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Dont want to go out

(63 Posts)
Rosycheeks Thu 12-Aug-21 16:16:31

I retired in Jan after working since I was 14 and a half.
I am enjoying being home and I wondered if its normal that I love being in my house. I find any excuse to not go shopping even though I do but I just love staying at home pottering about but feel guilty that my DH who is 8 years younger has to work and I feel I should be doing stuff. I clean the house every day and he still wants to cook when he comes in though I might make a shepherds pie or chilli now and again but he says he is happy and that I deserve to rest. One thing, I used to be out the house 12 hours a day and every weekend I would get a migraine or bad headache I dont have them now. Am I being lazy?

Jillybird Fri 13-Aug-21 22:09:41

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Amalegra Fri 13-Aug-21 23:41:09

Rosy cheeks-just enjoy your home and your time! I am much the same-I love pottering and reading and just taking time to think and mull over ‘stuff’! I am single now, have my three children and four grandchildren near me (I know I am so lucky!) and never really get lonely. I relish these quiet days-I can always go out if I get a little stir crazy. To enjoy simple pleasures and peace is a great gift. Enjoy!

Shropshirelass Sat 14-Aug-21 09:24:20

I love being at home and pottering too. I never feel like going shopping but I do. Food shopping is a necessity not pleasurable for me. DH retired at the same time due to ill health and I have been looking after elderly relatives, sadly now all passed but now I intend to potter and enjoy without feeling guilty. Enjoy, it is your time now.

Edge26 Sat 14-Aug-21 14:08:37

I finished work 4 years ago and absolutely love being at home pottering about in the house and garden. Do not feel guilty, do what you want to do and enjoy your retirement.

Jaibee007 Sun 15-Aug-21 22:50:57

It sounds a bit unbalanced to me, and maybe you will grow restless eventually. But one thing I learned from Lockdown was that I relish being out of doors, being in nature and getting fresh air every day as well as physical exercise from having walks - I think it's healthier to spend time out of doors every day, and to do some exercise - so I think going out regularly is probably a must for a healthy life, even if it's just to the park, library, swimming pool you don't need to go to the shops or be around people if you don't want to. But staying indoors all the time isn't healthy certainly

misty34 Sun 15-Aug-21 23:21:02

I too had migraines, usually on a Sunday for me as Saturdays were as hectic as the working week shopping, housework etc. Sunday was my relaxation day and was often marred by migraine. I have not had one since I took early retirement [after 40 years of full timework]. I also noticed I haven't had a bad cold or chest infection which I was prone to since leaving work 6 years ago. I used to suffer chest infections at least twice if not 3 times a year. No longer travelling to meetings on the train and working in germ den offices. It's wonderful. I also spend a lot of time pottering about at home and love it!

watermeadow Wed 18-Aug-21 09:34:17

I think you risk getting stuck at home and being less and less willing to go out. I know several reclusive people who rarely venture out since retirement. You’re missing so much by limiting yourself to four walls, like a rabbit caged in a hutch for life.

Rosycheeks Wed 18-Aug-21 11:48:59

I dont feel like a rabbit caged.
Im just enjoying my home at the moment and dont feel the need to gad about but I expect i will when ive finished decorating and chucking out stuff.
Im not just sitting like a zombie and the walls havent closed in yet.

Mapleleaf Wed 18-Aug-21 16:16:01

Retirement involves a period of adjustment, of finding ones feet in a new situation, and I think good advice is not to rush into too many things at once, but allow yourself time to adjust to this new phase of your life and then do only what it is that you enjoy, and if that involves periods of pottering at home then that is absolutely fine, and there's no reason to feel any guilt for doing so.

It is important to try and get outdoors each day of course, for exercise and fresh air, whether that's to potter in the garden, go for a walk or maybe a swim or similar, if you are physically able to do so in order to keep active and keep those myscles working, but off "doing" things such as being on committees, joining groups, volunteering, isn't for everyone and if you prefer pottering in the home rather than doing these things, then that's fine, too.

Mapleleaf Wed 18-Aug-21 16:16:57

muscles, not myscles ?

bipgrizzo Thu 19-Aug-21 12:48:46

oh wow, that sounds amazing! you definitely deserve it after all those years working. sounds like it's just what your health needs too. enjoy it!

effalump Fri 20-Aug-21 12:03:43

Enjoy your retirement, you've earned it! I 'potter' too, mainly because I go off at a tangent. I try cleaning and tidying and I come across something, a photo or a book or something, and that's it ... off at a tangent. smile