I am an introvert by nature. But at 52, I have created my own private Skelling Michael. I have embraced Monk Mode with unapologetic joy! Two fingers up. I'm loving it.
I think the menopause years are indeed very tiring. While your body is going into or already in reverse puberty (with all the fun and games), Big Life Shit tends to occur around this stage as well. And let's be honest; we're fucking tired. We've been working a long time, raising kids a long time, living life and dealing with all its ups and downs for a long time. Life, when you stand there and look at it from the perch of 50, feels kinda like a bit of a slog (not saying the party's over or anything remotely like that). But there's definitely a midlife fatigue, a realisation of how long you've been doing this shtick non-stop. And husbands become total pains at this stage (some are lovely, many are assholes at this stage and it's exhausting).
I think dealing with other people's expectations is just too big an ask during the menopause years. I think the menopause years are not a shut down but an awakening to our own needs, finally, for once in our lives! Real needs, not the superficial stuff.
I like this line from one of DD's favourite songs:
Sorry I didn't save the world, my friend
I was too busy buildin' mine again
And I think that sums up this stage. You're kind of reconfiguring your world, your life, your needs. It's YOU time. Be unapologetic about claiming it! Many of us (not all, but many) have spent most of our lives, as females, kowtowing to others' expectations and demands; employers, colleagues, partners, parents, etc, while raising kids, earning, cooking, cleaning, 'having it all' <insert hollow laugh here>.
Monk Mode, activated.
I hear we get all social and energetic again around 60. I'll get myself down to the Bingo Hall then. But for now... all quiet on the Menopausal Front.