I've just been out for a lovely lunch....but

[Poppystone]

It was ar DP's parents'. We've been together 2 years, I've met them a handful of times but we don't socialise with (either of) our parents that much. Tend to pop in for coffee on our own, rather than both go for lunch/the afternoon.

His parents are lovely, very similar in attitudes to mine and easy company. Very chatty which means you don't have to work at the conversation, which I am very bad at.

This time his aunt was there, who I'd never met, but she was lovely company too.

Mum had done a nice lunch and we stayed 2 hours, had a very pleasant time.

But, I am shattered. To the point that if I sit down I can't keep my eyes open. Do others get like this after social things, even ones they've enjoyed?

No, I get a real buzz from it all and probably more energy for the rest of the day if anything. But it does drain my ND DD who is very much an introvert.

Yes. It’s having to be ‘on’ constantly, in guest mode. Very different no matter how nice your company is.

Can I join you on an adjoining chaise while fanning myself?

I do! It can be a nuisance at times, because I am so drained by socialising that I cannot summon up the motivation to do anything when I get home. I am an introvert by nature. A day at work is enough to drain my batteries for the evening.

I am looking forward to seeing family this weekend when they visit... but it's going to be incredibly draining. I'll have spent almost a fortnight in work, finishing on Friday when my family arrive, and they go home on Monday... when I go back into work for another fortnight, because I couldn't book time off. I would happily hole up at home for a week and take time off from the rest of the world to recover!

Yes, love people, but socialising is exhausting for this elderly introvert. I still do it all the time though.

I love time to myself after a social event. I have heard before this can be a sign of autism but stand to be corrected. My dh recharges his batteries by being with people and can’t understand me!

for me its the food that does it, eg have a nice meal and then when sitting down its like i crash and zzzzzzz

Could you possibly be pregnant…?

Yes, but I'm autistic. Often actually need a nap.

I used to but have to force myself to eyes open now I have a young DC so it’s back to ‘work’ after anything social. I remember we came back once from a long drive after spending time at the beach with family and it was no rest for hours. DC is particularly energetic too.

Yes, you’re probably an introvert like me. We enjoy gatherings and company but it wears us out. We need to recharge our batteries after events with a bit of solitude.

This was my thought too.....

Sometimes. Other times I find it really energising and I’m buzzing, and it’s not really the company, it’s me. I am an introvert though and need time to recharge fairly often.

I absolutely get like this. For me it’s kids parties where I have to stay and talk to other parents. Social battery is real.

Yes, I always used to get like that. I’d come home feeling completely drained and needing to recharge.

For me, the feeling has changed since I’ve had children. I think it’s because I’m overstimulated with noise and chatter in my normal life so when I go to family events or work things I don’t feel as shattered afterwards. Maybe my tolerance has improved.

Yes here too! Even with people I am relaxed with. I think at 60 plus I think I must have realised that I am an introvert! I enjoy my own company best (well with dog) though I enjoy the meets when they are happening and love the people. I think it’s ok!

Yes definitely or eating sugar.

Yes I do find that. Social battery 🔋 dies.

Both DCs are like that also.

Always, but I'm 56, almost out of the other side of menopause and autistic with ADHD.

Yes, I find it exhausting but I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Perhaps get some blood tests.

Sometimes and especially after it’s with people I don’t socially hang out with like work colleagues. I went on a hen weekend recently with no one I knew except the bride. I wish I could show you my reaction when I got back to my car to drive home 😃. I’ve now decided no more baby showers and no more hen weekends, I’m too old for this shit

I'm AuDHD and it can be exhausting, even if it's just a trip to the pub with friends. I don't know why, I guess my brain goes into overdrive, and particularly worse if I don't know people and I'm on edge, trying to do things right. I'll get home and just want to sleep, so I tend to do meet ups in the evening otherwise the day wastes away. I also don't drink alcohol or anything.

So have a short siesta/nap, what's the big deal? 🤔
In many parts of Europe switching off and 'recharging the batteries' is the norm so if you havn't got massive calls on your time or 'things to do people to see' just go for it!! 🙄😊