Anyone else used to lockdown now?

[Helenj1977]

I quite like our little bubble. I like not having to see people. I like not doing the school run.

I’m quite worried about it ending.

No. i beat cancer two years ago, was just getting used to living a normal life again, been an unemployed SAHM for 8 years so have been extremely isolated and was only just getting back into voluntary work which i loved doing so much, made more than a few friends which i have now lost a long with my volunteering job as i got sent the shielding letter. My DH works full time, and my children's school felt that my kids are vulnerable due to DS1 autism so im in an empty house all alone during the day. i am so depressed and have zero motivation until my kids and DH are home

Yes, quite used to lockdown. Actually I quite like it...although, I moved out here to a rural situation because I wanted peace and quiet, no noisy traffic or bustle of a town. So lockdown hasn't made much of an impact in that sense. And I like long country walks, I go out every day and walk miles, I would be doing that regardless of lockdown, COVID or anything else.

I understand it's easy for me to say this, as I'm not WFH, my children are grown up and off my hands, and I don't have a partner to get irritated with. So for those who are finding it very hard, you really have my sympathy and admiration. I have to say I do worry about my adult children who aren't so keen, they've managed to keep their jobs but would rather be out socialising.

I'm not in the slightest bit lonely, I can't understand all this wanting to hug folk and see the grandchildren business. My parents are no longer alive so I'm not worried about elderly relatives and I don't have any grandchildren....I 'phone the family, have met up for outdoor walks (when they were permitted), sent texts. Its enough, I'm in touch. I must be something of an introvert.

I was lucky to get a part-time job when I moved here but as it's in a school (non-teaching) I've been furloughed for more time than I've worked. To be honest I'm dreading going back and have consoled myself by deciding to hand in my notice. Lockdown has taught me that I really don't like people, certainly not in a crowded school with small children who don't socially distance and where I don't think the work environment is safe. I've given up trying to speak up about it as it's clearly just me, so I shall leave. I have been so happy not working and doing my own thing.

There are things I've missed....I'd like to be able to browse the shops whenever I want, I'd like to be able to drive down south just to see a friend, I'd like to invite people in for tea from time to time, I'd like to go to a church service or a summer fete or just sit in a coffee shop and watch the world go by. But no doubt they'll come back in due course. Other than that I'm happy, content, and haven't really been too much affected.

@Waxonwaxoff0

I think for those of us who are hating lockdown the frustration comes from the fact that anyone who does want a quiet life is free to live that way anyway - no one HAS to go to the pub or a festival or see people all the time if they don't want to. You have the choice. Those of us who do like those things have no choice in the matter right now.

This 1000000000 times.

I've lost my job and partner lives abroad, but on a day to day level I really don't mind lockdown much. It's certainly made me reflect in a positive way on how I was living before lockdown ie spending too much time commuting, buying lots of stuff etc.

No, absolutely not. This is not a normal way to live and I will never never be used to it.

There had better bloody be a clear path out of this explained on Monday or people will just start deciding for themselves it is over.

And I think it is very dangerous that people are saying how this is normal now. It isn't. Humans are social animals.

I'm ambivalent about it. I would definitely prefer my normal life. But I don't hate lockdown.

However I appreciate that I'm in a very privileged position, not financially affected, entitled to a support bubble and with preschool children so no homeschooling.

I also didn't do things or see people I didnt like before lockdown, so theres nothing I'm pleased to be missing.

@HesterShaw1

No, absolutely not. This is not a normal way to live and I will never never be used to it.

There had better bloody be a clear path out of this explained on Monday or people will just start deciding for themselves it is over.

And I think it is very dangerous that people are saying how this is normal now. It isn't. Humans are social animals.

I came through a really really tough time which lasted several years. By the end of 2019 things were starting to really look up. My life was starting to feel "normal" i.e. I wasn't completely broke, I'd come to terms with my dad's death, infertility, and the breakdown of my 16 year marriage. I was getting used to living alone and I had just met someone new and lovely.

Then this happened.

So I will fight tooth and nail to get that life back.

@Munkeenut

Nope. I work full time, have an 18 month old at home and trying to home school a 6 year old who sobs herself to sleep at night because she now has no friends. I have no support bubble, husband also working full time. It's shit.

That sound awful, I'm so sorry.

Glad some of you find it not just bearable but even enjoyable

Me, I see my DC (16/18) unable to see friends, unable to sit their exams, their entire life cancelled. It’s hard to watch, though they are making the best of it.

It’s hard seeing DH unhappy in his job (secondary school teacher, he loves day to day life with the kids, help them plan prom etc. He’s extremely worried about the vulnerable kids he normally supports)

And I feel sad that I cannot play my sport, at all, or go out with my friends, or see my parents as they live in a “red” country

My normal state of being is active, outgoing, extroverted, social, planning things

Lockdown feels like life is trying hard to depress me and I struggle tbh

Then I feel bad about finding it so hard

I loved it last year - I don't much like people anyway so was very happy to not see anyone. I'd go as far as to say lockdown 1 saved my marriage and helped me find my feet as a mum finally, it gave me time for some proper therapy so I've largely got a handle on GAD now.

We are in a bubble with my parents due to Dad being terminally ill, so spent the summer in their garden, paddling pool etc.

This lockdown though, I am finding so so hard - and we're 'all weather' people for playing out in the garden etc so getting out plenty and have days full of at home activities.

Even when restrictions start to lift, we will remain isolated as shielding to be able to bubble with parents. Even though Dad has had his jab the new variants and his non existent immune system means it's still a risk.

The end of isolating for us will be Dad passing.

So it's shit. It is so so shit.

But I did like it last year, and as PP have said, will be prioritising time to spend time together as a family, and only see people who bring joy to our lives.

