Things you 'ought to' like but subsequently gave up?

[MrsLCSofLichfield]

Do you ever realise that you are not really enjoying an activity, and that really it conforms to an idea of the sort of person you think you 'should' be, or aspire to be? Do you give it up with relief or sadness, or a combination of both?

Just a small example - I subscribe to a lot of magazines, it's one of my luxuries in life. The other day I cancelled two of them, admitting to myself that I don't really enjoy reading them, but somehow I feel like I should be the kind of person that enjoys them. I suppose we all have a self-image we cultivate, silly as it sounds.

So, just out of idle curiosity - what have you given up on that never really suited you? A hobby, a role, maybe even a whole way of life?

Beaches. Don't like pebbles, don't like sand. I'm happy to walk along a prom and look at the beach, but on holiday I'll take a swimming pool over the beach any day.

Classic novels. Always felt that I should like them, as a Proper Grown Up, but mostly I find them dull. Like films of classic novels though.

Wine. I went off champagne years ago, then prosecco went, and finally plain old white wine. It gives me stomach upset now.

When I was younger, live music. I never really sussed out what you’re supposed to do with yourself while it’s on, and I always just felt awkward. I like live classical music because you’re allowed to just sit still and it’s interesting to watch what the musicians do while they aren’t playing.
Now, snobby middle class type holidays beloved of the type who like to sneer at AI packages. I can snob with the best of them, but I like guaranteed hot sunshine, a short stroll to a nice beach and a decent bathroom, thanks. I get exhausted and want a shower just listening to my friends talking about their latest road trip across somewhere known for its lack of beaches.

And music festivals. I don't need many comforts and love camping but could never get excited about Glastonbury, download, Leeds or any of the other festivals. I find them Boring, dirty and a waste of money so I just accept it's not for me! I'd rather listen to music in the garden

Another one here who hates barbecues.
And going out in big groups. And festivals.

Parties - of any description
Not a big fan of Christmas either

Weddings, outdoor activities, reading, camping, shopping

Oh and going out in the evening

The elegance of refusal is alive and well on this thread - brava!

Relationships & dating, don't understand what the fuss is about

Journaling/Keeping a diary - I feel like I am the type of person that should like it and I love historical diaries/letters but I just can't do it. I can't tell you the amount of money I have spent on notebooks and pens to just fill in the first page and never go back to it.

I hate weddings. This includes my own. All that ceremony and dressing up to sit around feeling uncomfortable and hot. I rarely go to them now.

And films and TV. I don't like films as they are too long and can rarely be bothered watching a series despite people telling me how good they are!

Oh yes hot tubs & indeed any activities that involve getting wet or removing any clothing, swimming & spa would be a nightmare day out.

Skiing. I like the idea, and go willingly but then remember: I'm very unfit, I don't like anything which causes me discomfort or to expend a huge amount of effort (trogging around carrying skis wearing ski boots for example), it's cold, it's very spendy, and it's also full of arseholes.

I quite like the après ski though. That's fun.

Getting wet
Tea

Films
Weddings
Gardening
There. I said it.

Yes, skiing! I think I ought to try to get into it but just putting on all the gear is such an almighty faff!

Poetry makes my eyes glaze over.

I like the odd aria but not sure I ever want to sit through another opera.

I like walking along coastal paths but have no desire to spend any time sitting on a beach.

Cooking. I love eating but find cooking deathly dull.

Ice skating

Almond milk
Oat milk
Herbal tea
Rare steak
Complicated fish
Venison
Tennis
Grays Anatomy
Keira Knightly
Mamma Mia
Sushi
Unstructured clothes

Wait, I’m not done!

Clubbing
Festivals
Barbecues
Kissing ( specifically - ‘snogging’)
Loss of stuff involved in sex
Camping (obvs)

Oh and one more -

Agatha Christie novels

Baby / toddler activities where you have to sign up for half a term
Trying to fit in with a group of people you don’t really have much interest in
Pets
Netflix
Podcasts
Herbal / green tea
Nights out (a nice lunch / afternoon out is good though)

Colleagues - they’re not my friends and they’re also quite unpleasant. I just go to work to do my job now and it’s much better for my mind.

National Trust membership.
Sky/BT TV.
Hoovering.
Giving a shit.

Massages / facials - I just don't enjoy being rubbed / touched by strangers.
Saunas / steam rooms / long baths - wet heat makes me nauseous.
Poetry - FFS, say what you want to say straight out, don't make me work for it.
Mindfulness - I just don't have the patience.
Meryl Streep - too actressy. Only performance I could tolerate was Mamma Mia 2 in the christening scene when she was dead (appeared as a ghost).

Lots of things. But they mostly involve noise and people, if I'm honest.

The radio. I'm not fussed about music, I prefer silence. And if I do want to listen to music I'd prefer my choice, not some random DJs. I also really dislike conversation/chat on the radio, even stuff on Radio 4 for eg.

Musicals. I loathe musicals and for a long time thought that going to see a West End show should be something I'd enjoy. I don't. I hate it. I've seen several of the long running, massively popular ones. I've not enjoyed a single one. I can't follow half the lyrics and none of them make much sense to me. I'd rather watch a play.

Lobster. I love seafood. Love prawns and mussels. I feel like I should really enjoy lobster, and I just don't.

Anything that involves a crowd. I don't care if it's a day at a National Trust property, a sell out festival, a County Show or a carboot sale. If there are crowds and queues I'll just hate it.

Weekends away if you are staying in someone else's house, rather than a hotel.