Do people actually like doing hobbies etc., or is it all for show?

Hello. I have also struggled with similar feelings. Still do sometimes, but not as bad as before. I find hobbies a useful way to disconnect and have a life away from my job. While it can be helpful to have some hobby or activity that you do with other people, to share that experience, it's not absolutely essential.

My hobbies include:

• Reading
• Walking
• Cycling
• Cooking
• Board games - especially Scrabble
• Card games
• LEGO
• Collecting Tube maps
• Collecting old coins

Most of these I do on my own, and I've spent years learning to live with that. Some people may think of me, and my hobbies, as boring, but I don't care.  You've got to learn not to care. I find my hobbies interesting and fulfilling, and that's what matters. As for your hobbies, own them. Own who you are. You don't have to explain yourself to anyone. If people judge you for your hobbies, that's their problem. Life is too short to worry about what other people think about you or what you do with your life.

Sometimes you'll try to get into something and it won't quite work out, e.g. I tried tennis for several years but never really got into it.

It may take a long time trying lots of different things before you find something that you enjoy. Be patient with yourself. For some things that you try, you may need to do it several times before deciding whether you want to keep doing it long-term.

Don't feel bad for not finishing a book or a project. Sometimes these things aren't suited for you.

Some hobbies are quite passive e.g. train spotting, plane spotting, or birdwatching. Others, such as sports, are more active.

Collecting old objects might also be nice.

Cooking is a great hobby (although you may need to buy some equipment first)

I wouldn't recommend travel as a hobby, given that it is time-consuming, stressful, expensive, and a frequent change of environment may be extremely uncomfortable.

Perhaps something less stressful such as learning another language, or learning to play an instrument?

You don't have to have loads of hobbies. Start with two or three small ones, not too stressful. Don't feel like you have to have a productive hobby e.g. writing books or making clothes. Don't feel that you have to monetise your hobbies or post about them on social media or whatever. You can be comfortable with who you are, and you can get on with your life.

Don't give up!

I believe in you!  I reckon everyone else here believes in you as well!

Hello. I have also struggled with similar feelings. Still do sometimes, but not as bad as before. I find hobbies a useful way to disconnect and have a life away from my job. While it can be helpful to have some hobby or activity that you do with other people, to share that experience, it's not absolutely essential.

My hobbies include:

• Reading
• Walking
• Cycling
• Cooking
• Board games - especially Scrabble
• Card games
• LEGO
• Collecting Tube maps
• Collecting old coins

Most of these I do on my own, and I've spent years learning to live with that. Some people may think of me, and my hobbies, as boring, but I don't care.  You've got to learn not to care. I find my hobbies interesting and fulfilling, and that's what matters. As for your hobbies, own them. Own who you are. You don't have to explain yourself to anyone. If people judge you for your hobbies, that's their problem. Life is too short to worry about what other people think about you or what you do with your life.

Sometimes you'll try to get into something and it won't quite work out, e.g. I tried tennis for several years but never really got into it.

It may take a long time trying lots of different things before you find something that you enjoy. Be patient with yourself. For some things that you try, you may need to do it several times before deciding whether you want to keep doing it long-term.

Don't feel bad for not finishing a book or a project. Sometimes these things aren't suited for you.

Some hobbies are quite passive e.g. train spotting, plane spotting, or birdwatching. Others, such as sports, are more active.

Collecting old objects might also be nice.

Cooking is a great hobby (although you may need to buy some equipment first)

I wouldn't recommend travel as a hobby, given that it is time-consuming, stressful, expensive, and a frequent change of environment may be extremely uncomfortable.

Perhaps something less stressful such as learning another language, or learning to play an instrument?

You don't have to have loads of hobbies. Start with two or three small ones, not too stressful. Don't feel like you have to have a productive hobby e.g. writing books or making clothes. Don't feel that you have to monetise your hobbies or post about them on social media or whatever. You can be comfortable with who you are, and you can get on with your life.

Don't give up!

I believe in you!  I reckon everyone else here believes in you as well!