If this is not social anxiety, then what is it ?

[Barefootwithslippers]

Background: I'm 52. Will chat to anyone. Not afraid to be the one to speak up in a public place if I need to. But:

I no longer like rowdy, noisy, busy pubs/ bars
I would rather be out earlier and home by 10pm ish
I have no interest in going to places that have noisy, loud music
A table in a bar all night with good company is more than enough for me with some nice drinks, but not getting totally trollied.
If there's no option for a table in a bar all night then I'd rather be on the sofa with a friend and a drink (coffee is an option !)

Introversion?

Getting older? I’m the same.

It’s not social anxiety. Social anxiety is sweating, heart palpitations, feeling overwhelmed, “doom”, focussing on social interactions you had 15yrs ago that were potentially embarrassing. Having to leave situations because of diarrhoea. Not even getting to events because you think that you were invited out of pity or obligation rather than actually wanting you to be there.

you don’t have social anxiety.
edit: frankly it’s pretty insulting that you even think it’s on the same level. Do you also think you have a “touch of ocd” because you wash your hands or a bit depressed 🤦‍♀️

Menopause probably.

Have you always been like this? If not then surely it's just part of the ageing process. 🤷‍♀️ I used to be a die hard clubber in my 20's. I'm 48 now and can't imagine anything worse than a packed pub with loud music and nowhere to sit down.

It just means your tastes have changed. It's not a problem and it won't need a label or a diagnosis.

I'm only surprised you made it to 52 before this afflicted you...

It's not any kind of anxiety, it's a preference.

Aging.

I'm early 40s. Working in nightclubs for 9yrs was enough for me, can't stand busy clubs or bars 😂.

Absolutely not social anxiety.

Normal? Everything need not be pathologised. I have never liked bars, ever, even when I was young.

I used to really enjoy going to a pub with friends. I am now late 50s and prefer the company of my dog with a rum and coke/ tea and cake. Am ok with meeting up with my friends during the day for coffee and catchup . At work I am very outgoing but avoid social interaction in the evenings, I really cannot be arsed and am now very happy with my own company .

I'm exactly the same. I'm in my 50s too but I've been like this for as long as I can remember, certainly since I had children. I honestly don't understand anyone over the age of 35 who still wants to go out clubbing or looks forward to a night out in a crowded pub with really loud music. That's my idea of hell on earth.

I hate big parties and I'm always one of the first to leave. I like a drink but I rarely get blind drunk. I get tired and ready to go home before I even reach that point. But I love socialising in small groups, over dinner or a barbecue or something.

Hit me round about 18....

Your preferences have changed, OP.

It's ageing, potentially with a touch of age-related hearing loss. Also known as 'can't be arsed-ness'.

That's not social anxiety at all. It's just called getting older.

It's literally age love

@TwigletsAndRadishes totally agree. Small groups, dinner, bbqs, but now never loud, rowdy, busy pubs and never ever a night club. I'm also secretly pleased when plans are cancelled. Also love going to friends houses and them to mine. Informal, non-messy drinks.
Also enjoy my own company too. Happy to sit at home on a night with the TV and some nice snacks.

I worry about losing friends because I rarely want to go out out

I’m with @Notanother0nee . Pathologising changing preferences is pretty offensive actually.

I'm the same, in fact the less l go out the better.
I'm glad that I'm happy with my own company in my peaceful home. I don't feel I'm missing out at all. I'm surrounded by people constantly at work, that's enough for me.

My post was not to meant to cause offence.