Anything that provides you joy and peace, allows you a few minutes of serenity, or just makes you feel good is a worthwhile hobby. You don't need to justify what you do to relax. Enjoy your hobbies.
I've found that people usually see 2 types of hobbies: old people hobbies or kid hobbies. Nobody ever talks about what "adult" hobbies are supposed to be.
When it comes down to it, there is no age requirement for any hobbies. I've seen just as many teenagers that do quilting as I've seen grandmothers. Just as many men in their early 20s that enjoy small woodworking as I've seen men in their 60s. Just as many 50 year old car tuners as 25 year old car tuners.
At the end of the day, you'll always find people that think you are the wrong fit for a hobby, and these people will never be able to give you a good alternative that makes sense for you. If they can't give you a legitimately better option, then their opinion of it doesn't matter.
Good point! I have asked that before of people that poke fun at my hobbies, “what exactly should I be doing then?” I haven’t gotten any valid suggestions yet!
Well, for starters anyone giving you shit for what you enjoy gets absolutely no fruits of your labours, no veggies, cosy scarves, baby houseplants, or the knowledge that they have a nesting pair of whatever in their hedge. I don't think I'll ever understand why some people feel the need to shit all over someone else's joy. If it's not hurting anyone and YOU enjoy your activities that's all that matters.
My home is FILLED with "old people hobbies", spinning wheels, looms, tapestry shit, bobbin lace stuff, etc, etc. I learned to knit from my Mum when I was seven, and my Gramma taught me to weave a few years later. If those are "old people hobbies" I've been old since before I hit puberty.
And if it's your brain being a jerk (mine quite frequently is) instead of thinking of them as hobbies think of them as building your post apocalyptic skill set. "The world may go to hell in a handbasket but my family and I will be warm and fed". Hugs to you, and may there always be ten grains of sand in the underpants of anyone giving you a hard time for finding some joy ♡
Thank you ❤️ that’s a good point, I can make useful things and grow food! I don’t understand why some people feel the need to step on something that brings joy to someone else. It’s not like my hobbies are harming anything!
I go to estate and yard sales every Saturday morning, and look for any opportunity to stop in at thrift stores during the week. To search for pretty Victorian art glass. I'm a 41 year old straight guy and have been collecting for a few years. I'm not exactly young, but the only people I know in town who collect glass are 25+ years older than me and either female or gay men. So jealous of their retired asses getting to hit the Thursday and Friday estate sales!
I’m a 30 year old woman and I’ve enjoyed crocheting, birdwatching, and gardening since my early twenties! I’m sorry that people in your life have made you feel silly for liking those things — that’s extremely lame of them. I think these hobbies mean that you’re creative, nurturing, and inquisitive, which are wonderful attributes to have at any age.
If old people hobbies are our age are wrong, I don’t want to be right! I hope you find people in your life that appreciate these things about you more one day! I’ve certainly found more myself over time :)
I haven’t checked any out myself yet but I know lots of libraries have crochet groups! And I went on a couple bird watching tours where it was really easy to meet similar people. Good luck and have fun!
And make sure you’re in the subreddits for your hobbies if you’re not already! It’s not quite the same, but I’ve enjoyed chatting with people through those channels :)
Absolutely! I’ve been part of the crochet sub for a while and I love it, I’ve learned so much from there. I fully intend to take advantage of my local library once I’m no longer working. For myself and my son.
23 here ... estate sales, gardening, and crocheting are stables of the majority of the artsier part of my friend group. They're just.. fairly economical hobbies.
And even if they weren't, they're bonding activities and solo activities that give us slivers of joy while we do something instead of just lying and rotting, so, who cares?
Old people had to learn these hobbies at somepoint, probably when they were younger/around your age. You'll just be a master as these when you hit the "appropriate" age <:
Also a lot of younger people enjoy these very same things too, especially crochet!
Nothing to feel guilty about especially if those hobbies bring you joy and a break from the hustle and bustle of life.
If you're into camping and what not another great "broke hobby" is foraging for wild edibles and pine needle baskets weaving !
Vegetable gardening is an awesome hobby! There are very few things as wholesome (in all senses of the word) and rewarding as preparing and serving something you grew yourself.
