I wanna cheap and interesting hobby

Lady_Pink

Over the last few years, I've become aware of the fact that I don't really do anything. I've never really had any hobbies, other than quite solitary pursuits like reading etc. However, I have recently been feeling more and more down about myself, for one reason and another, and feeling like a very dull and uninteresting person. This isn't helped by the fact that an old friend (who I don't see much of now) often makes me feel very inferior to her - she has a "better" job than me, earns more than me and can therefore afford to do all these wonderful things, like jaunts to Mexico, trekking over the Andes etc etc. She's a "joiner" and gets involved with lots of different activities. Whenever I see her I feel like I have nothing to say for myself, whereas she's been living it up - and don't I know it. The main problem is lack of funds - I really wanted to take a jewellery making course, but just couldn't afford it at the moment. But I also admit that I'm not the most confident of people, so the idea of going to a class or club where I don't know anyone is a bit daunting. So...

Can anyone suggest interesting and engaging hobbies and interests that cost very little or are free? I mean, what kinds of things can I do that would make me seem/feel like an interesting person without spending a fortune. Sorry if this comes accross as a bit of a "woe is me" post, but feeling like this is really getting me down - I feel like the most dull and uninteresting person that ever lived!

suzzi2704

It's not possible to be dull and uninteresting with a name like 'Lady Pink'. I love pink!!!
I've had a lot of trouble with confidence too, but you have to find things to do otherwise you'll end up bored, thinking about things too much and depressed!! So here's my suggestions!! -

You say you like jewellery making. I know those courses are pretty expensive, but there's nothing to stop you from buying a box, some beads, wire and plyers and making jewellery whilst at home. Perhaps start making it as gifts for people you know and see what their reception is like. If they're positive you could try selling items at markets or on ebay!!

Not sure if you have MSN Messenger but this is a great way of keeping in touch with people, getting to know people and building confidence because you don't have to think as fast as you do in person and you can talk about anything!!! Just ask lots of questions and get people to tell you about their lives and they'll respond positively!!

I am a really keen tennis player, and find that although its sometimes a little expensive with memebership fees and buying equipment, its fantastic socially. It's a really friendly sport at club level and most people who play in my club are below average standard wise. I haven't been a member long but I've already been asked down by other ladies for a friendly doubles and have been asked to play in team/league matches!!! Any kind of exercise classes are great - yoga and aerobics often get a nice friendly bunch of ladies together for a couple of quid a week.

You could also look into free courses in your area. Last year I did an A level in Photography at my local college - it didn't cost a penny and was a really enjoyable creative outlet.

Good luck!! Hope things start looking up soon.

Tondella

I often feel the same way, I've always been a reader and need regular time by myself just to recentre. I always felt bad about it as some of my friends are joiners too, but then i got talking to a colleague who was really interested in personality traits and he gave me a different perspective. He said that extroverts are dependent on other people for life satisfaction whereas people like you and me are happy in our own skins. Sometimes a need to be around other people or doing things all the time is a way of not dealing with feelings about yourself or other issues. That's not to say that you shouldn't join a class or something, but to reassure you that extrovertism is not "better" than introvertism.

Anyway, some suggestions, when i moved to london and didn't know many people, I took up an evening dress making course with the local council, they run some great courses. I also joined guides as a volunteer, that's opened me up to a whole network of guiders and volunteers in the local area and we have evening socials and nibbles every once in a while. You could also volunteer with a local environmental group? or as a guerilla gardener, people who go around clearing up local grot spots. If you can knit then there is a national network of informal meetings for knitters, try typing stitch n b**ch (hint: rhymes with stitch) west mids into google. for the price of a pair of needles (charity shop) and some yarn (charity shop or an old, unloved jumper unravelled) you can make some friends there.

good luck and don't beat yourself up

filigree_2

If you like reading, you could ask at your local library if they have a reading group. You meet with other people monthly to talk about a book you have all read. I know it's hard to get talking to strangers, but with a book club you all have at least one thing in common that you can talk about. In a group like that you can just sit and listen till you get more comfortable about joining in.

I don't know what your financial situation is like, but if you are on a low income or benefits then you can get a discount on Open University courses. You don't have to do a full degree course if you don't fancy it, but you might enjoy one of their foundation courses. You can meet fellow students at tutorials and they have social events too.

Could you join in with any of your friend's activities? If she does something that doesn't cost a fortune maybe she'll take you along and introduce you to people. It's easier to get started with a new group if you have a friend in tow.

Whats_my_age_again

Yes I can certainly relate to the OP. I am very similar and find I do not have many hobbies. Sure I read, listen to a lot of music and also exercise but these are all solitary hobbies. And I do get down from time to time.

Can't really offer any suggestions other than sports clubs if you are into that. That is probably my only hobby with social interaction. Either that or chatting to people on MSN but don't suppose you can call that a hobby.

