How do other extroverts cope with teenagers ?

[Stillwishihadabs]

Not really a TAT but I am struggling. I am fairly extrovert and really enjoyed the companionship of the pre-school years, loved the holidays when we got to do lovely things together. Now they would rather be on their own or with mates, I do feel slightly rudderless. I can see how when they have left i will have time to join groups/ go to the gym etc. But right now they still need me here in the evenings/weekends/holidays but mostly as a taxi /chef. How do others cope ? Btw i do work ft OTOTH so get plenty of intersction during the week. DH is quite introverted and likes time alone.

I think hobbies etc are the best plan

I don't drive so I certainly won't be staying in to be a taxi driver !

I've joined a book group, wine is involved I work full time and socialise with colleagues, my city has started doing clean ups for littler at the weekends and I'm going to my first knew this weekend

Litter and first one

Yes Lilac i think that is the way forward. Sadly dh seems to want me around so he can not spend time with me IYSWIM.

Do you have friends? Maybe you should reach out to friends you've lost touch with while the focus was on your children? They do t need you so much now and you need stimulation and interests beyond them.

I struggled a bit with the early teens when they didn't want to know us at all.
I'm finding later teens+ is different and much nicer, DD likes going to the gym, shopping, spa etc with me and we go out for meals as a family, go to gigs and festivals, theatre etc.
I also have some hobbies lots of friends. DH is like me though and we do loads together, we are always out and go away a lot for one or two nights every month and leave them here as they are both over 16.
DS still goes to things like pub quiz and on holiday atm with us but mainly out with friends because he's an extrovert to!
I still taxi DD but cooking is a joint venture or help yourself.

Thanks for all the advice, i have done several of those things. I think what i do find tricky is having to be physically present (dd is 10, ds 13) but having no one wanting to talk to me.