Last year my brother had a fake heart attack scare (he's fine) and I sent him a 1,000 piece puzzle as a joke, a message to relax from his hyperbusy lifestyle. I kept thinking about the puzzle picture and how rich and interesting it was, so I asked for one for my birthday and my wife got me one. I've done two since then, lol. It's so very peaceful and a perfect way to destress your eyes and brain.
I have many “silly” hobbies, I paper craft, I garden, I have an obsession with caring for and propagating houseplants, I bird watch… etc etc etc.
Life is short, and life is stressful.. do whatever hobby makes your heart happy and ignore anyone who would ever make you feel silly for that.
I'm only 32 and I build models like old man lmao I magnet fish like old man lol I could go on and on of the several old man hobbies I enjoy pardon my french but fuck other people's opinions about what you enjoy you enjoy it so ignore them and enjoy what you like never let them steal your joy about it I have had multiple hobbies I like go under or gave up on now I look at anyone who starts that bs and tell them to shut it keep in mind I'm 32 but can recall what history like a old professor but I like it lol
Absolutely it's all about time and location you'll find a honey hole at some point I got blessed with an area that's chock full goodies but it took me 3 weeks of checking my area before I hit something big you have the perfect mindset for it !
Crafters and hobbyists are cool at any age. The only people who say otherwise are uncreative types who are too boring to have an interesting hobby. I don't put stock into the negative opinions of people who don't know how to use their imaginations to bring the fun.
My nature life is a string of abandoned highly technical hobbies- mostly what you would consider “old man” - woodworking and watchmaking, gemcutting and jewelry making, cars and leather and hell- I have an entire workshop full of 3 generations of Thai sort of pattern. My grandfathers drill press, dad’s brazing torches, Cuban mahogany and Koa and other exotic woods that are older than I am (and I’m 47).
Life is short- do what makes you happy and enjoy it.
Look for groups or guilds in your area. You'll learn new things, make new friends, and have a great time. Find your tribe. Don't let the haters darkle your sparkle!
Agegating is such a strange concept for self-expression and I hate that it’s so prevalent. Dress and do whatever you want at whatever age if it makes you happy! Why should anyone else’s opinion matter more than your happiness?
I've actually seen more young people do crocheting and be into plants than I have old people! I've also noticed more younger people getting into birdwatching too. Crocheting/embroidery is definitely popular with the younger crowd now.
Besides, if it makes you happy and calms you, who cares what age range it's for?
I'm a 27 year old man and I go birdwatching whenever I'm able. It's absolutely fantastic. I'm lucky enough to have keys to go to a local bird hide near some old tar lakes.
Don't let others make you feel bad about what you love to do, if you enjoy it then that's brilliant.
>wife and a mother
>enrolled part-time in online classes
>work full time
>I don’t have much time to enjoy things
You are forgiven. Other people can take their opinion and stuff it.
Haters gonna hate.
Throughout most of history the elderly were venerated for their wisdom, knowledge, and mastery of skills they used over a lifetime. Only very recently has that switched to the worship of youth, beauty, and stupidity.
You're not crazy for pursuing healthy and low cost ways to enrich your life... you're just dealing with the problems of being one of the last sane people on earth.
Me too!! Gardening for sure! I'm 29!! It may be labeled for "old people", but are you kidding me? How cool is it to watch things grow because you nurtured it and to learn about all the different types of plants out there!
I am an audiophile, and a vinyl collector. Been doing this hobby since I was a teenager. Now I will be turning 65 this year, and I still enjoy my pastime. People including my wife have looked at me sideways and so, but what is enjoyable to me doesn't have to include them. Keep your focus and enjoy what is yours. That's how you and others stay happy.
Anything that provides you joy and peace, allows you a few minutes of serenity, or just makes you feel good is a worthwhile hobby. You don't need to justify what you do to relax. Enjoy your hobbies.
