Those living in towns and cities, can you really be anonymous?

[Slatterndisgrace]

It’s something I’ve been contemplating a lot recently. I’ve always lived in the countryside, in villages and I wished I’d made other choices.

I think I’ve had the small town blues for a long time and it’s getting me down. So, for those living in towns or cities, do you enjoy the anonymity of them?

It’s strange isn’t it how one person’s hell can be another’s heaven?

The human condition.

Yeah, it’s good in a way, I’ll never be gossiped about! but it’s quite lonely. It’s also very different for my children here. People don’t tend to do play dates after school, or try to make friendships with other parents as they just don’t need to, as they have all their family and friends they have grown up with. There’s no need for anyone outside that. I’ve tried to invite people over or to do stuff and they have been quite upfront and honest in that they are so busy with family and friends they don’t have time and aren’t really interested.

@Slatterndisgrace my personal choice is bigger places but with a network of people you can at least recognise and chat with and say good morning to etc without knowing all your business - we live in Bath and I tend to like these ‘very small cities’ or medium sized but nice towns - London suprisingly can be quite good too as it tends to separate off into lots of ‘large villages/small towns ’ in many parts with plenty going on in each bit .

That sounds perfect Crikey. It’s about having the choice, I believe.

I’m not going to go into the personal stuff, it’s been over a couple of years and it’s broken me. I just want to be able to be.

I just wish people would get a life. I wish I’d moved to a town and here I am moaning on….lol.

edit, I just want to add I’m not unfriendly, Happy to say hello.

I live in a biggish town and tbh not alot of people know me.
And i like it that way.
No chit chatting to my neighbours i say a quick hi morning whatever or if i see them thats it dont know their names either.

Sounds perfect.

Its blissful.
I had an awful time about 7 years ago in my old home.
Everyone chatting and gossiping everyone knew everyone etc i was on the posh side of town had hated it with passion.
Long story short moved to a housing estate and bloody love it strangely its more quieter and peaceful.
Most of all im left alone.

I live in a village and I'm pretty anonymous, I don't know many people here and those I do, I don't know well, so can't imagine anyone would have any interested in gossiping about me. I didn't grow up in this area though and kids are at secondary school several miles away.
However every time I set foot in Liverpool I'll be spotted by a distant relative or two so I don't think anonymity is guaranteed anywhere if your family is well known enough

@Slatterndisgrace I totally get you and it’s one reason I won’t live in villages as my one and only experience was everyone wanting to know the ins and outs of a ducks arse.

Thanks Crikey, sometimes it’s enough just to be understood. ❤️

As soon as I leave my area of south London I’m pretty much completely anonymous and I love it. Occasionally I’ll bump into someone I know elsewhere in London but it’s rare

I went to school there and worked there for a few years and it still didn't happen. My friend lives in walthamstow and she says you virtually have to make an appointment to bump into someone in the street

I have forever been served by the barmaid from my local who was working in a pubnin Melbourne and bumped into a few people I knew in Thailand