Are we weird?

[Icantremembermyusername]

My DC were with their dad this weekend so DP and I headed into town and ran some non child friendly errands. We went to our favourite bookshop and each bought a couple of books. We went home and picked up the dog and had a sniffy walk through the woods to our local pub, bought a bottle of wine (x2) and sat at opposite ends of a sofa with the dog between us and read our new books while drinking wine. In my head, it was bliss! We’d done the necessary, and walked the pooch and after the crazy of Christmas we were very happy to chill out with some relaxed lighting, ambient music, a bit of buzz and no calls on our attention. Dog was quite content too. We walked home after and made tea.
My friend says we’re weird and that only sad people go to the pub and sit in silence, ignoring each other and we should have stayed at home. What do you think?

To me, this quiet togetherness sounds lovely. Ignore the usual ridiculous and petty dog-hating comments.

Thanks, All! If you think this might be an idea for a gift for a loved one, please do it! I would have had today over any of my 40th birthday presents.
As mentioned earlier, I’m an introvert, so when my friend said it was a weird thing to do, it got me a bit worried. I hate crowds and being peopled and then I panicked a bit and posted here and then worried that I’d had a great day and DP hadn’t. (I’ve checked, he’s had a fantastic time).

We used to do this a few years ago. It is blissful. Our choice was the Crown & Trumpet in Broadway. A good walk first, then settle down, read a book, maybe a newspaper, play a board game or cards as the welcoming hosts go about their work. Then walk back for a late afternoon snooze. It is the coming and going of other guests and the light bustle of the staff that defines and enhances the repose.

Not weird at all.

Sounds like bliss, OP.

A comfortable silence between two people with shared interests. Your relationship sounds lovely.

Some may label you weird because these days ‘ normal people’ spend ages ignoring each other while scrolling on their phones !

You’re sharing an experience, not ignoring each other.

Dear Lady, it sounds like a bit of heaven to me. So many people have to be amused. You and your DP take simple pleasure in just being in each other's presence. You are comfortable and at ease in your silences, as well as in conversation. You enjoy simply being together. Revel in that. It isn't sad, it is indicative of real joy, not just "happiness." Don't let your friend's comments make you doubt yourself in the least.

A comfortable silence is a great thing. Your day sounds lovely to me.

At home I would have been twittering about ‘doing stuff’ whereas in the pub I could just chill and read my book without seeing housework when I wanted to relax.

I totally get this part. So often I feel guilty for doing nothing when I’m at home, even though I could really do with some proper relaxation time.

Your “friend” needs to keep her snout out. Her own life can’t be very exciting if she’s got so much time to judge yours.

This sounds fab. I understand about getting out the house to relax. Dh and I get out for coffee or a meal to avoid the endless doing. Sometimes it's nice to do nothing.

Really??

That would be my ideal Sunday. I so want to do this but my DH just wouldn’t shut up long enough ……

I think mixing alcohol and reading is odd as I can't do both (lightweight) but a coffee would be perfect

How utterly blissful. I must suggest this to DH, he'd love it too. As would the dog.

Sounds like a cozy little set up! I love it! Not weird/sad at all.

I think it sounds wonderful.

We used to do the same the same before kids came along and even now when we get the chance. The only problem I have is when we do this my partner has a constant need to share what he's reading, by reading out snippets for my comment.

My life both as a parent and as a professional requires me to provide constant feedback. FFS just let me read my book!!!! 😂

@Icantremembermyusername
Ive been in pubs, cafes, etc solo, and used my tablet for eg mumsnet, etc then enjoyed my own company, added to my knowledge journal of different subjects etc. sometimes i soak in the environent and surroundings that make it more cozy, there was once a pub with an open fire, me and a cuppa and the open fire, it was bliss,.

Sounds perfect. We’ve done it on weekends away, when it’s raining outside and/or there is a roaring fire. Also on holidays in the sun.

Wouldn’t do it at home as too mean to buy two bottles of pub wine.

Sounds brilliant. Your friend is weird, ignore.

I don’t drink but I love to go on long walks in the countryside with the dog, stopping at a nice pub part way round. In the winter I love a cosy pub with a real fire and in the summer I like pubs with beer gardens, maybe by a river or lake. One of my favourite pubs has a few book shelves so there’s always something to read.

You drank an entire bottle of wine to yourself - on the afternoon? I’d have been legless!

it sounds like bliss and as a couple you are clearly comfortable with each other and well suited.

some people are not imaginative enough to understand not everyone has the same personality, interests and outlooks!

Sounds good to me!

It sounds perfect (and I can read perfectly well too after a bottle of wine!).

Sounds lovely!