If Corona virus wasn't a thing in the last 6 months , what would your life look like?

[WomenHour]

Mine would be pretty much the same maybe gone on holiday this summer.

I'd still be living apart from boyfriend as we didn't think he could move in as my eldest wasn't ready. He locked down with us and we all (kids and me) decided we didn't want him to go home when it was lifted! So now we're halfway through renovating my house for the 4 of us.

DH died 6 years ago and it's taken a long time to get to this point of looking forwards. Now I no longer to have to do everything alone.

COVID is awful but sometimes crisis bring about positive change

I would of spent the usual (lots) of time with my mum before she died

Perhaps I would still be reading the Guardian? But I got fed up with the hypocrisy in reporting how different countries such as Brazil and Sweden were dealing with the virus. I feel this pandemic made me wake up and see the world in a different light (in political terms).

Sorry for your loss MrsSunshinexxx

I don't think anything big would be different. Just would have had more meals out, seen new films at the cinema, probably a holiday. I probably would still be overweight and piling on the pounds. After an early lockdown pig out, I realised things were getting out of control so started a much healthier lifestyle. Hopefully I can keep that up!

Interesting question , after loosing my contract and not working for a while am just getting back to getting savings back up. In a role now and working from home has given more autonomy. Despite the mental health issues to family I am probably better off than would have been

Wouldn't have lost my job

Wow be far more patient/better relationship with my kids (together too much and I need alone time)

Kids wouldn't be addicted to Xbox

Kids wouldn't have become so lazy

I'd be happier

Pretty much the same but I'd be slimmer and fitter as I've really missed gyms being closed and been the worst at snacking on crap while at home which is something I don't normally do.

DH has been working all the way through and nothing has changed for him other than slightly fewer hours but on the same salary. DDs have settled back into routine, college doesn't start for a few weeks for DD1 so it's a change we would have had anyway having her at home.

The only other thing that's changed is that DH and I have been enjoying nights at home together more when he isn't working, instead of always going out for drinks or a meal so we've probably saved money that way.

We had a break at the start of the year for our anniversary and had decided not to have any family holidays this year because his annual leave didn't match up with school holidays this year and we decided to put the money into savings instead and have day trips over the summer, we didn't manage the day trips obviously but we are glad we hadn't paid for a holiday this year.

I also wouldn't have lost my job, but as stressful and heartbreaking as that was, I am glad I got the push to move into education. (Also, reading my journal from the last few years, god my old place treated me badly!)

We would have a bit more money, although the track I'm pursuing will eventually be more money, so I think it evens out.

We probably would be planning a trip to see my parents or have them come here. They're in America so I don't think I'll see them for a very long time

I'd have got married, been on our honeymoon and been a whole lot skinner..

There's always next year

I would be getting ready to go on a four month work break to go travelling
Instead I am waiting to see what days I will be working over Christmas and wondering how I am going to afford to heat the house when I am WFH every day.

But still, lucky to have a steady job I suppose. On the plus side I probably wouldn't have got round to doing much about my resolution to lose weight, whereas now I am doing pretty well on C25K and just waiting for swimming pools and fitness classes by me to finally reopen so I can start doing them too now I have the extra time. I also would still be halfheartedly moaning about my neighbours but not doing anything about it whereas now I am decluttering and actively househunting.

Wonderful new boss and a couple of lovely colleagues. Could have seen my career finally take off after years of bullying.

I would be healthier than what I am now as I wouldn't have spent months talking to answer machines (when not full) or waiting for call backs to make an appointment, and getting to that wasn't a simple case of hello, can I make an appointment please?

I hopefully wouldn't have lost someone who was special to me and of course others.

My dd, early 20's wouldn't have had a heart attack. I wouldn't have had another breakdown and my mental health wouldn't be as fucked as it is now and not just because of her.

Oh I'm not blaming her, I worded that very badly.

DS would have done his GCSE exams and who knows what he would have got! He did well but I suspect he may have done better in a couple and worse in one.
I would have been able to say goodbye to my lovely Year 11 form and seen them at their prom.
I would have had two holidays abroad.

A couple of friends would still have their siblings alive.

I wouldnt have caught covid and wouldnt be on ventolin.
I would have enjoyed a family holiday to Greece.
The DC would have had very different summers. They all planned to travel.
Still, I have much to be thankful for compared to those who have lost loved ones. Also have family who have lost everything in the Californian wild fires.

I probably would have moved a few months ago. And had a uk holiday with kids.

Had no holiday and still waiting to move, although the latter is imminent.

@nutellafortea thank you x

I finished cancer treatment six months ago, it left me needing treatment for something else which the NHS has put on hold. I had hoped to get my life back, DH and I were going to do lots of travelling to make up for the crap time I had in the last year. Instead I had to shield and suffer constant pain until I get treated and of course no travelling.

We would have had a couple of holidays abroad, my DP would still have a job and we would be well onto our way to retiring early (both mid 50’s, we were hoping to retire early 60’s). Now looks like I’ll be working till I’m 67 as it’s unlikely my DP will find another job with the equivalent salary.

My son with special needs wouldn't be missing out on starting school next week

I would still have my old job
I wouldn't be on anti-depressants
I would have been able to spend more time with DD
I would have gone to gigs
I would have been able to enjoy time with both of my sisters
I would still have my mum.

We d have been to a couple of european theme parks and I would still be driving 1000 miles a week for work and trying to revive a failing business, if the stress had not led to a massive mental health crisis. Instead I m doing work from home that I love. Lockdown has been brilliant for my mental health and forced me to explore different avenues in my business which is now thriving again. I know not many people feel this way but it saved my life.

My house would have been cleared and ready to go on the market if I could have gone to the tip a gazillion times a week.

DC sitting A-Levels, going to their first choice of Uni. I would still be working, DH travelling for work and we would not be going through our savings. Stepson would have married in May and we would have a holiday before DDs start Uni. I would be planning Christmas presents now instead of wondering if we can afford to celebrate Christmas the way we normally do, not extravagant, or nothing.