Less bored in Chicago even when doing nothing? (apartment, home)

[jman07]

There is a weird thing that i've noticed. When I am back home (visiting my parents in a normal small city suburban neighborhood), I find myself bored out of my mind and time drags by. But when I am in my apt in Chicago, by myself and doing nothing, I for some reason feel less bored and time goes by quicker. But I don't understand why, because I am not doing anything at either place, and I at least have my parents around to entertain me a little. I know Chicago has more to do, but even when I'm not doing anything I feel more entertained. Can anyone relate?

[linicx]

There is a different energy in the city that you don't find in the suburbs that are by their vey nature more sedate and low key. Yes you can go to a neighborhood bar for a beer. It still isn't the same as bar in a quiet 'hood in Chicago, but it might be cheaper.

[chirack]

It is having the option to do something even if you don't do it.

[jman07]

I think just knowing other people are around and seeing people walk by my apt makes a difference. Just "being in town", like back home where where we "go into town" when were bored, makes the difference.

[rparz]

Open your front door and instant stimulation.

[mjtinmemphis]

When I first moved here I would hop on the train and get entertained. Chicago is so inviting.

[glass_of_merlot]

Originally Posted by jman07

There is a weird thing that i've noticed. When I am back home (visiting my parents in a normal small city suburban neighborhood), I find myself bored out of my mind and time drags by. But when I am in my apt in Chicago, by myself and doing nothing, I for some reason feel less bored and time goes by quicker. But I don't understand why, because I am not doing anything at either place, and I at least have my parents around to entertain me a little. I know Chicago has more to do, but even when I'm not doing anything I feel more entertained. Can anyone relate?

I can totally understand how you feel. Maybe because at least you know that you can do something if you want. You have options.

[Lucky Clover]

I can definitely relate. lol, it's funny you mention this because I'm going through it right now. I've been away from Chicago for about 2 weeks, and I think for the past 2 weeks aside from Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving weekend, I've been bored here in Texas. But if I had nothing to do or didn't want to do anything in Chicago, I wouldn't feel as bored. I think because I have choices and options there moreso than in Houston, I don't think I can get bored over there.

[ChiNaan]

I can relate to this, too. I only go out in the city slightly more since moving to it. (When I lived in the boonies I'd drive to the city to go out 1-2 times per week. Now I might go out 2-3 times per week.) Just existing in the city I feel more interconnected/engaged and less isolated/alone, even if I'm chilling alone in my apartment. Even something as simple as looking out my window in the city or saying hi to my neighbors in the hallway of my building is more interesting than doing the same at my former place in suburbia. Also, as tawf said, just knowing the options are there creates a certain peace of mind. There's a difference between staying home by choice and staying home because you have no decent options.

[Vlajos]

I am older and have kids, I understand exactly what the OP is talking about. Shoot, just taking a walk in the neighborhood makes me feel more alive.