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Original poster

What has lockdown taught you about yourself?

133 replies

ssd · 28/04/2020 12:41

I didn't realise what an introvert I am, I'm really not missing anyone. I'm glad of the peace. I now know why I get so antsy sometimes, I just need time alone. I like company when I choose it, I hate it forced on me.
And I don't need to shop every day, or every other day and I've saved a fortune. When everything gets on top of me I go to the shops, probably to be alone!!

What about you?

OP posts:
Kidneybingo · 28/04/2020 17:29

That apart from a bit of eyeliner and mascara, I wasn't wearing makeup for myself after all! Grin

Spamellahamella · 28/04/2020 17:33

I've learnt that I am really lazy. I love doing nothing. The days are zooming past and I haven't really done anything productive. I have read, walked, gone for bike rides, helped the kids with homework, baked and sunbathed. I haven't done any of the big projects I should have done. I don't miss my old life. I have learnt that I really don't like either of my two jobs and I am quite happy not to.be there. I already knew I was an introvert but I guess the extent of it has been a bit of a surprise. I haven't missed anyone because I don't really see many people anyway.

2outof3Mightbebad · 28/04/2020 17:34

That i'm lazy, have a drink problem and don't have much of a life.

whatisforteamum · 28/04/2020 18:01

I am a real introvert.I was a.workaholic but being forced to be off work has been great for me.
I knew I could cope on a tight budget as we have before.
I don't really need people and don't miss them.
I can fill in my time quiet well without working a 12 hour day.

Connie222 · 28/04/2020 18:07

I’m calmer than I thought.

And I’ve always been into conspiracy stuff how the governments want us all dead etc. But I am all for stricter lockdowns so I am perpetually confused and I don’t know who I am anymore.

It’s not surprise that I’m fine though, I’ve spent most of my life alone or just with Dh and the kids and never really left the house anyway. Not having to see people out of duty or Dh family to keep him happy has been wonderful.

Sooki6 · 28/04/2020 18:15

That my life was too crazy. I knew it anyway but trying to work full time, juggle two (3 if you include OH 😂), kids a house and a dog is too much. I was doing it but no one was getting enough of me and I felt exhausted all of the time. I’m a better person at the moment.

Twattergy · 28/04/2020 19:23

I've already been WFH for several years so no revelations around that (love it, love the peace, being own boss, ability to manage own time). Have learnt that being at home w a 8 yr old is SO much better than being at home w a baby (last time I spent everyday at home w DS was maternity leave and it was hell for me). Im really enjoying his company. I'm a better cook than I thought and really enjoy cooking when I have time for it. As an introvert I already know I don't like phone calls/small talk so Zoom has just confirmed for me that I don't enjoy non one to one meaningful chat. I don't really miss people. I am just starting to feel a longing to wander around a city centre just enjoying the buzz and activity and endless options for diversion.

10storeylovesong · 28/04/2020 19:35

That I'm more content with my life than I thought and that all the business and rushing around was self created. Im a better mum than I thought, because I'm no longer stressing the little things and life is still just carrying on. DH and I are both still going out to work (shift work) so I do get some sense of normality, but other than that I'm not missing much (except a decent flat white and live music!).

Original poster
ssd · 28/04/2020 20:19

So many interesting replies here.
When lockdown was first announced and everyone was upset as they had weekends away planned, concerts to go to, hendo's organised... I felt like a weirdo as I had nothing planned so it didn't make any difference to me. And I felt OK about that but I didn't realise the rest of the world was so busy.

I'm amazed at how content I've been at home. I thought I'd go daft but it's the opposite. I sort of feel like there's no pressure just now to be social or be seen to be social, and everyone is at my level, at home and not doing anything. It's quite liberating to feel no pressure. When life starts up again I hope I keep this feeling of contentment.
Don't get me wrong, I'm above worried sick about the virus and if my job will still be there. And worried about the adult dcs.
But I'm content at home and I didn't think I would be.

OP posts:
Mintypylonsfryingsurplus · 28/04/2020 20:30

That I am more political than I realised.
As a moany middle aged woman I rant at the TV, Trump, the health inequalities.
In my garden I moan about kids screaming instead of playing whats with the screaming!!
That is has brought out the worst parts of my character, that I not very keen on anyone from overpaid footballers, needy friends and wish I could escape to a desert island on my own.
But other than that I actually quite content!

RenegadeMrs · 28/04/2020 20:39

Honestly not much that maternity leave didn't teach me:

  • I am more social than I thought
  • I am not as lazy as I thought.
  • I hate being at home 24/7
  • I like a sense of purpose in my life over and struggle to find fulfilment just through parenting and housekeeping.
  • I eat when I am bored
  • I am very lucky with both my partner and DD who are both great.
Waspnest · 28/04/2020 20:57

I sort of feel like there's no pressure just now to be social or be seen to be social, and everyone is at my level, at home and not doing anything. It's quite liberating to feel no pressure. When life starts up again I hope I keep this feeling of contentment.

