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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not like being outdoors

30 replies

motherbear43 · 09/05/2024 23:06

I do like the warm weather. I like going for walks and being able to let the dogs run around in the garden and take the kids to the park etc.

But I get this weird guilty feeling for being indoors. Like seeing everyone eating their dinner outdoors tonight. I hate that. It's messy, it's a faff to take it all outdoors, there are flies, I can't sit back and relax and enjoy. I don't especially enjoy sitting outdoors in the evenings, I like curling up on the sofa in front of the tv. Which is fine in winter but in summer you just feel bad about it. Like you should be outdoors making the most of it.

Is it just me?

OP posts:
misszebra · 09/05/2024 23:10

I understand completely. unless I am on a tropical clean beach, without too much noise or too many people, I always rather be indoors. I feel way more at peace and 'protected' if that makes sense. don't feel guilty. we aren't cavemen anymore

misszebra · 09/05/2024 23:11

the jungle mothers may well come on here and say how you're missing out and what not but you know you, ignore them

Original poster
motherbear43 · 09/05/2024 23:12

Oh yeah holiday vibes are completely different but I don't find being in the garden, especially eating in the garden relaxing at all. I get this weird guilt feeling every year. I make sure the kids have plenty of time outdoors but honestly in the evenings I just prefer being on the sofa regardless of how lovely it is.

OP posts:
ButterCrackers · 09/05/2024 23:12

I get all red in the face and sweaty in the warmer temperatures. Other people look fine and can enjoy the sun. Indoors or in the shade is best with a hat and covered up.

Cheshiresun · 09/05/2024 23:13

No, I never eat outdoors. I hate the flies, wasps, bugs! Don't mind going for a walk outside, going about normal daily life as required outside but eating, no. Don't sit outside on a nice evening either, too many flies, etc etc. Well it's just not for me.

SabreIsMyFave · 09/05/2024 23:17

Who the hell was eating their dinner outdoors tonight? Confused Not happening where I live. Never does. Yeah people are out in the garden in the day when it's nice, because why the F would you be stuck indoors after we have been trapped in for 9 months by rain, winds, cold, frost, and generally miserable weather?

Anyone who sits stuck in the house (when it's light) in this weather must have rocks in their head. Get outside FFS! We have summery weather at LAST.

Bet you are one of those people who moaned when it was cold and wet. 🙄

TerrysOrangeScot · 09/05/2024 23:21

I have a phobia of wasps/bees I know it's irrational but I always feel alert outside so I definitely prefer being indoors.

ALongHardWinter · 09/05/2024 23:27

Not just you! I like being outside in warm weather as long as I'm not sitting in direct sunlight as I burn easily. But I really dislike eating outside. There's flies and wasps,plus I always seem to end up sitting with the sun glaring in my eyes. My parents were never fans of outdoor eating either. Think it must run in the family. 😂

Damnyourheadshoulderskneesandtoes · 09/05/2024 23:38

Not just you. I love the benefits to my mental health that come from being outdoors and I force myself out because of that, and because I have kids and it's so good for them to be out. But given the choice I'd be at home on the sofa where it's comfy and there's tv and snacks and I can wear no bra.

NoSmallThing · 09/05/2024 23:58

I like being outside until the temperature hits about 23/24 degrees and then I hate it. I walk my dogs early morning and late evening and happily stay inside with the air conditioning units on as much as possible. No guilt at all here. Do what suits you.

Anyone who sits stuck in the house (when it's light) in this weather must have rocks in their head. Get outside FFS! We have summery weather at LAST.

Confused How bizarre. I prefer cooler weather, it’s just personal preference. It’s so weird when people can’t seem to grasp that.

betterangels · 10/05/2024 00:02

Anyone who sits stuck in the house (when it's light) in this weather must have rocks in their head. Get outside FFS! We have summery weather at LAST.

People like different things. Shocker.

I hate eating outside. Wasps seem to follow me everywhere. YANBU, OP.

5foot5 · 10/05/2024 00:16

Eating a main evening meal outside has to be very special circumstances. Very few days in the year when we can do this. Mainly because our garden faces East so it is lovely and sunny in the morning and early afternoon but in shade later.

However, we like walking so our ideal day in nice weather means we are in a wood, or half way up a hill, or somewhere else similarly nice where we can sit on a bench, or a log, or any suitable surface to eat our sandwiches

Catsmere · 10/05/2024 03:39

I agree, OP. I can’t abide Australian summers and stay indoors except for going to somewhere in the car. Even in beautiful autumn weather, when walking outside is much more enjoyable, I don’t eat outside except for the occasional sandwich when I’m out and about. Sweat and sunburn aren’t for me. I’ve never eaten a main meal outside and wouldn’t want to.

The whole Great Australian Outdoors thing makes me feel like a foreigner sometimes!

garlictwist · 10/05/2024 05:19

I totally understand this. I love the warm weather and being outside in the day but I wish it would get dark at like 7 so I could watch tv in my dressing gown and not feel like I should be doing something productive.

Summer nights always make me feel like that.

