Not to sit out at lunch?

[moutonfou]

Whenever it's a nice day, it's become accepted that our lunch group at work will sit outside. But there's no shade, the sun's right overhead, aside from worrying that I've missed a spot with the suncream I also get really hot and sometimes feel faint when I go back inside. I already spent a lot of time in the sun yesterday as well.

But I feel like if I said I didn't want to sit outside they would then sit inside with me and I'd be ruining the fun.

I really don't mind just eating alone inside but not sure it wouldn't be really awkward to say that.

WWYD?

Why would they all stay inside with you? Just say its too hot for you and you're staying in the shade, not really sure why its a problem tbh.

I would just say something like "I'm not being unsociable, but I simply can't cope in this hot weather so I'm going to stay inside for lunch". There may well be others who feel the same too!

I agree with pp; I have this problem as I'm really not designed for heat so I take the opportunity for some quiet time. Or else you could wear a really big hat! It's never worth getting burnt/ill just so as to join in I don't think but then I really hate getting too hot or getting burnt.

Just say "It's too hot for me today, I'll stay here"

Everyone is an adult. You can choose to stay inside and it's their choice whether they join you or stay outside

I'm exactly the same as you. I think just be honest - in a friendly way. "Would you excuse me today if I don't join you? I don't do very well in the sun, so you don't mind if I'm antisocial, I'll just be inside." I don't think anyone would think badly of that.

Why do you all have to sit together? Just say it's too hot

I think head out with them at the start but move back in after three minutes. That way, as the others are already out, they won't stay in with you out of solidarity they'll stay in the sun because they're already there. If anyone goes with you it'll be all the more likely that they're moving because they also genuinely want to be indoors too.

I'm the same - I always stay inside on hot days but everyone else prefers outside. I personally don't see the pleasure in sitting outdoors on our busy road with car fumes, and then coming back in all sticky and sweaty. Horses for courses though.

Goodness, you're all grown ups. Make your own decision where to eat. You don't need to make yourself uncomfortable or miserable for other people, certainly not for the fear that they 'might' find it strange. Why would they.

Lunch group?
People always have things to do at lunch - sometimes if we don't want to do something we do our own thing?

Be grown ups lol!
This is quite funny

Buy a big floppy hat?

Just say it is too hot, you'll rejoin in a few days when the worst heat is over. This can't possibly be awkward assuming all involved are older than 15.

Are you the Pied Piper and everyone has to follow what you do?

Haha I work in a very school-esque workplace - we eat in the same groups every day. I see how this could seem odd.

What happens if someone joins the company, do all the lunch groups battle it out who gets the new girl/boy? Or is there a rota of take up of newcomers?

This might sound a bit cruel, but I really am wondering what possible solution you are hoping we'll come up with?

Could you compromise and wear a hat/sunglassses or (at the risk of looking like an Edwardian lady) use a parasol?

Explain nicely and probably you will be able to join them again on Thursday or Friday when it is a lower temperature.