I just feel so empty sometimes!!

[notsurewhyohwhy]

I hate the evenings, Im either busy doing boring stuff like cleaning and pack lunches or I'm just bored and empty! It's so crap being a single parent sometimes!

I love my little girl so much but im fed up of being responsible of everything!

It's hard sometimes. And when I stop and think about the weight of responsibility I have it is quite scary.

Because of the job I do, I quite often find myself doing paperwork in the evenings which keeps me busy. Also because when I was married, we generally spent our evenings in separate rooms I am happier being on my own.

When you have less to do could you invite a friend or family member round to keep you company? Or chat on the phone. Or chat online.

I do chat on the phone alot, but when I feel crap like I do now, I don't want to chat as I feel like I might depress others!

I know what you mean notsure... I never want to call my friends when I'm feeling so low, even though I know they wouldn't mind.

The last couple of weeks I've found myself falling into the same pattern every evening - kids to bed, internet browse with TV on in the background, go to bed when I get bored... It seems so empty and pointless!!

So, this week I'm starting a new pattern. I've invited a friend over for one evening to do a work out DVD with me. I'm going to dust off a computer game I bought flippin' ages ago and have never started because I 'don't have time'. Likewise a cross stitch that I got ages ago and haven't started. AND I'm going to book a babysitter for one night so that I can go to an exercise class, or a gym. Just one night so I can feel a bit human, a bit more socialised!

None of these things are really exciting, but they will be just for me, which I'm hoping will make me feel a bit less like a social leper who is slowly turning into her mother

Oh, and one of the best treatments I've found for feeling low is to put some dance songs on my ipod while I clean the kitchen - I get a sense of achievement at having done something, and the dancing around like a loon cheers me up!

I too totally know where you´re coming from!
(hello again madmadam!)
It can be so so lonely. In fact, I found it so shit that i´ve come to live with my mum until i am stronger. I thik one thing to keep in mind is that you are a mother first and foremost and that housework etc although needs doing to some extent may have to slip a little. I found I was trying to do everything to a high standard that is just impossible when you´re on your own. Do you have any friends or fmaily you could ask to help out or even jsut come round for a night in teh week for a bit of company?
also force yourself to do things like have a bath, pamper yourself, watch a dvd or other hobby. even if you don´t feel like it you will feel better after. come on here and talk to us! we feel for you sister! x

Feeling really bored too tonight. It just sucks sometimes! I have a boyfriend, but we live 45 mins apart so I only see him a couple of times a week and I have moved about 300 miles away from all my friends to stay with my parents as I can't afford to live on my own so can't just get someone round for wine and DVDs.

I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow, but for tonight - harrumph!

Oh my god, I totally get all of the above. Its so crap at times, am having a bad v upsetting week (and its only Tuesday)!!. Just wonder at times will I be stuck in my house day & night hearing bout everyones elses great lifes!.
Sorry, should be giving you lots of positives and as my mother advised I need to go for a walk (her answer for every life problem or illness).
Best of luck to you, let me know any great survival tips!

February/March is always a little depressing....but the lighter nights are coming so get that chin up.....have you thought about trying to find like minded single parents in your area...so you can perhaps meet up and share a glass of wine....

well it seems we are all in the same boat, sometimes its fine being alone and sometimes its so empty.

madmadam - you are right you have to work to make a difference. so has this week been better for you?

there are things i want to do like a pole fitness class, i would love it, but it is finished at 8pm, and feel i would be getting my dd home really late and feel its unfair.

Im probably better off then loads of people as my mum lives nearby, but still feel very overwhelmed sometimes.

Hi notsure just another person saying I know how you feel. It's so lonely and boring and it feels relentless! (sorry not v positive either!) but I think it helps knowing it's not just you feeling it.. I agree we just have to make a big effort to factor in 'me time' but make the effort we must, it's especially important when you're doing it all on your own.
Hope you're feeling better.