To just want to stay in my garden?

[JudesBiggestFan]

All my life, during the summer I’ve wanted to be out and about. Beer gardens, weekend trips to the beach (i live in the midlands), festivals, long walks in beauty spots near and far. I’ve just realised that this summer, at the age of 46, I finally can’t be arsed. I just want to go to work, take my kids to cricket matches at pretty local grounds and then sit on my ample backside in my back garden, sometimes with my feet in a paddling pool. The thought of the crowds, the expensive parking, the expensive drinks and ice creams, the slight edginess I feel in city pubs as soon as it gets warm because people can’t hold their drink…I can’t be arsed with any of it! Am I old before my time or is this a normal life stage?

I think I’d chalk this down to a season, I have times and year like this where I don’t plan much, don’t do socials and like my own space.. then I have years when I’m non stop busy and out all the time. It nice to have all of the options, that’s how I feel now.

You are me and definitely ANBU!
Dh and I had the choice of hot, sweaty beer festival or our garden tonight - no brainer, and absolutely zero FOMO!

I’ve been like this my whole life, I’ve never enjoyed being out and around people 😂

I’ve just bought myself a hot tub off eBay and plan on staying in my garden for the rest of the summer. I’m loving those cocktails in a can and warm summer nights

Im 41 with a 6 year old DD, its taking everything I have to arrange a couple of short trips in UK during the school holidays (we have a week abroad in May in a villa where I don't have to be with anyone other than DH and DD)

I count the days where I don't have the leave the house (I WFH and have a very short school run walk) a win.

I backpacked round the world at 19 and travelled pretty well after that but honestly I like my little nest now

I think this is a really good point, honestly going out sometimes is no nicer than staying at home - Ill happily pay for some good food and drinks in a nice setting but often that's not the case

I agree with @101Nutella and @Unorganisedchaos2 eating out is so disappointing these days. Expensive and the quality isn’t great. Also, not everyone wants a bloody burger

TBH I just go by eye and throw it together. Put chopped fresh ginger in the pot, add juice of a couple of lemons and throw in the empty squeezed lemons also. Add sugar and pinch cinnamon to taste, + a couple of cloves. I use Stevia or similar instead of sugar. Add about 3/4 to one litre of water and bring to boil. Then simmer for half hour to 40 minutes. I leave it in the pot to cool as it infuses it more. Then strain and put in a screw top glass bottle and mix with water at your own strength. It can be fiery! But it’s v refreshing. Enjoy

Another vote here! The minute it’s hot everyone is suddenly everywhere in very little clothing just taking up spaces en masse. My idea of hell. Any local attraction or outdoor space is just mobbed. Taking pleasure in your own space & your own vibe is no bad thing OP. Enjoy!

And no ppl talking or eating in front of your seat at movies. Prefer to chill at home with my dog, and watch netflix/

This is exactly why we had our garden professionally landscaped when we got some extra money. It was long, narrow, and uninspiring. Now it’s lush and we spend loads of time in it when the weather is fine.

Likewise. I've always been a home bird and enjoyed my own quiet little space.

The problem with going out is all the other people. I like a decreasing number of people.

I am with you OP.
I don’t want to go to the beach/ plan weekends away/ arrange city breaks. I want to go for a swim, walk the dog and read a book in the garden.

I just want to stay in my garden because my house is too hot. The garden is very delightful and I THINK for once I’m not being bitten to death. The cat obviously feels the same way as I’ve barely seen him indoors since Monday.

Me too!

I don't like my home cos I live in a little terrace so my garden is basically other people's garden, if I could sit out in peace I would love it, oh and pimms has borage not mint in it, totally different.

Yep im like this now too, late 40s. Actually sometimes dislike this nice weather as I hate the pressure and expectation to be out and about making the most of this weather at beaches, days out etc. My youngest is still only 12 so I feel I should still be out and about on days out etc but I really cba anymore. I try my best to stay home as much as possible. my favourite days are pottering about at home or in my garden. im relaxed not stress or hussle and bussle.

Early 40’s and I’ve felt like this for a few years now. I like nice, cold wine, in a nice glass. Sun when I want it, shade when I want it, the sound of the fountain, kids actually playing so not needing to be entertained. DH on the BBQ. Bliss.

I live in Swansea with the Gower Peninsula on my doorstep. I can't remember the last time I went to the beach and I can't be arsed. I prefer being at home able to go in and out of the house to the toilet, get a drink, sit inside, sit outside get something to eat, potter around or not.

Another benefit of staying close to home is being assured of a clean and available toilet.

YANBU

I'm 30 and feel much the same. Everything is too expensive now but because the quality is going down, nothing really feels like a treat or worth the money.

I like chilling in my own garden. Peace and quiet, no drunk people or overtired and overheated toddlers screaming*. A fresh cup of tea whenever I want and access to my own (clean and well stocked!) bathroom.

I am very fortunate though and live somewhere deep in the countryside with no immediate neighbours. And occasionally deer wander through the garden, which is always a treat.

*Not attacking mothers of small children. My heart goes out to any of the mums trying to manage days out with small children in this kind of heat. It is bloody hard and I salute you.

You're never too old - or too young - to do what you want to do. Life is too short to do things you don't want to do. We all have obligations that must be done. But with the rest of our time, we should do what would make us happiest at that point. If that's chilling in the garden, so be it. If it's going abroad to climb a mountain, that's cool too.

Saying someone's too young to want to chill out is absolutely bloody ridiculous.

Sounds blissful. We recently laid a new patio and bought an outdoor lounge set. I've potted up lots of flowers which are currently looking beautiful. I work in a school and we break up next Friday. I cannot wait to lie in the garden, read loads and just enjoy the peace.

YANBU I went out for a pub lunch today, £22 for fish and chips with 1 soft drink. Not bloody worth it for a quick lunch as nice as it was.

Between DH and I that's £44 compared to our usual ham salad roll for lunch at home.

As for sunbathing, its an hours drive to the coast with ridiculous parking costs (Northumberland County Council you should be ashamed) so we dont bother anymore and stick to local walks and sunbathing in the garden. I could quite easily turn into a hermit.