Socialising

I’m a self confessed introvert and proud! I gain energy from my own time and space and know when I start flagging and need to recharge.

I worry that I can come across as socially awkward as I find big groups difficult to navigate, particularly when finding a gap in the conversation is not easy and people are talking over each other and once I’ve thought of something to contribute that topic has long gone! I’m also rubbish when it comes to large chat groups on WhatsApp, I just forget to reply because I do not have the patience to read through 50 messages.

I prefer being part of a small group or seeing people on a one to one basis as I wouldn’t say I have one core group of friends. I have picked up a random mix of friends in the last 10 years which is great.

My favourite things to do include when seeing friends is catching up over a coffee, going for a walk or seeing something planned such as a theatre show or an exhibition. I must say I like my events to have a bit of structure. I’m not one for not knowing the time to meet or uncertainty about how I can get home!

As much as a try my best to socialise there have been a few occasions in the last year where I have felt really panicky and wanted to go home because I just felt overwhelming pressure to mingle with everyone and be on form when all I wanted was to go home and go to bed. This has included a karaoke birthday event and a random dinner organised three hours before the specified meeting time. However I know that in order to not continue to feel anxious about these situations you have to experience them to see they are not as bad as you think they will be.

Now that I am approaching my 30s I know that I do not have to say yes to everything if I know it will take up too much energy. My real friends will not stop inviting me just because I might say that I need a night in after a busy week at work. It doesn’t make me lonely or boring. Plus having a pet is great because if for whatever reason I am finding it hard to get away i can just say that I need to get back to make sure she is ok. Although I need to realise I do not necessarily need a reason for leaving when I choose. I just need to have more confidence when I say it!