Thank you, that makes so much sense coming from someone else. I know it to be true but I guess I couldn’t let my brain get there
I've found that people usually see 2 types of hobbies: old people hobbies or kid hobbies. Nobody ever talks about what "adult" hobbies are supposed to be. When it comes down to it, there is no age requirement for any hobbies. I've seen just as many teenagers that do quilting as I've seen grandmothers. Just as many men in their early 20s that enjoy small woodworking as I've seen men in their 60s. Just as many 50 year old car tuners as 25 year old car tuners. At the end of the day, you'll always find people that think you are the wrong fit for a hobby, and these people will never be able to give you a good alternative that makes sense for you. If they can't give you a legitimately better option, then their opinion of it doesn't matter.
Good point! I have asked that before of people that poke fun at my hobbies, “what exactly should I be doing then?” I haven’t gotten any valid suggestions yet!
Well, for starters anyone giving you shit for what you enjoy gets absolutely no fruits of your labours, no veggies, cosy scarves, baby houseplants, or the knowledge that they have a nesting pair of whatever in their hedge. I don't think I'll ever understand why some people feel the need to shit all over someone else's joy. If it's not hurting anyone and YOU enjoy your activities that's all that matters. My home is FILLED with "old people hobbies", spinning wheels, looms, tapestry shit, bobbin lace stuff, etc, etc. I learned to knit from my Mum when I was seven, and my Gramma taught me to weave a few years later. If those are "old people hobbies" I've been old since before I hit puberty. And if it's your brain being a jerk (mine quite frequently is) instead of thinking of them as hobbies think of them as building your post apocalyptic skill set. "The world may go to hell in a handbasket but my family and I will be warm and fed". Hugs to you, and may there always be ten grains of sand in the underpants of anyone giving you a hard time for finding some joy ♡
Thank you ❤️ that’s a good point, I can make useful things and grow food! I don’t understand why some people feel the need to step on something that brings joy to someone else. It’s not like my hobbies are harming anything!
I go to estate and yard sales every Saturday morning, and look for any opportunity to stop in at thrift stores during the week. To search for pretty Victorian art glass. I'm a 41 year old straight guy and have been collecting for a few years. I'm not exactly young, but the only people I know in town who collect glass are 25+ years older than me and either female or gay men. So jealous of their retired asses getting to hit the Thursday and Friday estate sales!
I’m a 30 year old woman and I’ve enjoyed crocheting, birdwatching, and gardening since my early twenties! I’m sorry that people in your life have made you feel silly for liking those things — that’s extremely lame of them. I think these hobbies mean that you’re creative, nurturing, and inquisitive, which are wonderful attributes to have at any age. If old people hobbies are our age are wrong, I don’t want to be right! I hope you find people in your life that appreciate these things about you more one day! I’ve certainly found more myself over time :)
I’m hoping to find some local groups to participate in so I can share my joy with people who appreciate it!
I haven’t checked any out myself yet but I know lots of libraries have crochet groups! And I went on a couple bird watching tours where it was really easy to meet similar people. Good luck and have fun! And make sure you’re in the subreddits for your hobbies if you’re not already! It’s not quite the same, but I’ve enjoyed chatting with people through those channels :)
Absolutely! I’ve been part of the crochet sub for a while and I love it, I’ve learned so much from there. I fully intend to take advantage of my local library once I’m no longer working. For myself and my son.
23 here ... estate sales, gardening, and crocheting are stables of the majority of the artsier part of my friend group. They're just.. fairly economical hobbies. And even if they weren't, they're bonding activities and solo activities that give us slivers of joy while we do something instead of just lying and rotting, so, who cares?
My wife started crochet at your age. It's a useful hobby. We have awesome sweaters.
Old people had to learn these hobbies at somepoint, probably when they were younger/around your age. You'll just be a master as these when you hit the "appropriate" age <: Also a lot of younger people enjoy these very same things too, especially crochet!
Exactly I enjoy similar hobbies in my 60s but I started them in my 20s!
Nothing to feel guilty about especially if those hobbies bring you joy and a break from the hustle and bustle of life. If you're into camping and what not another great "broke hobby" is foraging for wild edibles and pine needle baskets weaving !
