I have been making new friends this week, and I feel socially overloaded.

[Pronoia]

Basically, I feel like a great big ear.

I have been supporting one friend with her depression, and two new friends have been telling me their life stories, and GOD I'm tired. I'm really worn out. I need some a lone time - and I very rarely say that, normally I'm very sociable.

What's wrong with me? I'm not feeling depressed, why do I feel like I want to withdraw? I feel like if I don't get some time on my own, I'm going to get really stressed out.

[moondog]

Just withdraw.
People like this are very draining.

[Pronoia]

I'm not sure though Moony. I don't think they've done anything wrong, I'm just .... not in the mood to be interested.

[warthog]

you're just like me. lie low for a few days / couple of weeks saying you're horribly busy. sit down, have some coffee and read a book. then when you get lonely, phone them again.

you're probably an introvert ie. you get energy from being by yourself and find spending time with people draining.

[thehillsarealive]

If you dont get some time on your own and offload then you will get stressed.

I helped a friend when her husband died 2 years ago and I was mentally exhausted. She crumpled and left everything to me, she had 4 children and with my 2 that made 6! I was fine for a year and then I couldnt do it any longer and gradually withdrew.

As soon as I started to offload I felt so much better.

[Pronoia]

I'm not an introvert though. Normally I find meeting new people pleasurable and energising.

I think it's because they both talked a LOT and not a lot of actual conversation was going on.

[Pronoia]

Saying that I will take the advice given, and withdraw a little. Have some 'housework' time.

[moondog]

Well yes, they gave nothing back.I had a good friend like that for 10 years and one day I just saw the light and snapped.
Excising her from my life was one of the most energising things i have ever done.

[Janos]

I have to agree with moondog and warthog here (well ok I don't have to, I just happen think they're right )

If I don't get enough 'down time' I feel quite stressed and drained.

[Speckledeggy]

I agree with moondog, warthog and janos too!

I get on with lots of people and am pretty sociable but I still consider myself an introvert. I'm not shy but I do need down time on my own. This sums it up pretty well:-

giftedkids.about.com/od/glossary/g/introvert.htm