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Original poster

I had the best afternoon I’ve had in ages - sitting in Sainsburys carpark :)

180 replies

Bladed · 17/08/2022 19:08

I’m not sure what that says about me (that I’m a cheap date?!) But I really did.

My friend cancelled on me so I had a couple of spare hours. Decided to do a food shop but couldn’t face it when I got there, so just bought some water and some crisps, sat in the car and read my book.

I mean I probably won’t make it a regular thing but who knew Sainsburys carpark could give such joy!

OP posts:
wellstopdoingitthen · 19/08/2022 07:47

Supersee · 17/08/2022 19:20

I read on another thread that a poster says to her family she's away to do the food shop but has actually done a click and collect so uses the extra time to sit in the car park with a coffee and book. Genius!

Ooh, what a great idea!

I can just see it now- puzzled supermarket security people wondering what all those people are doing parked up in a row reading & drinking coffee. Grin

wellstopdoingitthen · 19/08/2022 07:55

In my teens my boyfriend & I would occasionally get a takeaway meal late at night then drive to the Embankment in London (we lived in Essex) & eat it in the car. We took plates & cutlery too. Seemed really romantic at the time.
We'd have to drive home with all the windows open to get rid of the smell!

AgnestaVipers · 19/08/2022 11:08

I have a friend who is an expert at carving out times for himself in the day. Sometimes it's a diversion to a beautiful spot by the river on his way to or from work. Sometimes he nips out during work to a local pub for a sneaky half. I've always marvelled at his ability and determination to do this.

MachineBee · 19/08/2022 11:18

I think I’ve just rumbled my DH! He always takes ages when visiting retail establishments. I thought it was just that he likes shopping. Now I suspect he uses it as a way to have some time to himself. 😂

LindaEllen · 19/08/2022 11:35

Supersee · 17/08/2022 19:20

I read on another thread that a poster says to her family she's away to do the food shop but has actually done a click and collect so uses the extra time to sit in the car park with a coffee and book. Genius!

Oh my god that's amazing. I'm absolutely going to do that!

SlashBeef · 19/08/2022 11:47

Why has this thread made me feel emotional? Like I'm less alone!

RewildingAmbridge · 19/08/2022 12:09

DS is at grandparents for a couple of days, last night I got off the train a few stops before home (I'd been to another city for work), took my book found a nice bar in town and had a drink by myself by the give open front over lining the sea, text DH and he met me an hour or so later after he finished work to go out for dinner, then we had a nice stroll along the seafront home. Why didn't I appreciate doing this kind of thing before having a child!!

xogossipgirlxo · 19/08/2022 12:19

I wouldn't want to do it alone, as my husband works a lot and I miss him and have enough of time for myself, but we really enjoy sitting in a car, having coffee or sushi and watch the world go by. Love it.

shadypines · 19/08/2022 12:56

100% understand OP, don't really care where it is, peace and quiet to read is a dream I often have.

Original poster
Bladed · 19/08/2022 15:53

It’s so nice to hear all these stories - I think it’s really important to try and give back to yourself. We spend so much time giving of ourselves that we need to remember to refill our cups!

And it’s lovely to be able to do these things for ourselves in the most ordinary of places, and without spending a fortune :)

OP posts:
ItsJustLittleOldMe · 19/08/2022 21:54

I LOVE when it’s my turn to do the shopping (me and the husband take turns) and it falls around the boys nap time… I let them sleep in the car and I read for an hour if I’m lucky. It’s like being given the gift of time lol 😂

Original poster
Bladed · 19/08/2022 23:16

Every time I come back to the thread I misread “sitting” in the title for “shitting”! I definitely wasn’t doing THAT in the Sainsburys carpark!

OP posts:
Tiredasamf · 21/08/2022 08:23

Not ashamed to say I do this on the regular!

Sometimes I’ll drive the kids around to make them nap, then grab a drive through Starbucks and sit in the car park for an hour. It’s bliss!

motherhood eh, makes you appreciate the little things in life!

MrsArrDee · 21/08/2022 10:17

Eeksteek · 17/08/2022 23:57

When DD was about 18 months old I was working full time in a stressful job and DH was having a mental breakdown over his stressful business. DD was an awful sleeper and pretty challenging toddler.

