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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to find London daunting?

10 replies

User72838372628 · 07/07/2019 16:05

I live in south London on the zone two/three border, and have been based there since 2008. I’ve been on holiday in rural Scotland for the past week and am travelling back to London this afternoon/evening. AIBU to find the thought of getting back to the big city incredibly daunting - even though I’ve lived there for quite a while? It’s the thought of all the people, the ‘manicness’ and the lack of peace and quiet that are freaking me out most I think, even though the bit where I live is relatively chilled by London standards.

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SrSteveOskowski · 07/07/2019 16:11

YANBU. I live in Ireland (city suburbs, but from the country originally) I've visited London quite a bit and while I love visiting I couldn't live there (not trying to be disrespectful to anyone who does) because after 3 or 4 days there, the sheer amount of people and the noise just gets to me.

I've been to New York twice and it was the same.

ColaFreezePop · 07/07/2019 16:13

Then move. No one is forcing you to live in London.

Tadpoletofrog · 07/07/2019 16:14

I’m the opposite. If I have been away, especially somewhere quiet and rural, I long to be back in the hustle and bustle.

I would much rather arrive late at night in London, with a multitude of transport options, taxis and people around, than a deserted train station where the last bus has gone and it’s an hours wait for a taxi.

LauderSyme · 07/07/2019 16:18

YANBU. I lived in and around London for many years and was just used to how busy and hectic it is, though I definitely had to 'put my mental armour on' when out and about. I moved to a relatively quiet seaside town a few years ago and now, when I have to go back to London to visit friends and family, I find it overwhelmingly stressful. It seems to get busier with each passing year.

User72838372628 · 07/07/2019 16:20

I know I’ll be fine after a day or two back in London. It’s just the thought of it that’s daunting I think. I like the slower pace of life out in the sticks - it’s so much calmer. But I think being on holiday here versus actually living here would be two very different things...

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akmum18 · 07/07/2019 16:27

Sometimes i feel the same and I’ve lived here for over 30 years! But to me it sounds like city life isn’t for you, are you able to move further out - Kent for example as it’s more ‘country’ and less manic

Davros · 07/07/2019 16:34

I'm always surprised when people who live here characterise London as hectic and manic because I find it can be very peaceful if you live here. Visiting is another matter but that's probably the same in any city. I have to say first that I don't work any more (sahp) but I find it optional to join in with the busyness. I'm in Zone 2 and I've been out in the garden of our terraced house today, cutting back the overgrown plants, no noise from any neighbours, no traffic or aeroplane noise, just tweeting of the best sort. We were in the West End on Friday night and it was indeed manic! I think it depends what you choose to do or where you choose to go, excepting work that is

Livelovebehappy · 07/07/2019 16:38

Lived in London until 10 years ago. When I go back now to visit, I barely recognise the place. It’s awful. Very dirty unless you’re in the touristy big bits, and unfriendly. Maybe because I’ve been away so long, the bad bits might always have been there but I didnt notice until I had something to compare it with?

User72838372628 · 07/07/2019 16:41

Perhaps it’s just post-holiday blues...

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RedSheep73 · 07/07/2019 16:45

Of course yanbu. Lots of people dislike London and wouldn't live there if you paid them, me included. My mum's a Londoner born and bred and she couldn't get out fast enough.

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