I'm not that bothered by the staying in part- my weekends before this weren't hugely different. I've lost touch with most of my friends so spent a lot of time alone anyway. Quite happy with WFH, not having to wear makeup and worry about what to wear etc... In a bubble with my parents so able to see them thankfully.

I do realise that this is not a normal way of life though and wish it would end!

I still go out to work part time, my eldest goes out to work and my youngest is happily homeschooled , so not a huge impact for me. I am 52, just me and kids for almost eight years now, very peaceful, have adapted to a different way of life before coronavirus, still meet up with a friend every week, text and phone sisters and friends often, been improving my house, garden through lockdown, working on self growth, self care etc.

I hate crowds and rowdy places, and am happy with my own company. Not too fussed on holidays, well travelled when my youngest gets a bit older have plenty of friends to go away with, sons are 15 and 19, they prefer to do their own thing. I think the secret is to create a life you don't need to escape from.

It’s ruined my career, my industry and my life. You can live under lockdown type circumstances most of the time if you choose. Take a job where you can work from home and don’t see anyone if that’s what you want. But don’t talk about how lovely it is to destroy millions of lives, decimate huge sectors of the economy and send people plunging into poverty just so you don’t have to do the school run.

@Moonface123

I still go out to work part time, my eldest goes out to work and my youngest is happily homeschooled , so not a huge impact for me. I am 52, just me and kids for almost eight years now, very peaceful, have adapted to a different way of life before coronavirus, still meet up with a friend every week, text and phone sisters and friends often, been improving my house, garden through lockdown, working on self growth, self care etc. I hate crowds and rowdy places, and am happy with my own company. Not too fussed on holidays, well travelled when my youngest gets a bit older have plenty of friends to go away with, sons are 15 and 19, they prefer to do their own thing. I think the secret is to create a life you don't need to escape from.

I don't want to escape from my normal life. I love being out and busy. I hate this life.

@BaconandWaffles

It’s ruined my career, my industry and my life. You can live under lockdown type circumstances most of the time if you choose. Take a job where you can work from home and don’t see anyone if that’s what you want. But don’t talk about how lovely it is to destroy millions of lives, decimate huge sectors of the economy and send people plunging into poverty just so you don’t have to do the school run.

This. Will bells on.

No it is a joyless existance with nothing to look forward too.
No gym,lunch with friends meeting family.
No theatre or music events
Grown up daughters working from family home as left london and cant see partners
cannot wait for this to be over
Feel so sad for people losing their jobs and careers

No because I know technically we do not live in small bubbles. Society does affect us to a degree, and society has turned to shit !!!!

Surprising really as pre covid I was a bit of a hermit. This is just odd though. I don’t like not being able to do as I please.

Yeap! That's exactly it, I am used to it now and I'm not bothered how long it carries on for. In fact Im slightly apprehensive about having to socialise again. I like the fact that I can see people when I want on zoom . It's cheaper as I can drink alcohol at home (much cheaper than the pub) and dont have to worry about how to get home at the end of the evening. I am bored though!

And then some posters say "No one enjoys life in lockdown". Well this thread obviously proves the contrary. Some do enjoy their life in lockdown and are even anxious about lockdown ending.

Not to say it's wrong OP. You are completely entitled to your feelings.

As for me, having a very stressful job with a DH on the frontline, we both cannot wait enough to get out of lockdown so there are aspects of life we can enjoy outside of our work life.

No. It's shit.
No gym, salons, hairdressers. No bars, restaurants, gigs, theatres.
This is not living. It's fucking dull. I don't want to look back on my life and think this is all there was.

@Moonface123

I still go out to work part time, my eldest goes out to work and my youngest is happily homeschooled , so not a huge impact for me. I am 52, just me and kids for almost eight years now, very peaceful, have adapted to a different way of life before coronavirus, still meet up with a friend every week, text and phone sisters and friends often, been improving my house, garden through lockdown, working on self growth, self care etc. I hate crowds and rowdy places, and am happy with my own company. Not too fussed on holidays, well travelled when my youngest gets a bit older have plenty of friends to go away with, sons are 15 and 19, they prefer to do their own thing. I think the secret is to create a life you don't need to escape from.

This basically! I think the fact that I am still going out to work part-time like Moonface means I still have something to do, I still feel useful and I get to speak to other human beings on my days in work. I think this has made a big difference.

@BaconandWaffles

It’s ruined my career, my industry and my life. You can live under lockdown type circumstances most of the time if you choose. Take a job where you can work from home and don’t see anyone if that’s what you want. But don’t talk about how lovely it is to destroy millions of lives, decimate huge sectors of the economy and send people plunging into poverty just so you don’t have to do the school run.

^ I have not personally been affected financially by the pandemic but totally understand your post. My brother who was a cabin crew for 8 years lost his job and then his wife due to the financial dent... it's heartbreaking and I wouldn't wish this misery on anyone.

@Waxonwaxoff0

I think for those of us who are hating lockdown the frustration comes from the fact that anyone who does want a quiet life is free to live that way anyway - no one HAS to go to the pub or a festival or see people all the time if they don't want to. You have the choice. Those of us who do like those things have no choice in the matter right now.

Hear Hear..

Aside from the financial impact of having lost all my work for nearly a year, I hate not being able to go swimming, to Pilates classes, to museums, art galleries, shops, pubs, restaurants, theatres, the hairdressers, the coast, other parts of the UK, on holiday abroad, to see my friends, my family.

All normal things that make life worth living. I hate it, this is not a life.

I've had to put a note on the inside of my front door to remind myself to be nice if people chap the door to say hello when passing. It's made me fear anyone not the postman