Meadowfinch · 10/05/2024 06:01

Don't worry about it. Each to their own, OP.

I love being outdoors and regularly take picnics out with ds, but I don't share people's enthusiasm for barbecues. Why bother with all the faff of lighting and waiting for hot coals, then cooking endless meat that is eaten messily with fingers. All the carrying stuff back and forth. Beer bottles on the lawn next day.

I don't see the point. I can cook the exact same meal (properly cooked through) in my kitchen, eat comfortably and have the whole lot cleared away and clean in a third of the time.with a third of the effort.

On the other hand, I have a bench in my garden, west facing, in the last patch of sunshine of the day. After supper I take a drink and a book and sit watching the sun go down. No mess, no discomfort, no inconvenience, sheltered and still warm from the brickwork behind.

Everyone has their preferences. 😊

Notquitefinishe · 10/05/2024 06:06

I feel like people are really overstating the number of flies. They're really not a problem when I go outside!

Beatrixslobber · 10/05/2024 06:16

Dh is very much like this.
I’m the opposite, out in all weathers.

It’s mostly that he can’t watch tv outside imo!

BitOutOfPractice · 10/05/2024 06:28

Who the hell was eating their dinner outdoors tonight?

@SabreIsMyFave me! And Wednesday. Weather was glorious. HTH.

Original poster
motherbear43 · 10/05/2024 07:18

SabreIsMyFave · 09/05/2024 23:17

Who the hell was eating their dinner outdoors tonight? Confused Not happening where I live. Never does. Yeah people are out in the garden in the day when it's nice, because why the F would you be stuck indoors after we have been trapped in for 9 months by rain, winds, cold, frost, and generally miserable weather?

Anyone who sits stuck in the house (when it's light) in this weather must have rocks in their head. Get outside FFS! We have summery weather at LAST.

Bet you are one of those people who moaned when it was cold and wet. 🙄

Why so angry? Are you ok?
Lots of people I know were eating outdoors tonight, lots of bbqs. It was 22 degrees here and sunny all day.
I hate dressing for summer too, this is probably another reason why I get stroppy.
I don't love the rain and cold (although it's a nice excuse to have a lazy day sometimes). My ideal day would be a sunny, crisp autumn day. Beautiful.

OP posts:
peacefull · 10/05/2024 08:34

Im an odd one i love being outside if it's winter im not a summer fan at all.
My neighbours were having dinner outside last night while i was indoors killing bugs that kept flying in.
Autumn time winter time love it.
Rain/thunderstorms/rough winds/ fog/ frost /chilly days/ getting dark early all the weather MN hates i love.

peacefull · 10/05/2024 08:37

SabreIsMyFave · 09/05/2024 23:17

Who the hell was eating their dinner outdoors tonight? Confused Not happening where I live. Never does. Yeah people are out in the garden in the day when it's nice, because why the F would you be stuck indoors after we have been trapped in for 9 months by rain, winds, cold, frost, and generally miserable weather?

Anyone who sits stuck in the house (when it's light) in this weather must have rocks in their head. Get outside FFS! We have summery weather at LAST.

Bet you are one of those people who moaned when it was cold and wet. 🙄

Someone having an off day.
Every one is different you know.
I love winter time.

Cotswoldbee · 10/05/2024 08:58

We never eat outdoors, cannot see the fascination of it.🪰

V.warm here this week, too hot for me so have been doing the gardening in the shady spots or waiting until the sun moves around.🥵
Nice to get up v.early (in the cool) to get the bird feeders ready and the birds coming down for breakfast, also some of them love the sun and actually sunbathe in the sun traps after a good splash in the birdbath (which I have to fill half a dozen times a day).🐦

Walking Ddogs has to be done with care as our old chap can't stand too much heat, we go through the woods where there is lots of shade. The pup is different though, loves sunbathing and even in the house can usually be found relaxing in a sunbeam.🌞

Spring & autumn are my favourites, shame spring was a tad wet to enjoy it to the full.

theurbanpigeon · 10/05/2024 09:01

Totally get you, OP - I hate that weird guilt that comes in the summer where you feel like you have to be outside constantly!

I just tell myself it's my life and if I wanna be inside then that's my prerogative. 😌 you do what you want - life's too short!

Catsmere · 10/05/2024 13:00

I also find that there's nothing much I want to do that's an outdoor activity. I have absolutely no interest in sport, either watching or participating, or picnics or outdoor performances. I am no longer able to go for long walks. If I'm going to knit, I'd rather do it on comfortable chairs indoors than on a park bench, where I'll have to be sure of shade (Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world). I loathe the beach and don't swim anyway, so going there has nothing to offer me. I might go to a Sunday market on occasion, but that's about it.

saltinesandcoffeecups · 10/05/2024 13:16

Screened porch… best of both worlds. I get the fresh air and feeling of being outside without the bugs and hot sun beating down on me. Since it’s semi enclosed I don’t need ‘outside furniture’ and can have a comfy couch and chair. It’s honestly we’re I spend most of my summer home hours.