What has 2020 taught you?

[NoEffingWay]

I have learnt to appreciate the small things, to let old grievances go, to love my dp and ds openly and freely, that kindness is invaluable and to be thankful for all I have.

It turns out all I needed I had anyway, but didn't realise.

I'm quite happy pottering.

That many people are even more self centred, stupid and irresponsible than I previously thought. It explains why we have the government we have.

That some people I thought I knew and respected are deeply disappointing. On the other hand some other people I know have really helped me to remain grounded and I appreciate them even more than I did before. It's possible to deepen some of your friendships.

That anger eventually exhausts itself, you realise that there is a lot you can't control and you have to have faith that adversity doesn't last for ever.

That I had no idea how empty my life was. My life hasn't changed very much. As a single mum I'm totally used to not having much of a social life. I didn't realise that so many people went out so much and spent so much time with their parents. I can't get my head around how many people are in tears about Christmas. I feel like I'm a bit weird.

Also, that we live in a great area and days out close by are fine. Picncis rock, especially with small kids. I now don't have to justify not spending £100 on a day out because everyone is doing it too! (and enjoying it, oddly)

That I chose the wrong career (secondary school teacher 25 years in).

As did my DH (secondary school teacher 25 years in).

That my life is empty

That I was right in thinking most people are arseholes and I prefer animals.

That no matter how much I moan about going to work,I truly miss my job and realise how much I need to work for my mental wellbeing.

Fingers crossed we're going back on 1st Jan - take away only but still,we'll be open again! Best Christmas present ever!

That I like just being with my husband and 3 kids. And all those Christmases having 20 people around have gone. Thank God.

@westr

That my life is empty

Yes actually, me too.

I hate this government more than I thought possible. The divide of the have and the have nots. The way people don’t give a shit about our teachers. How many village idiots there are.

That kindness is the key to unlocking happiness. That also includes being kind to yourself.

2020 has taught me what I already suspected, that the world and most people in it are really quite shitty. I prefer animals.

To never ever ever sneer at someone with what used to seem a shit job.... These are the people that are truly holding this coutry together...

Anyone working any job I will have great respect for.

I learned a lot in 2020.

1. Don't drop a friend who was good to you in the past when another friend appears.
2. Stop using covid as an excuse not to meet someone but then get caught in local good shopping town with your "new best friend."
3. Don't lie to people because other people are not as stupid/gullable as you think. They know your lying and will say it to you in time.
4. Don't expect friends to be their once this whole covid thing improves if you have been making no effort to meet or keep in contact them.
5. Ex boyfriend. You had your chance in the past with me. Since you picked her over me I have no intention of getting into a fwb situation with you. You can't have your cake and eat it.
6. Getting some volunteer work. I got great experience, made new friends and in time I know it will help with interviews and for a new job.
7. Rather than rushing into things I learned to stand back and see how things unfolded before getting involved.

That the important ones are my family and everyone else can just keep away.

Everyone has just turned on each other and it's pointless, totally pointless.

Me particularly: who my true friends are. Who actually cares for me.

This, and it's not who I thought it was.

Not RTFT

that I need people. Gigs. Clubs. Life connections however fleeting with strangers.

Dancing anonymously.

That this is actually not how most people feel.

And that I can't live like this. At all.

This time last year I was feeling bored in my job and looking around for other things. That seems weird now. This year I have really rediscovered my love for it.

A lot about nature and the local environment.
That I had underestimated how bad Mr Johnson would be as a Prime Minister.
That technology can be a help not always a hindrance.

How important immediate family is and how little we matter to wider family.

I've learnt who my friends are

We are an island of mostly idiots

The Tories, and those that vote for them, are vile

I love Sherry

Boris Johnson has made being lied to no longer shocking

Oh, and Mumsnet doesn't put in paragraphs even when you do 🙄

After losing both parents and my job this year, I've learnt that I have an inner strength I never knew existed.