Apologies in advance if this comes across in any way boastful, mean or ungrateful. I don't mean it to.
I am lucky enough to have a number of different friendship groups from different parts of my life. I do my best to keep up with them all as much as possible- work, kids, family permitting. For context, I'm early 40s. But it never seems to be enough and I feel under constant pressure to commit to dates for spa days, weekends away, meals out etc..
Last night, two different groups were trying to arrange a date for a dinner for the next few weeks (I've seen both groups within the past month). I politely tried to say to both groups not to arrange things around me and I would join if I could, but am now being asked for dates that I am free!
The truth is I just don't want to make any more commitments. I find too many social engagements more of a chore these days. I really don't want to be rude and I don't want to cut any of my friends off (I do love them and enjoy seeing them, just not all the time!) but how do I say this so that they will listen?!