Becoming more of an introvert

[myrightknee]

When I was younger I was the life and soul of any party.

Now I am 52. I don't like to be the centre of attention, I am paranoid everyone is looking/laughing at me. I don't want to bump into anyone I know when I'm out. I feel 'safe' at home in my comfort bubble. Happy to go to friends houses and go to a restaurant. Not interested in theatre/arts/shopping, I just have no interest and these places would be too open and crowded for me

I just want to hide away at home.

Am I depressed?

Not necessarily. I believe our personality can change as we get older, I know I have become less outgoing but am still very happy. It's important to do what makes you happy.

I'd say there's a rather large dollop of anxiety going on that's tipping into depression. Could be several reasons. Menopause can do this, so if you're not on hrt, definitely worth a good go. Definitely have a chat with your GP. I'm an introvert naturally, although you'd never know it as I'm also chatty and friendly. I just need a lot of downtime after.

I know I'm not well when I stop going for my usual wanders out.

I think Covid had an impact on some people. I work from home and rarely go out.

I'm not far behind you. I think it's partly being sober and simply having become bored with the same old dull nonsense and repetitive chat.

A cliche as it true but I prefer a nice cup of tea on the sofa than a buzzing bar with glossy clothes and the latest goss. Introversion is a the natural course of order.

This is me and I am 34. I don't leave the house if I don't need to. I love my friends and family and can be the life and soul when it's just our small group. But other than that I aren't really interested!

I think as you age your circle of friends naturally Shrinks . Around the menopause some self preservation and clarity kicks in as we realise the clock is ticking down so we want to spend our time with people who enrich us . We have less time for bullshit and drama and just want a smooth running quiet life . We realise what truly matters health and family.

oh Yes ! a cuppa on the sofa always beats a crowded, noisy bar where people are bumping into you and pushing past, spilling drink down your back as they do so and treading on your toes. The toilets are filthy from a long night of overuse and the place is full of drunken idiots. NO THANK YOU.

Sadly, my close friend LOVES these types of places and wants me to go with her. CRINGE.

I prefer the safety of being at home. @K0OLA1D yes, I can also be the life and soul of my very small friendship group. I am just not the life and soul of the bigger party anymore, and I don't want to be.

I worry I am alienating myself and missing out. But I don't know what I think I am missing out on - loud/noisy/crowded bars ? Shopping/busy crowded malls ? packed out theatres/loud music festivals sitting around drinking all day/loud and busy concerts ? couldn't care less if I am missing out on any of these.