Is there anything meaningful you can say to bored people who don't have hobbies?

[officerripley]

Another thought about hobbies being used to relieve boredom: amongst my parents' generation, I heard several members of that generation--my own parents (step and biological), friends' parents, etc.--speak disparagingly of hobbies ("Hobbies?! Those are for rich people!"). They had been through the depression which could have had something to do with their feelings about it and maybe there are people today who feel the same way.

 

[David777]

For those stuck at lower levels of Maslov's Pyramid of Needs, they may have a valid excuse of dealing with more important issues than hobbies and activities.




But for those that are at level 5 without mental issues, if they have a boring life, it is likely due to their own poor life choices, a lack of motivation, and creativity. Not all popular life activities are positive for example a few below.

Unfortunately, the favorite "hobbies" of many USA adults beyond their working world are not negative if in moderation:

Eating excessive amounts of food and doing so more frequently than necessary.
Excessively watching others live fictional lives on television instead of living their own life.
Excessively watching sports on television.
Excessively playing video games.
Excessively drinking alcohol.
Excessively using recreational drugs.
Obsessive focus on money $$$ including gambling.
Pornography with secks.

Will start another thread with a long list of activities and hobbies since it can have have value orienting some.

 

[KathyB1968]

Another thought about hobbies being used to relieve boredom: amongst my parents' generation, I heard several members of that generation--my own parents (step and biological), friends' parents, etc.--speak disparagingly of hobbies ("Hobbies?! Those are for rich people!"). They had been through the depression which could have had something to do with their feelings about it and maybe there are people today who feel the same way.

My mom and a couple family members of her generation have a tendency to put down pretty much any hobby I have. They have never talked about them as a rich person thing though.

Even when I had very little money, I would find hobbies to do cheaply or free.

I run into people of all ages that seem to disparage hobbies in general. I just don't get why. Like if they don't like something it must be lame or stupid.

I don't get that attitude. I know people who are into a hobby I don't like personally. I understand it makes them happy. Why would I try to take that happiness from them.

 

[jimintoronto]

My mom and a couple family members of her generation have a tendency to put down pretty much any hobby I have. They have never talked about them as a rich person thing though.

Even when I had very little money, I would find hobbies to do cheaply or free.

I run into people of all ages that seem to disparage hobbies in general. I just don't get why. Like if they don't like something it must be lame or stupid.

I don't get that attitude. I know people who are into a hobby I don't like personally. I understand it makes them happy. Why would I try to take that happiness from them.

Those people who "put down hobbies " are stuck in the Calvinist idea that work is the only important thing that humans can do. In the past I have met people who were "too busy making a living " to step back and enjoy life.