Is it better on your own

Ah,,,,,

Mention of my reply,

An apology to all and especially @briwy for my uncharacteristic serious reply to a light hearted topic.

I spent a large part of my life pursuing a career as a solo-travelling globe-trotting academic neglecting a certain member of my nearest and dearest family who sadly is now no longer here to share my retirement time and who I miss like hell.

That sorrow aside, I love my own company. At times I adore solitude, the peace that it brings, and the release of a need to be entirely responsible to only one person,

On the other hand, I now also relish that my sister, now the closest person I have in my life, is able to join me so often.
 
I prefer company but if I'm on my own I like a virtual passenger on the hand's free mobile.
 
It's always nice to have a little " Me " time. Not too much, just a little.:)
 
Skylark2.0 said:
I prefer company but if I'm on my own I like a virtual passenger on the hand's free mobile.
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Install the Amazon Music app and you can chat to Alexa! ;)
 
I spend way too much time alone. My husband is away a lot and, whilst I enjoy my own company, I am so much happier on Cali adventures with him. He moans about the wittering wife (don't most men?) as when he gets home I've always got a million trivial things to share with him, but I know he prefers joint outings in the van to solo missions. I am reminded of a scene from 'Dinnerladies' - Jean on the subject of living alone after many years of marriage: if you've left the tomatoes on the back seat of the car when you came back from the shop it's just nice to have someone there to say oh I'm an idiot I've left the tomatoes on the back seat … silly really, but companionable :embarrased
 
Of course, everyone has different ideas and reasons for being alone/not being alone. For me, working away, most of the time alone, I love being in the Cali with my wife and daughter (who at 15 would otherwise be in her room with ear plugs in) We make most of our family decisions whilst driving, it’s a great time to chat.
 
Like JRD, I lost my wife six years ago and one reason why I bought my Cali. I don't mind my own company and love the fact that I can do as I please when I please - but I would much rather have her with me to share the experiences any day.......she would have loved it.
 
PAKlite said:
Like JRD, I lost my wife six years ago and one reason why I bought my Cali. I don't mind my own company and love the fact that I can do as I please when I please - but I would much rather have her with me to share the experiences any day.......she would have loved it.
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Two sad tales on one thread. We all moan about our spouses, but we wouldn't be without them. You two have my sympathies. I would be lost without my husband.
 
briwy said:
Well just been sitting in my comfy Cali armchair on the 600 mile drive down to the Pyrenees from Dieppe this morning.
Just me.
No nagging,
No can we listen to XXX
No can we stop here
No oh look at that when I'm trying to get through a French city atvrush hour
No can we stop at the next services
No oh can we go back iveI forgotten to lock the front door
No do you where my glasses are
No. Oh XXX has had a baby
No .can't fill up here it's too expensive
No anything in fact
No stopping for an hour when all it needs is ten minutes
Volume up, Hendrix, Clapton, BB king, Dire Straits, Deep Purple, Fleetwood Mac, Joe Bonamassa, Eurythmics .and many more
Absolute bliss.
Two weeks before she flies down to join me
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Or himself ranting about everybody else; too hot or to cold. To hard. Where's this, where's that. Could you get me. People do stay in hotels. And on and on.
 
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Ha! So, it seems there is indeed many Men-like-"Women", and also many Women-like-"Men!" We're all the same really, just one big spectrum. I'm the house-proud domestic goddess in our house/van (most of the time.)

On the other note, it's hard not to yearn for what is missing, as apposed to appreciate what is present - That's just human nature I think. Sometimes, you just have to take a step-back, and try to be as positive as you can be, cherish memories from the past, yet look forward to adventure yet to come.

Appreciate what you have, and have had - It's always more than some.
 
It's not necessarily choice to be alone, but it's a great way to get out and about and not be alone....lots of new camping chums are met along the way. It sure beats staying at home, or renting a cottage which would be isolating.
With no partner, alone is better than risking friendships in a confined space, with a dog to negotiate!
We love our little adventures and always come back with lots of 'tails' to tell!
I will admit to a little skyping with friends along the way though...it's lovely to share life, so this is best option for now. :)
 
My problem is I want to go away a lot more than my wife and my kids prefer holidays that include both a plane and a hotel. I like to travel anyway but prefer to be with the family if the choice is mine.
 
Yes I am looking forward to going to a folk festival with just a girlfriend and the Cali. this summer. No young boys, no dog and no husband. What will I do with myself ... relax, drink wine and cook gourmet meals Underneath The Stars ...
 
Ms Amarillo said:
Yes I am looking forward to going to a folk festival with just a girlfriend and the Cali. this summer. No young boys, no dog and no husband. What will I do with myself ... relax, drink wine and cook gourmet meals Underneath The Stars ...
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Oh @Ms Amarillo I am so with you!!
I have booked a yoga fest in Cornwall later in the year.
Look forward to meeting you at Tenby. There are a few of us ladies want to go away together.
 
I like "Me" time as well as "Our" time but not always in equal measure. The degree depends on circumstance but mostly these days it's more "Our" time and I'm OK with that. Make the most of it because sooner or later there will be no "Our" for either of us. That will be a very bad day for both of us.
 
Well last full day on my own today so a little road trip to finish off.
Up and over into Andorra from France to fill up at 1euro a litre. Possibly the highest garages in Europe?
IMG_20180527_092602093_HDR.jpg

IMG_20180527_092643184_HDR.jpg

IMG_20180527_091216255_HDR.jpg
On down into Spain and turned left to lead back into France via the strange little Spanish enclave close to the border of Livia.chatting to a Spanish couple on an Aire last night and it seems that at some time the king's of France and Aragon gambled over it and France lost, hence a bit of Spain surrounded by France.
IMG_20180527_113902507_HDR.jpg
On down some fantastic gorges and now having a beer sat by the river Aude before heading to Carcassonne to pick the other half up tomorrow.
Had a fun time, work the first week and last week flying drones with a bunch of mates in the Pyrenees and 1200 miles driving but it will be great to be back together. Hope I never get to a situation where I'm permanently by myself.
 
briwy said:
Well last full day on my own today so a little road trip to finish off.
Up and over into Andorra from France to fill up at 1euro a litre. Possibly the highest garages in Europe?
View attachment 33558

View attachment 33559

View attachment 33561
On down into Spain and turned left to lead back into France via the strange little Spanish enclave close to the border of Livia.chatting to a Spanish couple on an Aire last night and it seems that at some time the king's of France and Aragon gambled over it and France lost, hence a bit of Spain surrounded by France.
View attachment 33560
On down some fantastic gorges and now having a beer sat by the river Aude before heading to Carcassonne to pick the other half up tomorrow.
Had a fun time, work the first week and last week flying drones with a bunch of mates in the Pyrenees and 1200 miles driving but it will be great to be back together. Hope I never get to a situation where I'm permanently by myself.
Click to expand...
Was Andorra interesting, as a detour?
Thanks in anticipation,
Ian
 
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