A colleague commented recently, she thought it was a bit strange that I don’t go out much and prefer to do my drinking at home usually with a meal that I prepared. She thinks I am a bit odd, perhaps I have a touch of agoraphobia outside the workplace, but no that is not the case.
OK here is the deal – I don’t go out to events or evenings in the pub that I don’t really want to. I don’t go out just because it is Friday night and that is what other people do. I am trying to get out of debt and looking at the BIG picture. I have come to the realization that if you want a better or different life, for me, that is one of more freedom away from debt or excessive worrying about money, you have to make some changes. Notice how I did not say sacrifices because for me an evening in the pub versus a new lipstick or half a pair of shoes, it is a no brainer. I would rather wake up in the morning feeling good and having money in my pocket.
Oh no, now you my lovely readers are thinking I am a bit strange. I do go out but not as a habit because once something becomes a habit; it loses its magic. I like to look at going out as an event not just that thing we do every Friday night. I see going out like ice cream if you eat too much your bank account will feel a bit sick.
Since I am not out and about, what am I doing then? I am not just sitting home in front of my computer or the television, I take a sewing class and I cook a lot. In the summer, I put a table out on my terrace, light candles and have romantic meals with my beloved. Since I did bring up my beloved, he still goes to the pub but with his mates, who enjoy it more than I do.
It is all about choices. My choices at the moment are to keep my eye on the prize to debt freedom while finding new ways to make life interesting. Have you cut out anything in particular while on your frugal adventure? And if you have, what are you replacing it with? Leave me a comment.
I/We hardly ever go out and then it’s always to planned stuff, like tomorrow night when my in laws are staying for the weekend.
I love being at home with my husband, much nicer than a crowded bar, and cheaper.
Like you, I’m keeping my eyes on the prize!
I agree with you!! I am having to be frugal at the moment as well. And when I go out for drinks and perhaps just an appetizer..well that could have been a new lipstick or powder…or a tank of gas for my car!
I have the same issue. I have friends that want to go out and I really do want to sometimes but if I am to get ahead and pay off debts, it will usually lead me to say “no.” It’s hard but living within my means is my insurance policy for wealth. I also have to think of the “big picture.” Not everyone does or wants to.
Gets much easier if you have children – then the question just disappears.
Unfortunately we missed the boat on that front.
I *love* staying in. Staying in usually means I’m working on a new project, baking, crafting, spending time with my fiancé or having friends over for dinner. I’d take all of those things over a night in a packed pub any day. Frankly, I’m glad I don’t have to go pubbing or clubbing anymore!
I’m not sure why there’s a shame associated with staying in. I sometimes wonder if those who have to go out all the time have a problem with relaxing in their own company.
I do too but I think it helps that we have partners. Saying that I still liked to stay in when I was. I don’t really enjoy the pub that much as I have better wine at home. So glad you don’t think I am crazy.
We use to go out all the time and now it’s every once in a while. we actually really enjoy staying home, but we’re trying to get ourselves to do more outings that we enjoy and that don’t cost a ton of money. even a simple hike with a picnic is awesome : )
Hi and thanks for commenting. We have found it easy to get out of the habit of going out. Last week we went out for a pizza and it was the first time we had eaten out since February. Once you get into the groove of staying home and cooking good food, going out loses a lot of its appeal. A hike and a picnic sound great.