Am I alone?

130 replies

WartFace · 03/06/2026 11:31

I often wonder how many other people out there are like me. I’m retired from a public sector job, as is my DH. We’re lucky enough to be comfortably off though not wealthy by most standards. It may just be an age thing, but I feel disconnected from most people’s interests and popular culture in general. I certainly don’t want to be judgemental or snobbish but I feel everyone wants to talk about travel and sport and popular culture all the time and I just enjoy quiet things! I know I’m privileged (very well educated) but I sometimes feel so lonely. Are there others out there like me?

OP posts:

Gowlett · 03/06/2026 21:35

I kind of have a similar problem, but in a different way. I have an interesting job which means I mix in certain circles, celebs etc… (just for work, but there’s always good stories!)

Friends, people I meet, school mums will ask me about it (they usually talk about the cost of houses, their kids, TV shows) as their jobs are boring. I feel like I love talking about myself!

Original poster

WartFace · 03/06/2026 21:42

venusandmars · 03/06/2026 21:30

I tend towards being an introvert, I love quiet peaceful surroundings. But I can party hard (and thoroughly enjoy it) too. But not too often, and usually in the company of a few close friends.

But then sometimes life takes me by surprise... In the past 5 years I have i): stumbled into an online forum of women internationally who share one of my passions and who feel like 'my tribe'. and ii): I was randomly looking for an art class and I found a completely different group who meet 5 minutes from where I live. I've had so much unexpected laughter with these people. iii): become involved in a contraversial community issueand have found myself asked to speak at Council meetings.

I love my quiet gentle life, but I also remain open to new possibilities.

That is a really encouraging post! Thank you

OP posts:

latetothefisting · 03/06/2026 21:43

EveryKneeShallBow · 03/06/2026 12:40

This is exactly how I feel! I don’t switch on my tv any more because there’s so little I’m interested in. All the theatres near me have endless musicals (which I dislike) but very little classic plays that I want to see. Not been to the cinema for about ten years. I don’t like shopping or pubs and I love cooking so unless I go to a very expensive restaurant I prefer my own food. For health reasons I can’t travel abroad but I don’t think I’d enjoy a lot of the kinds of holidays I see advertised. I’m not on social media so can’t comment on that. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Show quote history

none of this makes any sense at all, and is extremely superficial.
If you like 'classic plays' then cinemas often live stream a wide variety of shows from the west end and museum exhibitions, and you can watch absolutely anything from shakespeare to french language romance on TV streaming platforms - it's not just Love Island and football you know!

Same as 'travelling abroad,' doesn't automatically equal 'Jet 2 holiday!'

Original poster

WartFace · 03/06/2026 21:43

Gowlett · 03/06/2026 21:35

I kind of have a similar problem, but in a different way. I have an interesting job which means I mix in certain circles, celebs etc… (just for work, but there’s always good stories!)

Friends, people I meet, school mums will ask me about it (they usually talk about the cost of houses, their kids, TV shows) as their jobs are boring. I feel like I love talking about myself!

Edited

It must be fun!

OP posts:

BauhausOfEliott · 04/06/2026 12:20

Reportingfromwherever · 03/06/2026 17:42

I started off thinking this was the thread for me but I really dislike some of the attitudes in here. I have what many would consider to be highbrow tastes - I adore classical music, art, French literature. However, I also love the Real Housewives franchise and Rivals. I don’t look down on people who like different things to me and assume that their interests are trivial while mine are somehow more worthy. BTW, I also have lip fillers. And a PhD. Neither one defines me nor means that I’m not living my life to the fullest.

Exactly this.

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