I spent a blissfully peaceful morning……waiting for surgery. It was routine, I was in no pain. I wasn’t worried about the surgery and I’m comfortable in hospitals. I sat in a comfy chair and read a book. I didn’t have to get up for anything for hours (whole minutes were virtually unheard of, at home!), didn’t have to help anyone with anything, didn’t get asked anything. No one needed me. The only people who spoke to me were nice, polite, apologetic and blissfully responsible for all their own emotional, physical and mental health needs. If I could have had a coffee, I’d have been in heaven. As it was they checked my into a bed, and then didn’t come back for ages, so I napped a bit (I mean, when did I get to bloody nap?!). I know it’s sad/funny that it was my only break in months, but it was still wonderful.

Similar thing for me too. I have to go to hospital every 6 months for a painless and routine procedure which takes about 3 hours.

I go armed with a coffee, book, headphones and for 3 hours no one disturbs me, and it's bliss.

(I look forward to it actually, its like a spa break😁)

Bigchezemakeme · 21/08/2022 12:08

This is the most depressing thread I’ve read in a long time. If you need time for yourself speak to your families and arrange it so that it’s time somewhere nice rather than sneaking an hour in a car park. Honestly if your life have come to this you need to claim it back.

And pretending to do a shop when doing a click and collect isn’t ‘genius’ it’s something abused women do because they’re not allowed their own time. If you’re lying to your partner to sit an hour in a car park I feel really sorry for you, genuinely

TeddyTed · 21/08/2022 21:30

Bigchezemakeme · 21/08/2022 12:08

This is the most depressing thread I’ve read in a long time. If you need time for yourself speak to your families and arrange it so that it’s time somewhere nice rather than sneaking an hour in a car park. Honestly if your life have come to this you need to claim it back.

And pretending to do a shop when doing a click and collect isn’t ‘genius’ it’s something abused women do because they’re not allowed their own time. If you’re lying to your partner to sit an hour in a car park I feel really sorry for you, genuinely

Eh??

HinchcliffeandMurgatroyd · 21/08/2022 22:48

Bigchezemakeme · 21/08/2022 12:08

This is the most depressing thread I’ve read in a long time. If you need time for yourself speak to your families and arrange it so that it’s time somewhere nice rather than sneaking an hour in a car park. Honestly if your life have come to this you need to claim it back.

And pretending to do a shop when doing a click and collect isn’t ‘genius’ it’s something abused women do because they’re not allowed their own time. If you’re lying to your partner to sit an hour in a car park I feel really sorry for you, genuinely

🫤

SleepingAgent · 22/08/2022 00:30

I've given blood for years and got most of my "baby mum" group to join me when I pointed out they would get a lie down with no interruptions followed by a biscuit and cuppa/juice in peace. Grin

There's something extra nice about the snack you buy for yourself after doing errands to enjoy in the car before driving home again.

ReneBumsWombats · 22/08/2022 08:09

Bigchezemakeme · 21/08/2022 12:08

This is the most depressing thread I’ve read in a long time. If you need time for yourself speak to your families and arrange it so that it’s time somewhere nice rather than sneaking an hour in a car park. Honestly if your life have come to this you need to claim it back.

And pretending to do a shop when doing a click and collect isn’t ‘genius’ it’s something abused women do because they’re not allowed their own time. If you’re lying to your partner to sit an hour in a car park I feel really sorry for you, genuinely

Honestly, don't. It's brilliant. It's the closest I get to rebellion these days, now that I no longer have to wear school uniform and I'm too fat for torn fishnets.

overdrawnagain · 22/08/2022 08:19

Oh yes I agree! I have to pick someone up from the airport today and am arriving 6 hours early so I can sit in my car and watch planes and drink tea from my flask. Bliss!

overdrawnagain · 22/08/2022 08:21

@Bigchezemakeme well I feel sorry for you that you haven't discovered the joy of sitting in car parks!

CakeCrumbs44 · 22/08/2022 08:23

I live for the days when my 2 year old falls asleep in the car so I can just sit there and read my book or listen to the radio 🤣

doubleshotcappuccino · 22/08/2022 08:24

Used to do that with my twins ! Drive around and get them to sleep
and then park in a sainsburys and have a snooze ! Was lovely ! Did it for a long time ..

ReneBumsWombats · 22/08/2022 08:24

The thing is, in your car you are enclosed and sealed off. Park benches are lovely in good weather but there's something nice about being in your little pod, able to take off whenever you like.

ByeByeMr · 22/08/2022 08:41

I'm like this, it's the little things sometimes that give you the most joy. My OH always has to be 'doing stuff' and I just love nothing more than staying at home some days and binge watching my a new drama. I also really love relaxing in my bed.