · 09/05/2026 19:43

PsychoSyd · 09/05/2026 19:38

You could always offer to be the one behind the camera. That's been working for me for years.

Yes Ive thought about this, but chances are there will be at least a couple of people taking pictures.
Even when I went to a film quiz in a dark pub over a year ago, one person started taking pictures then another wanted a group picture at the end.
I realised and just said I needed to get my train home.

Can you always be constantly looking around a table and be ready to get up as soon as someone gets their phone out?

Its hard isn't it! Hense me hardly going out.
I feel like cinema is the only thing available.

I do find it starts off with no pictures as of course everyone is a stranger. But it doesn't take long for one person to put up a photo!

Its a shame as you can have a good time without photo evidence.
Plus privacy issues.

OP posts:
PsychoSyd · 09/05/2026 19:38

You could always offer to be the one behind the camera. That's been working for me for years.

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