Anyone else a loner?

[Kylereese]

Hello everyone

Been to a theme park today (husband at work, a days A/L due to no childcare - all planned) just me and my two children aged 7 and 5.

I seemed to be the only person there alone, there were either two parents, multi generational families or groups of friends.

I do have friends both with and without kids but I don’t always enjoy having to take into account what others want to do or where they want to go all the time. Sometimes I just want to do my own thing?

I felt like the odd one today!!

Anyone else?

I'm with you. I've got a preschool child and prefer doing things on my own with her. I love giving her my undivided attention - feel so torn when trying to hold a conversation with a friend and take interest in what shes doing too.

But I do like my own company anyway. My friend was recently telling me what she did on a rare childfree day - met one friend for coffee then another for lunch! I relish a day to myself pottering round the house, going to the gym and generally avoiding social contact!

I like my friends but I am quite independent and like being able to do my own thing - on holiday alone with the DC right now! I love the idea of days out and holidays with friends but I don’t like the actual practicalities of thinking about what everyone wants, etc.

Yes!!! Very much so. I always think about this! How lovely it would be to have friends to go on days out with.

@Powersout and @NoraLuka thank you! Just your two responses have assured me I’m not alone.

I enjoy adult time with other adults or time alone with me just me and my children/family.

I would love people to go out with for days out. I really envy those who are out with relatives or friends.

I definitely am. I love doing things alone so I can do exactly what I want, when I want and also change my mind if I want!

There are only certain people i like doing things with, friends who are very laid back, don't mind splitting up for a bit if we want to do different things and then meeting up again a bit later.

I've been out on trips with other mums and their children but I found i didn't actually get to spend much time with my own DC as they played with the friends DC and i chatted to the mum.

Yes. I feel fed up of being let down.

I'm on holiday on my own. I have very different interests, to almost all of my friends. I usually go to Lourdes with a group but it's cancelled this year. It's quite nice to do what I want to do, without worrying about anyone else. But I do seem to stick out as being on my own. Had a lovely dinner tonight but i could have used some company.

Much prefer the time with dc s ans dh

I think theme parks are different once kids get to a certain age and adults can go on the ride with them as lots of the rides work best with 2 people next to each other. Difficult if it’s an adult and 2 kids then. Or if one child doesn’t want to go on a particular ride they’re left on their own waiting while their sibling and parent go on. It’s better with even numbers I think. So I can totally see the advantage of pairing up at theme parks.

At other things, I’m not so sure. Who knows, now, mine are teens and no longer want to be seen dead with me . Appreciate the attention while you get it!

You weren't alone you were spending quality time with your lovely kids!

Thanks everyone.

I know what you mean - I used to sometimes do things with just DS because I couldn't be arsed dealing with other people's schedules, naps, delays, indecisiveness... It was handy, but I did feel a bit out of place. And now DS insists on having a posse in tow.

My absolute dream is to go through an airport on my own, at my own speed, not being responsible for anyone else. I wouldn't miss company AT ALL.

I used to take dd away for a couple of nights to the beach when she was younger, and I remember once bumping into a couple and their dc who we knew. They were horrified that I was 'alone' ie without adult company - it made me feel really self conscious, when up till then I hadn't given it a second thought.

I've always been a 'lone' parent out on day trips etc - I guess I've tended to feel more sorry for dd just being with me, rather than for me not having adult company.

How are you a loner if you spent time with your kids? 🤔

I do quite a lot on my own with kids as H can’t/won’t come along. I often prefer it that way to be honest so you’re definitely not alone.

I love being on my own or on my own except for the DC. It did make holidays a bit challenging when they were younger though and I didn't get to have a conversation with another adult for two or three weeks.