Do you feel silly going for a walk by yourself without a dog?!

[C1239]

I love walking, quite like my own company, but I always feel silly going for a walk by myself! It would be much easier if I had a dog! Does anyone else feel like this or is it fine to go for a long walk by yourself?!

No one cares.
Just as one cares if women go to the cinema,bar or restaurant alone

So does mine 😂 he’s like “where’s your dog mate” 😂😂

I’ve literally never been myself. I have a baby and two dogs every time I go a walk. It would be easier not to take the dogs a lot of the time but I always think if I’m doing the steps I may as well kill two birds with one stone! I do pass a lot of people out walking alone and always wonder what has made them go a walk. You definitely need a dog!

I'm a bit weirded out by this. I've walked alone daily all my life, including hiking for days with a tent to wildcamp. My friend said I could take her dog as I walk so much and she doesn't want to, but I don't really like taking a dog, it takes away from the meditative aspect of walking as you're always looking after yet another creature. I've had enough of looking after others! Walking is a sort of moving meditation for me.

We don't have a dog so yes I am fine walking without a dog

What an utterly ridiculous question.

Why do I need a dog, @BCxx ?
I don't like them.
I do like getting exercise in the fresh air and I do like the countryside.
I think that's perfectly reasonable.

Yes

I know what you mean, but it's all in your head really.
I mean, if I go for a walk to the shop or if I just go for a walk, no one seeing me knows the difference, but I feel a bit daft just going for a walk. Maybe it's because there seems to be no purpose in just going for a walk and it can seem aimless. But it's still aimless if I do it with someone else!

Me too, @fridascruffs - "moving meditation" is actually a good description.

I walk on my own every day because I can't run at the moment. It's never occurred to me that this is odd. I might be joined by a friend or DH a couple of times a week but mostly it's just me. I love it - great way to clear my head, stay fit and enjoy the countryside.

I can sympathise OP I don't know why but I feel odd going for a walk on my own, also there is less incentive to get out for a walk if you have no company. I get out every day for a good hours walk, but I have "borrowed" my elderly neighbours dog for his daily excercise, so its good all round😁

I love going for long walks alone. If I'm feeling down or don't want to bump into anyone, I do it late in the evening in winter.

No. I do get comments occasionally: 'Where's your dog?' or 'Lost your dog?' but walking is healthy, being in nature is beneficial. It's no different from going for a jog or a run - just less stress on the knees!

I walk alone every day without a dog - never occurred to me I should feel silly!

Well, if you are, the approximately thirty people who have walked past my house (on their way to the footpath through the fields) this morning are all idiots

actually, they probably are because it is freezing cold!

Yes, I always found it unnerving, if walking my dog in local woods, and came across a lone dogless bloke. 😂But then I did have two episodes, which probably contributed to this a lot. I don't go in, now that I don't have a dog, as a result.

Nope, do it daily. Why on earth would it be weird?

Mine does too, he eyes them most suspiciously. 😆

Exactly. The mind boggles at how so many women limit themselves unnecessarily.

Not at all. I can clear my head and get ideas as I walk. Sometimes I like to be left alone. Other people can be friendly and more inclined to speak to people on their own if they are too. Try it.

@Maireas thats fair enough, I didn’t tell you to get a dog. OP asked if she should get one and I will encourage everyone that wants one to get one 🤷🏼‍♀️

I've walked alone my entire life, in the city, the park, countryside, on hikes. Never even thought to feel weird about it, there are always lots of people out walking on their own. I walk every morning before work and at lunchtime, sometimes will even go out for a third walk in the evening. It's the only form of exercise I enjoy so I walk a lot.

I've just done a 6 mile sunrise walk on my own, because I wanted to go for a walk and I DGAF what small-minded people think. It's great for my mental health, there were beautiful views and a gorgeous sunrise. Plus, physical benefits of exercise.

I do get slightly concerned for my safety, and I take steps to mitigate any risks, but if I want to walk and there's no-one to walk with, I go on my own.

No. I'd never even considered I should.