I have waled into a social situation and right away say to my husband we aren’t staying long . We actually lost a catering client because two years in a row we were invited to a Christmas party that we left early every time . It’s so different went your with people you care about and the time goes by fast enjoying their company. I am sorry you had to deal with uncomfortable situations in the past but now you know to just say no and stay home a watch a movie 🙃
I'm definitely less social now than I used to be, and part of that is that I used to have a spouse as a social buffer when I went out. Now that I've been a widow for almost 15 years, I realize how much of a difference having a gregarious and charming spouse to take the brunt of the other-people-energy was! On introvert/extrovert, have you seen the book The Gift of Not Belonging by Rami Kaminski? He proposes a third personality type, otravert, those of us who enjoy others, but have no need to "belong" to social groups. I found the book and his research fascinating and very helpful. You might want to read it to see. Blessings and a hug to you!
I know what you mean about a spouse serving as buffer. They also fill social needs right at home with such ease that you don't need to reach out to others as much. Hugs right back to you, Susan❤️
I talked with a therapist for a brief time when I was 50. I was moving out of state to be near my children. She advised that as we age we tend to become more introverted and our social circle shrinks. That had already begun to happen.
Today, when I do socialize, it’s with my immediate family and only occasionally with a couple of friends. I no longer suffer from the dreaded FOMO of my youth and really value solitude!
You're not alone. My social batteries need recharging much more often than before.
It's good to be normal😊
Thanks for writing the things I think but not vocalize, again.
Hmm, we should discuss this sometime... (cue scary music) in a social setting!
Oh no! 😊
I have waled into a social situation and right away say to my husband we aren’t staying long . We actually lost a catering client because two years in a row we were invited to a Christmas party that we left early every time . It’s so different went your with people you care about and the time goes by fast enjoying their company. I am sorry you had to deal with uncomfortable situations in the past but now you know to just say no and stay home a watch a movie 🙃
Geez. I can't believe you lost a client over it. That's just rude. But you're right that the opposite happens too!
I'm definitely less social now than I used to be, and part of that is that I used to have a spouse as a social buffer when I went out. Now that I've been a widow for almost 15 years, I realize how much of a difference having a gregarious and charming spouse to take the brunt of the other-people-energy was! On introvert/extrovert, have you seen the book The Gift of Not Belonging by Rami Kaminski? He proposes a third personality type, otravert, those of us who enjoy others, but have no need to "belong" to social groups. I found the book and his research fascinating and very helpful. You might want to read it to see. Blessings and a hug to you!
I know what you mean about a spouse serving as buffer. They also fill social needs right at home with such ease that you don't need to reach out to others as much. Hugs right back to you, Susan❤️
Yes! I feel the same way. Let me out!
😆
I can relate to this so much! I feel the older I get the more I savor my alone time.
Totally!
This is great! So glad that I am not the only one. I was once described as an introverted - extrovert. I think you are too.
Thanks, Connie. I think that's a good explanation!
I talked with a therapist for a brief time when I was 50. I was moving out of state to be near my children. She advised that as we age we tend to become more introverted and our social circle shrinks. That had already begun to happen.
Today, when I do socialize, it’s with my immediate family and only occasionally with a couple of friends. I no longer suffer from the dreaded FOMO of my youth and really value solitude!
That therapist was wise. And I value solitude too :)