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AIBU?

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Original poster

To just want to stay in my garden?

106 replies

JudesBiggestFan · 11/07/2025 20:26

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?

OP posts:
B33cka8 · 12/07/2025 20:50

JudesBiggestFan · 11/07/2025 20:26

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'm 30 and have felt this way for a few years now. People are exhausting, social battery only lasts so long and takes a lot to recharge. Being in your own company is wonderful and absolutely fine xx

Coco1379 · 13/07/2025 01:12

DP and I have been meaning to go out ‘somewhere’ for years. I have mobility problems and need a scooter to get around, and now I don’t drive we spend every fine day in the gatden because it’s such a faff to go out. We can have drinks and food when we want and don’t have to lug stuff around. If you’re happy go with it!

nomas · 13/07/2025 01:55

I once read a comment on MN saying we spend so much on mortgage/rent for our homes, that why wouldn’t we want to spend most of our time at home.

That made a lot of sense. I do appreciate home more when I’ve been out though.

JoyFractal · 13/07/2025 13:59

Sounds about right!

justasking111 · 13/07/2025 16:15

nomas · 13/07/2025 01:55

I once read a comment on MN saying we spend so much on mortgage/rent for our homes, that why wouldn’t we want to spend most of our time at home.

That made a lot of sense. I do appreciate home more when I’ve been out though.

We've turned our gardens into indoors outdoor spaces. Spent much time and money on them so enjoy.

We're in a tourist area roads rammed yesterday getting here. As someone said drily on the local FB page. Why spend hours in an 80 mile traffic jam for an ice-cream.

Husband just said A55 at a crawl again everyone heading home to England.

Is it worth it?

Bluevelvetsofa · 13/07/2025 16:24

I don’t think there is anything at all wrong with enjoying being at home.

People rave about holidays too and lovely as they (mostly) are, I enjoy spending time in the home and garden we’ve created. At a beach locally, you have to book a parking place and the surrounding roads are rammed, which is unpleasant for residents.

I like to potter in the garden we’ve made, pulling up a weed or two, dead heading a rose or two and just looking at it all.

We have ice cream in the freezer if we want it, cold drinks too and the benefits of home.

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