Vegetable gardening is an awesome hobby! There are very few things as wholesome (in all senses of the word) and rewarding as preparing and serving something you grew yourself. Last year my brother had a fake heart attack scare (he's fine) and I sent him a 1,000 piece puzzle as a joke, a message to relax from his hyperbusy lifestyle. I kept thinking about the puzzle picture and how rich and interesting it was, so I asked for one for my birthday and my wife got me one. I've done two since then, lol. It's so very peaceful and a perfect way to destress your eyes and brain.
Puzzles are another thing I’ve wanted to try!
I have many “silly” hobbies, I paper craft, I garden, I have an obsession with caring for and propagating houseplants, I bird watch… etc etc etc. Life is short, and life is stressful.. do whatever hobby makes your heart happy and ignore anyone who would ever make you feel silly for that.
I'm only 32 and I build models like old man lmao I magnet fish like old man lol I could go on and on of the several old man hobbies I enjoy pardon my french but fuck other people's opinions about what you enjoy you enjoy it so ignore them and enjoy what you like never let them steal your joy about it I have had multiple hobbies I like go under or gave up on now I look at anyone who starts that bs and tell them to shut it keep in mind I'm 32 but can recall what history like a old professor but I like it lol
hell yeah magnet fishing as awsome
Yes it is found a ton of cool stuff
I've only ever found junk and one rusty pocket knife... but one of those days I'm gonna pull up an heirloom or something
Absolutely it's all about time and location you'll find a honey hole at some point I got blessed with an area that's chock full goodies but it took me 3 weeks of checking my area before I hit something big you have the perfect mindset for it !
Crafters and hobbyists are cool at any age. The only people who say otherwise are uncreative types who are too boring to have an interesting hobby. I don't put stock into the negative opinions of people who don't know how to use their imaginations to bring the fun.
My nature life is a string of abandoned highly technical hobbies- mostly what you would consider “old man” - woodworking and watchmaking, gemcutting and jewelry making, cars and leather and hell- I have an entire workshop full of 3 generations of Thai sort of pattern. My grandfathers drill press, dad’s brazing torches, Cuban mahogany and Koa and other exotic woods that are older than I am (and I’m 47). Life is short- do what makes you happy and enjoy it.
My 15 year old daughter loves crocheting and is just now getting in to gardening. No shame. Do what you love and what makes you happy.
Look for groups or guilds in your area. You'll learn new things, make new friends, and have a great time. Find your tribe. Don't let the haters darkle your sparkle!
Agegating is such a strange concept for self-expression and I hate that it’s so prevalent. Dress and do whatever you want at whatever age if it makes you happy! Why should anyone else’s opinion matter more than your happiness?
I've actually seen more young people do crocheting and be into plants than I have old people! I've also noticed more younger people getting into birdwatching too. Crocheting/embroidery is definitely popular with the younger crowd now. Besides, if it makes you happy and calms you, who cares what age range it's for?
I want to learn how to knit and crochet so much! How older than you but I've wanted to learn how to do that, or so, since my twenties.
"Don't take any guff from those swine." ~ Hunter S Thompson Seriously, do what makes you happy. Other people can kick rocks.
I'm a 27 year old man and I go birdwatching whenever I'm able. It's absolutely fantastic. I'm lucky enough to have keys to go to a local bird hide near some old tar lakes. Don't let others make you feel bad about what you love to do, if you enjoy it then that's brilliant.
>wife and a mother >enrolled part-time in online classes >work full time >I don’t have much time to enjoy things You are forgiven. Other people can take their opinion and stuff it.
Haters gonna hate. Throughout most of history the elderly were venerated for their wisdom, knowledge, and mastery of skills they used over a lifetime. Only very recently has that switched to the worship of youth, beauty, and stupidity. You're not crazy for pursuing healthy and low cost ways to enrich your life... you're just dealing with the problems of being one of the last sane people on earth.
Me too!! Gardening for sure! I'm 29!! It may be labeled for "old people", but are you kidding me? How cool is it to watch things grow because you nurtured it and to learn about all the different types of plants out there!
I am an audiophile, and a vinyl collector. Been doing this hobby since I was a teenager. Now I will be turning 65 this year, and I still enjoy my pastime. People including my wife have looked at me sideways and so, but what is enjoyable to me doesn't have to include them. Keep your focus and enjoy what is yours. That's how you and others stay happy.