What do single parents do on weekends?

[Coconutwhirl]

I know this sounds like a really stupid question, but I’ve recently become a single parent and throughout the week I manage to keep myself busy but on the weekends I feel a bit lost at what to do without xpartner here.
I don’t have many friends and the ones that I do have seem to be busy with their partners. I don’t want to bombard my Dparents every weekend just because I feel a little lonely.
So the question is AIBU to wonder whether all single parents feel a little lost and lonely at weekends? What routines do you have? Any advice?

My kids are teens now so I have a lie in, get them to do the basics of the housework and tidy up etc. in exchange for some cash they use in the afternoon to disappear with. I read, walk the dog, meet with friends (do make it known to non-single friends you are up for a child-free lunch or night out once in a while, some will be pleased to have an excuse to get out!), watch Netflix, do planning (I’m a teacher) and marking. When the kids were younger, beach and park visits in the afternoons, lunch in a cafe for good behaviour (they loved that), baking and food prep for the week (used to fill the freezer), and hours spent online whilst I did planning work. We read, did homework, had movie nights with popcorn, went to the cinema and theatre etc.

What, with the kids? Go out somewhere.

Without the kids? Go out somewhere. Sign up for a class, pick up a sport. Go climbing. See an exhibition.

Perfect time to develop some interests, it sounds like. There's a whole world out there.

I started a professional qualification so that keeps me really busy. Also I try and get the cleaning done, sort the house a bit, go for nice long walks etc. Basically just try to keep myself busy!

Be careful with next door.com, you can get predatory men on there. Don't say you're single on there!

Plenty of threads about it on MN.

You'll find your new routine op. Just feels strange because it's new.

A couple of pp poster I think have hit it on the head, getting use to being by yourself and being "lonely" is part of that separating process but is actually quite short lived. If you accept it as that you won't make the mistake of jumping into another relationship or constantly dating or looking for another significant other.

Please find yourself first and learn to enjoy your time being single. It will be worth it in the end.

@ludothedog thank you, I’ve known too many people who have jumped into relationships because they’re scared of being lonely.
I can see why people do it, but I intend on being happy with my current situation first rather than seek company in that way.
Just feels a bit scary right now if I’m honest

First few months weekends dd was with her dad I cried for most of it, I had no idea what to do. Once I got in the swing of things, I did whatever we used to do pre divorce really, mixture of cleaning and days out when I had dd and when I didn't, I made an effort to see friends, have a chilled weekend or go to a gallery or museum or such like. It's been over a decade now, so obviously things v different with a teenager, so life just evolves though now she is so independent, I have to put more effort into finding things to do as soft play is clearly off the table and she often has her own plans.

I don't feel lost or lonely at weekends.

On Saturday my DC are with their dad. I enjoy having the house to myself and potter around, maybe watch a programme or film or read. I generally catch up with housework too and at the moment I'm decorating. Sometimes I meet up with friends for lunch or a walk. Then when the DC are back it is usual dinner, evening and bed.

On a Sunday I do something with the kids whether playing at home and in the garden or going to a park or elsewhere prior to Covid! Then I get everything prepared for the coming week.