to never go out socialising again

[bucketbetty]

I'm supposed to be going out with a couple of friends tonight and I just can't be bothered. I can't get motivated to go out anymore. I can't be bothered speaking to people never mind having to smile and be friendly to strangers. I feel like a miserable old cow! I've been single for many many years and I'm not likely to meet anyone if I never go out am I? Should I stay home now forever and accept my fate as a single woman until my dying days!

[ZZZenAgain]

well that is a couple of friends you might lose in time with that approach, isn't it? You could stay home ,yes. But if you go out, it doesn't have to be about finding a man, it could just give you a bit of a buzz to have a laugh with other women, has a carry-over effect into the next day.

[bucketbetty]

ZZZen, my friends are such lovely outgoing people and you're absolutely right, it shouldn't be about finding a man but enjoying myself. My point is that I'm finding it really hard to enjoy myself and I would rather stay home and be miserable. I used to be fun but now I'm no fun at all and can't seem to motivate myself to even try.

[ZZZenAgain]

mind you, if you can't be bothered to speak even to your friends, maybe you are a bit worn out and taking it easy is the right thing for you

[duckdodgers]

Are you depressed? I dont mean just sad or feeling down but in clinical depression we often lose motivation.

[bucketbetty]

Duck, I don't think clinically but yes I do seem to have lost my passion for socialising and being with others. I may be a bit depressed.

[KittyFane]

bucket I feel like this often, I have generally got too much 'stuff' to do and I am really tired.
I was going to cancel meeting a friend for lunch today (DC were with friends) in favour of sitting around clearing the garden.
I made myself get ready and go and had a lovely time. I'm so glad I did as I feel really happy now.
I also feel like this about work and anything that involves being with people (!!) but I try not to give in to the miserable feeling! I always feel better for it.
I hope you haven't cancelled OP, grit your teeth and get ready because I bet you'll feel a lot better when you're there.
(BTW, for me, it's nothing to do with my friends or other people, it's my general knackeredness that is the problem.)
Have a good time if you go!

[Towndon]

Would you enjoy going out and doing something you're interested in, rather than just general socialising/chit chat?

[bucketbetty]

It just so happened the night was cancelled. Instead I've sat home and ate way too much chocolate and drank too much wine. It's been dull but I've enjoyed it at the same time. I have lots of things going on with work and I also have loads planned over the festive period. I'm quite hard on myself sometimes and I'm sure if I'd gone out tonight I would probably have had a good time (the company would have been fab) but I'm not going to be too hard on myself for not going. And yes Towndon, I think if I was doing something I was really interested in I would have been much more motivated. The night is nearly over. I've eaten too much but tomorrow I'll make up for it by exercising and being careful about my food intake. I'll go away for a few days with work next week and have a good time too. It's not as bad as all that after all.