If you live on your own what do you do with a free Sunday afternoon?

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DH died a few months ago. Friends have been lovely, involving me in their plans and keeping me busy but, especially at weekends, they have their own families and partners too.

On an afternoon like today with no other plans, DH and I would have taken a drive out somewhere, gone for a walk, gone sightseeing or started the wine early pottered in the garden.

All can be done on your own, I suppose, but not so comfortably. In fact, I'm just back from a solo walk in our local woodland. I was the only person alone (without a dog), two people asked if I'd lost my dog and one warned me that there's a flasher about and I shouldn't be there on my own! Is it really so unusual to go for a walk on your own?

Not at all - I live alone (see boyfriend once a week), and walk a lot on Sundays, either locally or Wainwright bagging in the Lakes. If locally I tend to go out early or listen to music or a podcast - I really like that Fi Glover and Jane Garvey one at the moment, it’s nice and chatty.

I also garden, go to NT and RHS properties, drive to Blackpool (an hour away) and have a walk on the beach to blow the cobwebs away if I’ve been cooped up all week, craft, binge watch stuff, read ALL the Sunday broadsheets, batch cook, garden centre, have something nice for tea.

If you’re used to doing all this with someone else it will take time to get used to doing it solo. But I like it - it means I don’t have to compromise.

Not really that helpful to you but my dad and his brother, both widowers, both in their 70s spend a lot of time walking in the countryside. Not a new thing, they've always done it, sometimes together, quite often alone. My uncle says he often gets stopped by people who tell him he should get a dog. He always replies with "why? I don't need a dog as an excuse to go for a walk". I guess some people do!
Both do have quite outdoorsy hobbies (birdwatching, trains, photography etc) so are often out.
What do you like to do, OP? No reason you can't do any of it alone, if you are comfortable doing so. Are there any local groups or meet ups in your area?

No. I have a husband but often go for a walk alone and I see lots of people alone. Not an odd thing to do at all round here.

I walk and run on my own all the time, even up hills and round forests etc.
Sunday afternoons are often housework afternoon. I've just been for a swim, having a cuppa and then going to do some food prep for the week. The gym is usually quiet on a Sunday afternoon so that's always a good option. Quite often my mum rings for an epic chat but she did that yesterday. Wash the car, gardening, food shop, or just chill out!

gardening, ironing, trying new recipes, visiting friends or family, gossiping on the phone.

This weekend, sorting through Autumn clothes and realising I badly need some warmer tops .

Then a martial arts class later

I don't know why it's seen as strange to go for a walk on your own but I do always feel a bit odd (I still do it though). Happy to go for a run alone so not sure why walking is any different. How about signing up to Borrow my Dog?

On weekends when I don't see DP I read the Sunday papers, weed the garden (infinite job I can never get on top of!), read a book (sometimes in bed!), catch up with TV series, get ready/ plan for the week ahead (wash hair, do nails, go through week planner thinking about tasks to be done, order online shop, meal plan, etc.). Cook something nice.And yes, I drink wine.

Oh widowed Sundays are the worst! My husband died 6 years ago now but I used to really treat myself on Sundays to get through them. Lovely food from M and S, read, listen to podcasts, watch what I wanted on TV and then an early night. How old are you? If you’re under 50 WAY Widowed and Young is a lifeline. I’ve just got a puppy, I should’ve got her years ago but wanted to wait until I was ready. My heart feels full of love and content again so if you’re an animal lover I highly recommend that.

Sorry for your loss OP.

I walk alone a lot, I just like it, great to go at your own pace and I like the peace and quiet. My advice is to dress for exercise, no one would bat an eyelid and someone in running trousers, trainers etc. Air pods are also great. I see so many people out exercising, I wouldn't think twice about them being on their own.

@suckingonchillidogs

I don't know why it's seen as strange to go for a walk on your own but I do always feel a bit odd (I still do it though). Happy to go for a run alone so not sure why walking is any different. How about signing up to Borrow my Dog?

Yes, I run in the same woods alone all the time and that's fine. It did feel like people found it odd to be walking alone though - they told me so!

Interestingly, in real waking country, like the Lakes, I think it's less unusual to see someone walking alone?

I would also second getting a dog. You'll never have that alone feeling on a walk again (or at home for that matter). They really do make wonderful companions.

I can't have dog. I work full time and have a very busy social life, except on Sundays!

Sorry for your loss op , no I don’t think walking alone is unusual I see plenty doing that . If you enjoy it on your own though that’s the thing . I have a friend who lives alone no partner or dc , she is in a walking group so Sunday's she goes on a big walk with the group , you could look into that. .

Sorry about your loss.

I have a family but often walk alone. I have a friend who loves walking with me but i often go alone. Quarries and mountains. Love it!

I dedicate the whole day to self care. I lie in, make a delicious indulgent nutritious breakfast (scrambled egg and salmon on toast or eggs Benedict)have a long leisurely bath complete with face and hair mask, take time to moisturise my whole body with luxurious high scented body lotion, masturbate, read, watch a movie or box set.

Sorry for your loss

I live with family but walk (or run) alone at some point most days. Often during my working day for a break. I personally wouldn't think twice about someone walking alone, even without a dog.

I haven't had a Sunday to myself for a long time, but if I did I would go for a walk or run, a potter round some shops perhaps, for a swim, gardening... something that involves getting outside. Followed by a long bath, some time to read and a bit of crochet. Perhaps if you are busy the rest of the week it would be nice to spend only doing things you enjoy and feel a little indulgent, so no house work or chores etc... this way it can start to feel like a day to look forward to. A day for you.

I’m sorry for your loss OP

Solo walking can be lovely - like meditation at the same time as exercise. For when the weather’s less favourable, do you have any crafty or artistic hobbies? I like jigsaw puzzles, and I picked up an embroidery kit a while ago which I keep meaning to start. It feels like an autumnal sort of project so perhaps I’ll get into it soon.

I do see lone walkers and fell runners a fair bit in the Lakes, although not many solo women. This could be because not as many women know how to navigate some of the more remote ones? Eg taking a bearing, pacing out, etc? When I do see one, I always get a flash of a solidarity smile though, which always makes me happy.

Like another poster suggested, I do get more questions if I’m in jeans and a waxed jacket than if I’m in exercise gear.

Sorry for your loss

I don’t live on my own, but my husband works all the time (agriculture!) so I’m often home alone for weekends. I bake a lot, I read, I go for walks (but I do have a dog), I lounge around and watch Netflix if I’m feeling lazy, I go to the beach for a walk or a swim in nicer weather, I might do a bit of gardening, I do a bit of Pilates, I might potter around the shops especially now there’s the most divine interiors shop just opened nearby…

I live alone. Met a friend for a short bike ride this morn. Just been for a walk (on my own, perfectly normal!). Now I'm watching tv and contemplating making a cheese sandwich. Rock and roll.

If you’re a runner have you tried looking at local clubs that offer Sunday runs ? That means you’d get some company and activity in the mornings and then perhaps carve out a routine in the afternoon. Alternatively run to a local beauty spot or cafe and treat yourself to a nice breakfast then walk back ?