I am 27 and I have no hobbies

[nohobbyhobbit]

Just feel like a bit of a loser. I spend time with my partner and sometimes my friends, but that’s it. When my partner socialises, he plays snooker and darts with his friends. It’s like a ritual for him and it’s lovely.

I just feel like I have nothing. Sometimes I read but that gets boring quickly. I’ve tried the gym and running - I find it so boring. I tried crochet and got frustrated and gave up.
I just don’t feel like I have anything for me, that I can just go to, that I actually enjoy.

And where do I even start?! For instance.. do I just go and try wall climbing and pay money out for something I’ve never done?! Or a martial art? Or anything? How do I know where to start?!

I just feel a bit down :(

You don't have to have hobbies. It's not compulsory.

But if you would like to have one, think about whether you would prefer to do something in a group or something individual. Once you've decided that you can have a look at what sort of classes and activities are on in your local area if you would prefer something with other people and then sign up to taster sessions at things that take your fancy to find out if it is something you would enjoy.

If you'd prefer to do something individually at home, such as arts and crafts, jigsaws etc. you can look at youtube channels to find out more about it and whether you'd enjoy it before investing in materials. You could also take a painting class for example if you wanted to get some basic technique before continuing on your own.

You just need to try as many things as possible and then maybe you will enjoy something. I did do martial arts when I was in my early twenties I was working as a nurse and my work pattern made it really hard so only did it for about two years. I regretted giving it up many a time but I do tai chi now, it’s more gentle.

I have outdoor and indoor hobbies. Outdoor is hiking, I’m not far from the Peak District plus there is a big canal network on my doorstep. Indoor is gaming, I have a gaming console. Have done quite a bit of embroidery, knitting and sewing over the years. I can do dressmaking but prefer to make stuff like curtains as easy. Have also done floristry and have made bouquets for brides and arrangements as gifts and as a favour if people need something. Have also tried many different types of dance. I love watching films and reading but as totally passive they don’t feel like a hobby they are just something I do.

Pick a team sport and try that. I went for back to netball when I felt that way years ago. Had loads of fun. Made loads of friends. Got loads fitter!

There’s a few groups near me aimed at young women where they just do different activities, like a modern WI. More social and gives people a chance to try things out. They do craft and sport, I’m jealous it wasn’t around when I was young.

You could also go to Hobbycraft and look at the kits and see if anything appeals - I also hate crochet and knitting.

I also did a summer school at my local uni this year, there’s a winter one too. It’s just a few weeks and cheap to try something out. There’s also local college courses but often they last much longer.

Weirdly my hobby is volunteering. My husband says it’s because I’m an extrovert and love to meet new people. Which is probably true. But I moved to a new area and it was a great way to meet new friends. Try the Guides or Scouts or see if your area has like a town improvement group or such. (Or any cause that takes your fancy).

I don't think it's abnormal to not have hobbies, regardless of age tbh. I do run once a week to keep fit but don't really see that as a hobby.

I think the big thing for me is to think about whether you want something to do while alone or if it's that you want to do a social activity that happens to also involve a 'thing'.