To have these kind of dinners when DH is away?

[DaphneeBridgerton]

Backstory: I do have anxiety and depression which is a lot worse since having DD 14 months ago, am starting fluoxetine tomorrow and have had various types of therapy but investigating more

So I think I’m second-guessing myself / looking for a bit of reassurance but do want to keep it lighthearted if possible!

Whenever DH is away overnight for work (once or twice a week usually) I can never be bothered to cook myself a ‘proper’ meal…

When he’s here I will cook things like lasagne, stir fry, shepherds pie, risotto etc for us both but when left to my own devices I can’t be bothered and end up eating things like a fried egg sandwich, beans on toast or even a packet of spicy rice with some avocado on the side. I always eat but never anything really wholesome or complicated.

Also I do cook for my DD - tonight she had waffles, scrambled egg and broccoli as an example. So she’s not suffering!

Is this my depression? Is this something other people do? Or am I just lazy?! I genuinely think I just like simpler meals, my mum is very similar but I’m just wondering what other people think.

I eat toast plus something else when DH isn’t home. Cannot be bothered!

sounds like you have had a rough time OP, I hope you feel better soon.

Totally normal and perfectly acceptable to give yourself a break. Your daughtera dinner sounds much healthier than the supernoodles I gave my kids tonight because I forgot to set the oven timer for the Jacket potatoes 🤦🏼‍♀️

I never bother with big dinners when DH is away.

Usually just egg & toast, or cheese on toast etc.

Pretty sure most people are like this

Same ;- ) and if am feeling particularly flash i'll have two packets

I will have Kraft cheesy pasta or nachos….. craving now!!

I do the same, it’s not worth the effort to feed one person. I often have toast if my husband isn’t in. Maybe make bugger portions when he is home and freeze some then you’ve got something a bit more “hearty” if you want it without the hassle.

Yep me too! The other night he was away and I cooked steak for myself it felt STRANGE!

Perfectly normal. My DH had to go away with work for 1 week every year. Once the DC had both gone to uni I just ate whatever I fancied including a tin of semolina or Sandwiches or a bowl of cerial, sometimes a proper meal but mainly not.

Those examples you gave don’t sound bad at all. It could be a lot worse.

I just cooked egg fried rice because DH is away. Cooking fancy things isn't as fun when there's nobody else to compliment you (also he's my sous chef and does al of the chopping/prep).

I tend to be away more often than DH, but on the odd occasion he’s away I will usually cook myself something he dislikes. Sometimes, though, I will indulge in a filthy evening in with a Fray Bentos and a load of snacks.

It's fine! I live alone and sometimes I just have muesli and a banana. Figure if I had an omelette for breakfast then it's just swapping meals about anyway
I have been known to have apple crumble and custard for tea and nothing else

So why do you only eat what you want when your DHs are away?

You could have an omelette when he's there if that's what you want to eat.

Beans on toast, fried egg sambos, omg lush, noodles, some fish fingers on their own and nothing else, tonight is garlic bread, carrots and hummus and cider haha. Enjoy whatever your go to option is, we all need a break from the norm sometimes

for you, @DaphneeBridgerton

No husband here (thank God), but when the DC are at university/on holiday (as mine are now), I take the opportunity not to make anything remotely meaningful for supper. This evening, I had some cashew nuts which one DC started and abandoned, half a ball of mozzarella, and two glasses of Cava.

Oh, and I am about to have a KitKat.

Very very normal

I'd always havesomething considered to be a meal, but keep it simple, ie bought quiche with salad, potatoes breaded fish or sausages and baked beans, ready meal salad and a glass of wine! Last time he was away I had a mushroom omelette (I love mushrooms). Even a sandwich or jacket potato is easy and can be enjoyed.

Just do what rights for you and enjoy.

We tend to cook together for our evening meal so it makes sense for it to be something we both like, in general. If on any given night either of us really fancy something different from the other, though, we will each cook our own, separately. If I’m just cooking for me I don’t see what’s wrong with making it something that only I like, some of the time.

Omg are you me? I do the same, but sometimes I'm very adventurous and do things of a toast nature- cheese on toast, beans on toast, soup and toast (expert level with toast here!) When he's away for a whole week I'll line up my tins of stuff and play dinner bingo.

That's definitely normal. I'm like that too and a lot of my friend's say they do this when they have to cook for just themselves.

You're making sure your DD has a balanced meal and you're eating what you fancy. Nothing wrong with that.

I do it and I'm not depressed at all!
Beans on toast is the perfect meal. I relish him staying out sometimes!

This is my life really. With cheese & nice bread.

Frazzle sandwiches a firm and much loved staple here when DH is away with work. Always love an excuse not to have to make an effort…

That sounds quite healthy to me.

If my husband goes away, I might eat a slice of toast for dinner or more likely, half a tube of Pringles. He is the one that likes to cook - I have no interest.