But the most important thing is to be happy with who you are. Nobody is uninteresting. If you like books - how about book clubs, are there any you can join.

Nicki

Voluntary work is a good one - and as everyone has a shared interest it should not be so daunting as there is a ready made source of conversation. There is lots you could do - how about getting involved with a school as a governor for example, or help out with teenage mums, or get involved with supporting disabled people. If you feel your people skills aren't up too much, you don't have to get involved at the coal-face so to speak, you could be behind the scenes raising money, organising events, etc. If you pick something involving children or disabled people, this will add an extra "interesting" dimension to your conversations. OK it's not like you got to trek in the Himalayas but your glam friend will probably nontheless admire you, and think she couldn't do what you are doing.

Other cheap activities involving your interests are:
Book group - either join an existing one or start your own. Ask at your local library if one is running, and if not ask if they can let you have a space once a month, and put up some flyers for you to get one off the ground.
Evening classes/Day classes - not all of these are expensive. Check out the ones run by your local Adult Education centres which are much cheaper than those run by universities and colleges. Our local AEI ones are between 50p and £1 a session, compared to about £10-£15 a session which is the norm at the nearby universities.
Check out local clubs and sports places for classes, and pick one that interests you. If you don't want to go alone the first time, see if you can find someone you know to go with - it doesn't have to be an old and longstanding friend, but an acquaintance or neighbour who has also expessed an interest however vague in the subject would do. If they drop out after a short while, it won't matter as the ice is broken

Lady_Pink

Thanks to you all for replying, especially for your comments re personality traits, Tondella. It had been pointed out to me before that my friend, although she did lots of things and activities, doesn't have a special someone in her life and could be using these activities as a way of compensating. I'm married - perhaps she feels that I've succeeded in this area of my life so she concentrates on discussing her successes?? A kind of subliminal rivalry maybe? I suppose I've always assumed that the way I am is the "wrong" way to be, I should be out socialising, I should be having fantasic holidays and so on and because I'm not I'm somehow worth less as a person.

The mention of sporting activities made me laugh - I did Davina's power of 3 last night (well, some of) and can't walk today. I'm rubbish at sport and don't enjoy it really, I think that's what can make it so difficult. I tried to do CLAIT once but it was so basic and I know my way round a PC so I stopped going. There's not really a great deal on offer at community associations by me - generally sporty stuff or basic ICT things. I shouldn't complain - I have a lovely husband but I'm worried that I'm going to drown in being married and doing housework (don't get me wrong - he helps!) as this is all I seem to do apart from going to work!

elona

Lady Pink

What level did you do CLAIT at? Level 2 nearly killed me and I shudder to think of level 3!:eek:

If you look up Learn Direct at your library there may be some free courses that you would find interesting.

I did Psychology at degree level and agree with your friend that you probably have as much "stimulation" with a good book a cup of tea and a biscuit as your "friend" does bungee jumping.

I love reading too, have four daughters and a DH and have just started to knit fluffy scarves for Christmas and am considering looking in charity shops for brocade material and sewing very glamourous stockings for Christmas for DDs presents to go into.

Have a look in your library for books on crafts to give you a head start before a class.

pboae

I felt kind of the same way recently, and I've done a couple of adult ed courses, I like stuff that is useful/practical rather than another qualification, as it feels like there is a point to it. I did Car Maintence one year and plumbing the next. If you shop around there are often subsidised courses for women in things like that.

This year I am going to learn dry stone walling, you have to pay costs for a short training course (one weekend) then just volunteer after that. My friend does it and she is unfit (like me ) and she reckons I'll be able to cope. It's something very different to my usual life, it'll get me out of the house and I'll learn a practial (ish) skill as well. I can't wait :T

Beamish

I am also rubbish at sport but felt I should be doing something!
so I joined a Beginners class in Line dancing which was very basic dancing and great fun as well as being good for me, it is a very sociable interest where you meet lots of different people (you are all in the same boat) and spend most of the time laughing at each other, classes are usually £3 or £4 a class for 2 to 3 hours, I have met some great people over the years from all different walks of life, a priest, teachers, etc and now class them as good friends.

I am now a intermediate dance but still go to the beginners classes to refresh myself on the old dances and to meet up with friends.

The social nights are good fun as well.

I bet if you mention to a friend/neighbour/work colleague that you fancy doing this someone will say "I wouldn't mind doing that"!

If you google Line dance and the area that you live you should be able to find out where classes are held, why dont you just go as observer for the first night and see if this is for you.

I promise that you will soon be up on that floor dancing in a line

Good luck

Beem

victory

I was the same and volunteered, it boosts your self confidence you get out and meet loads of people and now one of the people I have met has suggested we go together to salsa dancing!!
I am not a sporty person so salsa sounds like fun and good for you too, just goes to show that would not have happened to me if I had not made myself go out and seek.... xxx