AIBU will people think I’m strange?

[starsparkle08]

I have chronic fatigue syndrome and am trying to increase the amount of walking I’m doing in hope to help myself .
I have just started to walk to my local park and around it . I don’t have a dog . I would like one but my son has autism adhd ld and his behaviour isn’t stable enough to consider having a dog at this point.

I just feel a bit silly walking alone and around the park feel as though I look a bit odd because I don’t have a dog . I’m just wondering what people think seeing a person alone walking around a park . Would you consider it a little strange ?
I no that everyone is within their right to go walking and enjoy a park , I just feel a little uncomfortable really and wondered am I alone in this ?

I walk around the park all the time without a dog - just to get out and get some air when I'm working from home.

I've never even thought about needing a dog, I really wouldn't worry about it

Stick some headphones in and stop worrying about other people. I go for a walk round the park on my own all the time.

I wouldn't think you were strange in the slightest!

I wouldn't think it strange at all.

If you would like a dog have you looked into the website borrow my doggy?

There's nothing strange about going for a walk on your own.

Must just be my own issues here then I imagine . I’m not a very confident person

Not strange in the slightest - I am always amazed by how many people walk without dogs.
Frankly, if I’d known that walking without a dog was so popular I would never had got a dog.

You could always try ‘borrow my dog’ if you really want to, but if not, continue as you are. What you’re doing is really impressive.

People will just think you are trying to get your step count up. At most. People won't bother. Well done for getting out and getting more active. It can't be easy for you.

Put it this way, if you see someone walking alone do you think they're strange? You probably pass people walking alone all the time and don't even realise. I walk around/through my local park on the school run - when I'm on my way home in the morning or back in the afternoon I don't have any children with me. I don't imagine for the second I'm the only person in that situation!

Borrow My Doggy is a great idea, but if it's ONLY so people don't think you're weird, you really don't need to worry.

I don’t think anyone would even notice you. The park is full of people walking by themselves.

It’s fine to walk - I often do. I look at nature, collect seeds, pick fruits and litter pick as I find it really relaxing. You could try litter picking it’s really satisfying.

Regardless of the activity, you need to get to a point where you couldn't give a toss if anyone else thinks you're strange.... it's very empowering. I've found it comes with age, personally. Literally couldn't care less

I walk 10000 steps a day (for about four months now) so I am always out roaming the streets. It is good for the soul as well as the body, give it a shot!

We live on a residential estate and I see a number of people walking laps around the estate - nobody judges them, don't worry.

If it bothers you, wear headphones, listen to an audiobook or music, carry a camera and join Instagram. Suddenly you're not some random person aimlessly walking around

If I thought anything, I would think there is a person enjoying a walk, the fresh air will do wonders for you too, every little helps.

Why on earth would people think you’re odd? Totally normal to go for a walk in a park!

Thanks everyone 😊

There may be a Park Run every Saturday morning near you OP. You can walk, jog or run it.

Have a look online, it might increase your confidence as even though you do the Park Run alone, there will be others doing the same curcuit.

No ones looking at you or judging. People are way more self absorbed than you’re giving them credit for.

*circuit

Nooooo!!! No one will think you're strange for this!! Please keep walking!

Before I got my lovely dogs, I used to just go walking when I was at the worst point in a bit of a mental health issue. Sometimes I would put a comedy podcast on. Sometimes not.I would wear trainers/outdoor clothes and make it a proper little outing for myself (I always felt better going alone for some reason). It seriously was the best thing I ever did.

Good on you!! ❤️

I have CFS too, on good days I walk on my own.

No one will think you look odd, walking is a perfectly normal thing to do. Just don’t over do it. You can’t exercise your way out of CFS, I believe I made myself a lot worse. It is great to get out into the fresh air but do remember to pace yourself.

www.buzzfeed.com/camillamaxted/this-is-why-i-quit-exercise-therapy

I do know what you mean. I should walk more, don’t have a dog and the dds are too old for parks. Well, too old for play areas and would be hideously embarrassed to be seen out in public with me.
And if lone women like us feel awkward in a park on our own, imagine how much worse men may feel, wondering if people are thinking they’re paedophiles.
Don’t let it stop you though, and the more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll feel.

Seriously no one would care why you are walking anywhere.
I live on a busy route and over the last couple of years the same handful of people ( not connected to each other) walk past my house and then walk back. They will be going to end of my road which is 2miles to the junction and 2 back. These days everyone is getting their step count in and looking at their Fitbit!

Get out there and enjoy your walk!! When you get more confident go exploring, that's a great way of getting steps in and seeing new things.