Page 5 | To think this isn’t that weird

LazyLions · 2025-08-16T15:19:13+00:00

Suffered with anxiety all my life. Finally found medication that helps. Usually I wouldn’t leave the house alone however today I’ve come into my local town to post some parcels and do a bit of browsing. I’ve just popped into the bistro and currently having a glass of cider with ice (it’s very warm here) DP rang and thinks this is weird. I’m a SAHM with an incredibly hard 5yo autistic DS and this feels like heaven🤷🏻♀️ Would anybody else do this or is it strange? Cheers by the way🍻

limegreenheart · 16/08/2025 18:26

Is he very, very old? Once upon a time it was considered unusual or even inappropriate for a woman to have a drink alone in a pub (although somehow magically OK if you also ordered food) and that attitude persisted in some rural pockets even into the late 20th century. Anyway, it sounds like you've discovered a nice little break for yourself - enjoy it, you definitely deserve it!

godmum56 · 16/08/2025 18:46

limegreenheart · 16/08/2025 18:26

Is he very, very old? Once upon a time it was considered unusual or even inappropriate for a woman to have a drink alone in a pub (although somehow magically OK if you also ordered food) and that attitude persisted in some rural pockets even into the late 20th century. Anyway, it sounds like you've discovered a nice little break for yourself - enjoy it, you definitely deserve it!

he must be methuseleh. I am old and have been going to pubs alone all my adult life.

notthemayo · 16/08/2025 18:48

Nah, this sounds heavenly! And well done you for seizing the opportunity.

CurlewKate · 16/08/2025 18:52

Cider with ice is weird. Everything else? Brilliant and well done.

3rdtimearoundtheblock · 16/08/2025 18:58

Not weird and I've been known to pop into a beer garden over the years with a sleeping baby in a pram just to sit in silence with a cold drink 👀🫣

gillefc82 · 16/08/2025 20:26

SpidersAreShitheads · 16/08/2025 18:13

I used to feel like this but then I also had to travel regularly with work for a few years (many moons ago). I found taking a book with me made it feel much easier, it seems more socially acceptable somehow and you don't feel quite as awkward.

I think the physicality of a book is different than just scrolling on your phone. It almost makes it look as if you've gone to the pub/restaurant with purpose.

Once you've done that a few times, you realise that actually, it's perfectly OK and you don't even need the book any more (although I bloody love a couple of hours in a pub or restaurant sat reading!!)

Only mentioning in case this tip helps anyone who's worried about being seated alone.

Show quote history

On the odd occasion I had to stay somewhere that didn’t have room service available, I’d also take a book or my kindle with me to the table as a prop/buffer/safety net?

I haven’t needed to travel alone involving an overnight stay for quite sometime. I’d like to hope now I’m in my 40s, older, wiser, not to mention peri-menopausal, that should the need arise in future, I’d embrace the solo dining experience.

Mothership4two · 17/08/2025 16:52

limegreenheart · 16/08/2025 18:26

Is he very, very old? Once upon a time it was considered unusual or even inappropriate for a woman to have a drink alone in a pub (although somehow magically OK if you also ordered food) and that attitude persisted in some rural pockets even into the late 20th century. Anyway, it sounds like you've discovered a nice little break for yourself - enjoy it, you definitely deserve it!

I remember my uncle, who would be 100+ now, telling me that when he was a young man this was the case, but that is a long time ago. He also told me that around that time a man said "fuck" during his conversation and got physically thrown out! 😂Rural North East

Mothership4two · 17/08/2025 16:57

Your DH would think I was an eccentric freak then OP. I went away for a week by myself a few weeks ago (except for the dog) and have booked to do the same next year. Mind you my DC are 20+ but DH didn't turn a hair.