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Original poster

Argh. Holiday, lonely, feel ridiculous

19 replies

Seenonchannel4 · 02/08/2019 18:38

Oh god - I’m on holiday, at a German campsite, on my own with DS who’s 8. Lone parent. Been here 5 nights, 2 to go. Have barely spoke to anyone. Everyone’s German and in a 2.4 family.
Feeling old and lonely! What am I doing here?!

Please give me some perspective, rational people. DS, thankfully, is having an amazing time and has made loads of friends

OP posts:

KavvLar · 02/08/2019 18:42

Oh no! Don't worry you are doing great, if Ds is having fun that's half the battle. Is there anything you can get involved with, any activities, or is it just a case of trying to get through the next couple of days? If so, hold your head high and try and enjoy what you can.

TweezerMay · 02/08/2019 18:43

You’re going great, it can be intimidating going abroad on your own if you don’t speak the language. And you said DS is having a great time, which is brilliant. Try and enjoy your last couple of days. It sounds like DS is appreciating it!

superram · 02/08/2019 18:44

Don’t worry about it-download some books, buy some wine and embrace it. You’re not lonely, we are here. Or just hang around your sons friends parents.

cushioncovers · 02/08/2019 18:45

Wow I take my hat off to you to do that on your own. Be proud of yourself for that. You've done tremendously well.

Original poster

Seenonchannel4 · 02/08/2019 19:05

Thank you for the replies everyone. Means a lot. It’s silly as it’s not like this is unexpected, I just think I overestimated the appeal of being on my own all week ... it’s bloody hard!! I’m very happy with DS being off with a little gang - all talking in broken English and German - but I just feel lonely and a bit redundant tbh.

OP posts:

Thisisanillegalbingogame · 02/08/2019 19:05

I understand how you feel-I take my 2 dc on holiday and out for days on my own and sometimes get side-swiped by that feeling of being all alone. Usually it doesn’t bother me and I feel strong and capable but there are definitely times when I feel unutterably lonely. Hang in there-you are doing an awesome job and your son will remember how his mum took him on a fab holiday.

Original poster

Seenonchannel4 · 02/08/2019 19:54

Oh, well I feel cheered up by all of you. Thank you!
Feels good I’ve given DS a good holiday and on the whole it’s been fine, it’s just the evenings. Bit tough. I’m sitting in the main restaurant and definitely feel like the odd one out

OP posts:

cushioncovers · 02/08/2019 20:14

I think it's only natural to feel like that. You're not alone a lot of us have and still do feel like that at times.

TinklyLittleLaugh · 02/08/2019 20:26

Bloody hell you’re a good mum. Don’t think I’d have the guts to do that on my own. Your DS must get his confidence from you. Sounds like you’re doing a great job.

Original poster

Seenonchannel4 · 02/08/2019 22:08

Oh thanks everyone. Very kind replies.

We head off to a city tomorrow for a few nights which I’m happy about, as I think I’ll find that easier than the jolly family campsite setting!

OP posts:

earlgreymarl · 02/08/2019 22:11

Hello! Don't feel too badly , I am away with Ds 6. Even if you think you are alone you are not. I have seen plenty of less than jolly families and lots of single parent / single kid set ups.

Hope you have a lovely and relaxing holiday xx

earlgreymarl · 02/08/2019 22:15

Sorry that probs sounded dismissive . I really mean good on you and things are not as rosy as they seem for everyone else. Good on you and make the most of it, you are brilliant.

Holibobsing · 02/08/2019 22:15

Just don't mention the war 🙊

madeyemoodysmum · 02/08/2019 22:20

Bless you but hats off to you for doing it. Maybe next time book something with less people about. A villa or something so you and ds spend the time together more. I find city breaks great with kids. Museums castles etc
Great for a weekend.

Holibobsing · 02/08/2019 22:20

Only meant to cheer you up, Faulty towers sketch. Hats off to you. He will remember you enjoying his holiday and that's wonderful.

se22mother · 02/08/2019 22:23

I went away with dd earlier in the summer. Relax and enjoy your special downtime and don't worry about other families

Spanglyprincess1 · 02/08/2019 22:24

I've travelled alone with ds, but he's tiny so I'm stuck in hotel room from 8pm.
I'd echo. Wine, nice book and tasty posh nibbles. Have an adult bed picnic and chill.
If your in the restaurant same theory order something lush a large wine and relax while your dc have a great time.

BedraggledBlitz · 02/08/2019 23:00

I know the feeling. Seeing seemingly happy 2.4 units all over can knock your confidence. But it's comparing someone's outsides to your insides isn't it. Like others have said try to focus on relaxing and treating yourself to book, booze etc

I bet you are dead proud of your son, making friends and navigating language barriers. That'll stand him in good stead for his future.

Namechangeforthiscancershit · 02/08/2019 23:06

2.4 family set ups means constantly compromising and seeing what the other one feels like doing. You have a very happy DS which just leaves yourself to please. I would welcome the solitude- good books and fancy wine plus whatever suits you food wise. If you are more of a friends-on-holiday person then DS's friends' parents is a great place to start.

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