Becoming an introvert

[allen200]

I have noticed in the past few years (even pre-covid) that I just don't really enjoy socialising that much, not in the way that I used to. I've been to a couple of parties recently and just wanted to leave...younger me would've been making friends and dancing til the small hours but the thought of that now just makes me feel tired! I'm genuinely happy cleaning and sorting out my house, looking for birds/wildlife, learning new things and spending time at home with my animals. I'm only 31 and my peers still enjoy partying and socialising a lot, it just doesn't do it for me anymore! I have close friends that I enjoy seeing 1-1 but I don't need much else. It's just such a contrast to how I used to be and feel but I'm only very early-30s! I just want to know that I'm not alone because I feel like an absolute oddball! Anyone else?

Yup.

Other people drain me.

just to add - I'm not depressed, I'm genuinely happy in my own company, I just do feel extremely self-conscious about it because I feel like there must be something wrong with me!

I would quite happily potter around my house every day :)

This is me to a T! I am now 43 and have accepted that this is me. I was invited to a big do with people in the same block I live in and I'm not going. The thought of it just feels with dread and I would be dreading it all week. Even a few years ago, I would have gone. But not with a young family and a masters nearly finished I'm done socialising. I find it al very draining.

Lots of people
It’s fine
Life can go in waves also - you may move into a new cycle of partying in your 40s, or not.
All good, long as you enjoy yourself and do some good along the way

I like the life in waves analogy! I guess this wave is deep into the ocean with only a deep sea angler fish for company and sod the rest!

Yep another introvert here . I've had a few adult milestone birthdays , never had a party not gone out to celebrate. The thought of a family wedding to attend , fills me with dread . A girly weekend ? No thanks.
Go out in a big crowd ? Nope. In fact , go out at all to a pub / club etc , that's another no.

This is me too, and generally always has been.

Much more socialising was expected when I was young, especially during my student days in the mid eighties. Parenthood eventually came to my rescue and the "no babysitter/childcare" excuse was very handy indeed.

These days I am rather relieved to be in my fifties, the message has got through and I can normally be the home buddy undisturbed. Bliss.

I would have been the poster girl extrovert when younger, now I am still sociable but love getting a cup of tea or coffee with someone almost more than going out!

I just had a great day out walking, reading the paper now I'm ready to see kids, cook nice family dinner and chill but I really wanted a few hours of personal silence. Not odd at all.

@Colin56 that sounds utterly blissful! Another thing is I also get excited about going to work, which seems like another thing that is 'odd'. I don't mind staying late to finish things off because I'm having a good time. It seems sad that writing reports and spreadsheets is my idea of a good time but it's just how I am