too easy to stay at home

Many younger people stay in too.

I could easily stop in every night especially now the clocks have changed,but I have two regular commitments (choirs). As it happens, this past week I have also “babysat” one evening and then we also had a ( rare) family meal booked. So glad I do not have to go out tonight, ( there will be lots of fireworks going off) but in November there are so many concerts to go to or perform at, as well as rehearsals.

I think I'm a bit like Mickey Flanagan.
I want to go out, but not out out!
I would like a friend or two to spend time with, but just 'knocking about' together, having a chat and a laugh.

Beau - you sound like someone after my own heart! Life will pass by whether or not we hunker down, go out [insert other] etc. For those of us without family and who struggle to collect friends, going out is difficult.

Then there's driving home in the dark ( cataracts don't like oncoming headlights). Or walking home alone in the dark ( visions of muggers coming up behind on the single track by the river I would have to take. Perhaps I watch too many dramas where women get attacked!

After a long working life that included evening meetings ending at 10pm, I love hibernating in the winter months. I loved this summer and holidayed with or near friends but I really prefer lunchtime things these days. I see plays in the afternoon, go to talks then and meet friends for lunch.

I have even bought new fleecy pyjamas and dressing gown, and stocked up on good books to see the winter through.

I really don't ever go out at night now, summer or winter. I just like the luxury of being able to go to bed early and choose not to waste my time going to things - over the years, almost every social event has had me thinking 'I would rather be at home'. Now I can be the recluse I always wanted to be. My dad was a lighthouse keeper before he married so I think the seclusion thing runs in the family ?

I am not put off from going out at night in the winter, I think it is important for me to have a good, varied social life as I recently retired and live on my own after a divorce many years ago. I think I would become a hermit if I did not continue with my activities all year round.

So I am very involved with my WI (currently President!) which is a 15 minute drive away and attend various meetings several times a month, twice monthly meetings with the National Women's Register, two book clubs which meet monthly and go out with an Internet social group "Meetup" at least once a week for a meal. Add these outings to family visits, I can be out every night of the week but then things go quiet and I find myself at home for a few nights. Then my crochet charity work comes out, I catch up on TV programmes, read a few books before getting bored and wanting to go out!

But I do not mind driving at night, live in a safe, quiet neighbourhood so feel safe when I get home in the dark and am fiercely independent!

But, a lot depends what the weather is like!

No, cornergran, not odd at all. ?
We're all different, thank goodness. Some folks can't bear to be indoors much, others can, and others fall somewhere in between.
Do what feels right for you. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
I'm like you, sometimes I go out, sometimes I don't, it depends how I feel.

I’m out in the evening in the dark sometimes, often not. I truly don’t worry about it, if I need or want to go out I do, if I choose to stay home and snug I don’t worry that I should be out doing something. Beginning to think I’m odd .

Carolpaint, the poem is by Dylan Thomas
('Do not go gentle into that good night; rage, rage against the dying of the light')

Tillybelle
I had to laugh at 'detergents'.
Were you feeling washed-up?

I don't like driving when it is dark but I force my self to in order to go to see my dd and gc who live about 80 miles away. I go out whenever it is not raining even if it is cold as I have to walk the dogs but far shorter walks if raining or freezing/snow. I have enjoyed the better weather over the last week with no rain here.

That is awful marionk!!
I hope it wasn't too distressing.
I wouldn't like someone to break in while I was home
You can be burgled during the day too I suppose.
Sending hugs xx

I'm 71 and still going out in the evenings, last night went to book group, and caught bus home at 10.45. I have another group next Monday and a supper at a pub next Wednesday. I'm lucky that I still feel reasonably fit, and that, living in the suburbs the streets are well lit and that we have good public transport. However I won't drive after dark in the countryside, and if I lived there I would find it much harder to go out at night.

I don't go to my WI meetings as its in the evening, good idea about looking for one in the daytime. The fire is lit, I am in comfy clothes and have a good book to read so its hard to go out at night.

Went out last Monday evening - came home to find we had been burgled! Staying at home would probably have been a better idea!

I hate going out at night. Meet up with ex colleagues for lunch. I haven't joined WI but I do go on their coach trips to fill the bus up going to York in November all day time activities. I don't like leaving my dog on his own especially as I have noisy neighbours. I walk him 3 times a day last walk around 8 pm.

I've always enjoyed staying home.
For me, life is too short to go out and spend the evening clock watching, wishing I was indoors.

Carolpaint I agree with you, life's too short!
Went to the 9p.m. showing of A Star is Born last night with my Dd, I drove, and going to Bohemian Rhapsody next week!
I also regularly drive into Manchester City Centre with my friend for the theatre.
We have lots booked for over the Winter months.
I agree it is nice to cozy up in the Winter evenings but if I didn't go out in the evening a couple of times a month, I would feel as though life was passing me by.

I’ve started a new thread for this for those of you who are interested, it is under the Health catergory.

Not a feature of being older, everyone (25+) in my office feels the same about this. I do get up early some mornings to go to exercise classes that start at 7am but finding motivation after work is impossible.

I get in from work and wild horses wouldn't get me back out again. When I have been invited out I usually look for an excuse not to go plus like many others I find it difficult to drive in the dark

What is the poem about railing against the dying of the light.
Fairly shocked by what I have read, it is about ceasing to belong. A Star is Born was fun and sad. Bohemian Rhapsody got your blood up ?Das Walkuries did not finish until 1100, but then it was lovely to sit in the warm with a delicious nightcap. Get in out there ladies, life is far better than the alternative. Funny Cow this Saturday, Maxine Peake go for it.