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AIBU?

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Original poster

Am I alone?

130 replies

WartFace · 03/06/2026 11:31

I often wonder how many other people out there are like me. I’m retired from a public sector job, as is my DH. We’re lucky enough to be comfortably off though not wealthy by most standards. It may just be an age thing, but I feel disconnected from most people’s interests and popular culture in general. I certainly don’t want to be judgemental or snobbish but I feel everyone wants to talk about travel and sport and popular culture all the time and I just enjoy quiet things! I know I’m privileged (very well educated) but I sometimes feel so lonely. Are there others out there like me?

OP posts:
tilypu · 03/06/2026 11:45

Nothing wrong with enjoying quiet things.

Also nothing wrong with enjoying travel, sport and popular culture.

What sort of quiet things do you enjoy? That might give us a clue as to how you can find people interested in similar things?

Original poster
WartFace · 03/06/2026 11:41

TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 03/06/2026 11:38

I'm not interested in sport, only academically interested in popular culture (the sociological/psychological angle), and not really interested in travel, except I'm interested in world cultures which is a bit different I think.
I'm passionate about art, films (mostly arthouse), literature, my garden and world affairs.
So you're not alone in your tastes.
There's a culture vultures board and a gardening board and a what we're reading board if you want to connect more on here. Real life, not so sure. I live pretty quietly these days it's true - and I rather like it! 😂

I could have written that exact same thing! The word that leapt out was ‘passionate’. I also think I’m a very intense person and most people aren’t (don’t blame them!).

OP posts:
Original poster
WartFace · 03/06/2026 11:39

I’m so sorry, T. I’ve only ever had a few friends but they are good ones and I value them very deeply. I try to get on ok with people but it often seems so superficial. I’ve learned to manage my expectations but I think social life and culture is generally just like that.

OP posts:
TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 03/06/2026 11:38

I'm not interested in sport, only academically interested in popular culture (the sociological/psychological angle), and not really interested in travel, except I'm interested in world cultures which is a bit different I think.
I'm passionate about art, films (mostly arthouse), literature, my garden and world affairs.
So you're not alone in your tastes.
There's a culture vultures board and a gardening board and a what we're reading board if you want to connect more on here. Real life, not so sure. I live pretty quietly these days it's true - and I rather like it! 😂

Teainapinkcup · 03/06/2026 11:34

WartFace · 03/06/2026 11:31

I often wonder how many other people out there are like me. I’m retired from a public sector job, as is my DH. We’re lucky enough to be comfortably off though not wealthy by most standards. It may just be an age thing, but I feel disconnected from most people’s interests and popular culture in general. I certainly don’t want to be judgemental or snobbish but I feel everyone wants to talk about travel and sport and popular culture all the time and I just enjoy quiet things! I know I’m privileged (very well educated) but I sometimes feel so lonely. Are there others out there like me?

I voted you are not being unreasonable as I feel the same way about it all. I have no friends I have a couple of acquaintances due to them being other mums only.