I just feel 'peopled out' - if that's a word!

[roadmap24]

Hi! Just coming in here because I'm wondering if anyone is in the same position. Prior to having my LO I was very independent - I spent a lot of time on my own, lived in a major city alone, went to theatres and galleries alone, went to educational talks alone etc. I absolutely loved it. I have a great group of friends and love to socialise but I absolutely love time alone. Now I have a 10 month old boy who I love to bits and a partner - but I just feel completely drained from having to spend time around people all day long. My little boy takes up most of my time and although I love him to bits I just feel completely zapped of energy. I am quite a sensitive person and an introvert and I miss just having time with nobody near me or needing me. My boyfriend thinks it's weird - as soon as my little one is in bed he thinks it's 'us' time and I almost feel like I could cry when he wants to talk to me. I know that's not normal but I'm not getting anything I need right now - I need alone time, it's almost like I can't really function without that headspace. Does anyone else feel the same?

yes.
we have 7 kids and I love it but I also need my space. always have, always will.

I call myself a 'mix-trovert"🤣
I love parties, company, noise, chatter etc and thrive in social situations. I get a buzz and lots of energy from it. that's the extrovert part
But only on my own terms.

I'm also very protective of my time spent alone. I need to hide away from everyone to recuperate, to think, to relax, to breathe & just be. I wouldn't survive without my introvert side.

It's better now the kids are older (aged 20 - 7) and don't need me 24/7.
But I remember having really tough days with needy & ill babies constantly clinging to me, next to me, being on me , in me....and as soon as DH got home he wanted attention too and I told him to not even touch me or I'll scream. I could not take any more physical contact, I just needed to be in a bubble without anyone, anything, any stimulation etc.

it's hard. please be straight with him, he needs to know that it's 100% not him, it's not even you, it's just you feeling overwhelmed.
He just needs to support you so you get some time to recharge and decompress.

Yes, I very much need my alone time, always have! I have a 10month old and know how you feel.

I find short periods in the day to switch off and just be me. Driving is one as the baby is quite happy in the car seat. I can listen to my music or the radio and have 10 or 15 mins of peace. Nap time is another even if its filled with chores!
My husband and I have also always had an evening routine where we eat together at the table then take our pudding to the sitting room to watch a show for half an hour or so. Then we each have a bath while the other has their own 'TV time' to watch our own shows. It's lovely and one of my favourite times of the day! My husband could happily be around me and people almost 24/7 but understands I am not like that and I need some space.

I get it completely OP, I am exactly the same.

On weeknights, my DH and I both have an hour or two to ourselves once the kids are in bed, doing our own things. Then we'll watch an episode of whatever series we're currently watching together, before relaxing in bed for a bit too. It works for us to both have that alone time during the week.

@PeacefulInTheDeep

I get it completely OP, I am exactly the same.

On weeknights, my DH and I both have an hour or two to ourselves once the kids are in bed, doing our own things. Then we'll watch an episode of whatever series we're currently watching together, before relaxing in bed for a bit too. It works for us to both have that alone time during the week.

We do the same. I find other people even more draining since lockdowns and becoming a mum. I am a lot less sociable than I was, despite being an introvert as I was quite happy with social plans!

I love nothing more than a few hours to myself or even just leaving baby and husband at home and getting out to the food shop alone