To realise I just don't enjoy being with/socialising with lots of people any more

[2w3ee32w]

I'm 50, have always been an introvert, but after attending a big party for a friend's birthday, I realise I just don't enjoy this sort of thing any more. For me, it's a real effort to be 'on" and I find it draining, I find it all chaotic and noisy. I just want to be home with my book! Maybe it's my age, but I've always been like this, only worse now.

AIBU to prefer a quiet life now?

Less is more; I prefer 2-3 quality good friends than a whole bunch of acquaintances

Perfectly fine to not enjoy that anymore. I am very social and have lots of friends but I don’t really enjoy parties that much these days. I find them quite overwhelming and noisy. I prefer a smaller group and a nice meal, and home by 9pm at the latest. Definitely an age thing.

I agree. I used to love the Christmas party at work but it's less and less likely now I'll be out til the bitter end and I've noticed colleagues of similar age doing likewise.

I'm not great with all the noise sometimes. Loud parties for me are something I'll do now and then for the sake of keeping friendships but it's not my first choice.

I’ve noticed since stopping drinking that I am actually an introvert too!
Always believed I was an extrovert who loved a party or social gathering with lots of people or meeting new people. I now realise that alcohol likes big social events or chatting sh*t to randomers. My true self actually hates meeting new people or being in big groups and just wants to sit at home with a book & my cat with the door locked and my phone on silent 🙃

I have become the total opposite of how I once was ,I was never in and now home is where I prefer to be.
I aim for the quiet life and I can't stand crowds I will avoid going p!aces that I know will be rammed.
I'm not lonely and have p!enty of fami!y and friends I just like a bit of peace .

Same, a bit introverted. Never really liked partying anyway, but now at 63 I hate it, loud music and people shouting at each other, plus the belligerent drunks, it all just really irritates me now and I want to leave as soon as possible! Also I believe it's an age thing as I wasn't so bad when I was younger! 😆

Exactly the same, I won't even go to the sales after Christmas now because I hate the crowds so much, irritates the crap out of me! Really does.

I’m the same. I sometimes go to a gig or display and I’m down and out for a week afterwards. I don’t go for nights out or normal social events anymore, not worth the money or time.

In my 40s, and I don't like a lot of noise. I enjoy peace and quiet and savour being left alone. Occasionally meet friends for lunch but that's it.

It's nice to get dressed up but I really struggle with crowds and noise so I only like parties if I'm drunk - even if it's with people I like.