This. I feel a bit guilty about it actually because that lack of social interaction is clearly destroying the mental health of many people whereas for me it feels like a lovely breathing space.

orangesandlemo · 28/04/2020 20:59

That I really am messy and my husband really is amazing putting up with me and my mess / clutter

And I hate Webex / zoom

But not as much as I hate QUIZZES
We didn't ever do quizzes with our friends before lock down why do they think after 20 ish years of knowing each other we have suddenly developed a desire to do a quiz every bl**dy week

Ilikefresias · 28/04/2020 21:03

That I'm quite lazy and I spend too much time on mumsnet!! That I'm introverted and not really bothered about going out Smile

Canyoutellilikrchocolate · 28/04/2020 21:11

I hear you OP.

Apart from the actual virus, I’m actually happier than I’ve been in ages. DH and I getting along great - despite having a toddler and two stressful jobs.

I’m enjoying the majority of the time with my toddler (a revelation as I hated maternity leave).

Not missing anyone, but my family live far away so I go months between seeing them in normal circumstances anyway.
Not missing going to the office.

I haven’t bought any clothes (a weakness of mine) and I haven’t missed shopping at all.

To be honest though even before lockdown we spent most of our time walking / cycling (live quite rurally) so that’s what we like doing anyway.

I used to feel so much pressure to make friends (I don’t have many) but this has made me realise I don’t even miss the few friends I already have and I’m much happier now the pressure to be social has gone. So I think when this is all over I will stop my efforts to force friendships.

mathanxiety · 28/04/2020 21:34

That I will turn into a cat lady one day.

ANoiseAnnoys · 28/04/2020 21:38

ssd I could’ve written your OP myself. I’m quite introverted and not sociable. I like being at home with dh and the dc’s and I don’t really miss anyone else!

I also love not having to do the school run. I’ve realised I really don’t like that many people - maybe the problem is mine but I’m feeling more and more I would quite enjoy living somewhere more isolated...

ANoiseAnnoys · 28/04/2020 21:40

Oh, and that we eat out a LOT and I really miss it and hate cooking (I knew that anyway though!)

Cantata · 28/04/2020 21:44

It has reminded me that I am naturally a questioner, especially when it comes to "rules". I am the quietest, most mild-mannered and even-tempered individual. However, this really does remind me that I don't like being told what to do, and especially not when someone else telling me what to do directly affects my children and me.

It has also reminded me that my dear, complicated, non-committal, non-resident long-term ASD DP wants to see me every day, and that he and I are very similar in that we have done this quite regardless of "the rules".

It also reminds me that I value my freedom more than anything. I was trapped in the kitchen when I was married to my abusive XH. Being trapped at home reminds me of this. There is no way I am ever going back to being told by anyone that I have to stay at home. So I haven't.

tootyfruitypickle · 28/04/2020 21:46

Thanks for this thread! Also here - I knew I was a introvert but never saw it as a positive til now! No issues here either . And also that having gone through some shit doesn’t make me vulnerable, it makes me able to manage in a crisis much bette than most.

123Dancewithme · 28/04/2020 21:47

I always thought I was an introvert, but I’m more social than I thought. I really miss going to baby groups and chatting to other mums.

ProfessorRadcliffeEmerson · 28/04/2020 21:55

I'm a terrible mother. I'm also a bad manager. In ordinary times, the management part of my job is relatively easy (I manage a good team of really competent people, and my job is mainly to avoid getting in their way and make sure they've got what they need to do the job effectively). Now it takes nearly half my week to make sure I've checked in with all of them, no-one's died and been eaten by an Alsatian (I did have an actual conversation with one of them about what would happen if she died) and no-one's actually going to slit their wrists. I'm not doing it well. And I don't have the time to give to the other bit of my job that I should have (see also, I'm a terrible mother, because DD is home-schooling and I should be paying more attention to that too).

I'm periodically wondering what the point of me is now.

cece · 28/04/2020 22:04

I would happily carry on like this for ages. I have surprised myself as I thought I liked going out. Turns out I like it at home and I think I was only going out a lot to avoid my exH. Now he is not here anymore I am more than happy to stay at home. I miss my friends but see a lot more of them now due to zoom and the less hectic lifestyle. I'd like to visit my mum and maybe have a potter around TK Maxx, otherwise I am not too bothered by it.

blue25 · 28/04/2020 22:10

That I can happily sit in a sunny garden for hours, reading and watching the birds.

That work just gets in the way of enjoying life and I can’t wait to retire.

That my mood is really affected by the weather.

TheSherbetTurbot · 28/04/2020 22:12

I've discovered I can happily live without other people apart from the people closest to me., I've discovered that Ive actually got quite a good marriage, and I've decided that no matter how long it takes me, I'll get out of the job I'm in, and get another, because life is far to short to wake up dreading work every day.