Trying To Become More Social

 

Here on my site, I have been very honest and open about my mental health. When I am going through a rough period, I often shy away from social events. I will tuck myself away in my home and take comfort from my wonderful house. Being at home fills my cup and helps me to relax. However, during these periods I can often become very reclusive and get stuck in a rut. It becomes hard for me to say yes to social events and my home becomes my comfort blanket. This year, I am trying to become more social. I want to make memories with those closest to me. Go on more holidays. See my friends more. Just enjoy my twenties before I cross over into my thirties. I wanted to share this because I know I won’t be alone. So here is what my thoughts…

 

Why I want to be more social.

The reason why I have come to this revelation is because I feel like I’ve missed out on a lot. I have some friends and family that massively respect that I recharge at home. I love my own company and staying in my lovely house. However, I do feel like there have been so many social occasions and because I haven’t wanted to leave the house, I’m not a part of anybody’s stories. Also, because I’ve said no to that much, people have stopped asking and that is a kick to the throat. I want to be social. I want to be a good friend.

 

Recognizing how I refuel.

In saying this, I do recognize that I refuel by taking time out and being in my home. I close the curtains, put on a sappy film and do nothing. That is what fills my cup and with my mental health, I need to remember that. I am all for pushing myself and getting out there a little more. But I don’t want to do it to the detriment of my mental health. For me, this whole process is going to be about finding a balance and learning what works for me and what doesn’t.

 

Judgment from people about spending time at home.

This isn’t a reason for me wanting to become more social, but it is an observation. Some people, especially those that are extroverts and love being out, are often very critical of introverts that love being home. So many times, including from family members, would I get comments about my choices. Some people simply don’t recognize that it helps me mentally to be at home, with my dog where I am protected and safe. It can be hard for people to understand the mentality of those that they differ from. However, some kind comments wouldn’t go a miss.

 

Setting boundaries.

As I mentioned above, as much as I want to get out there, I fill my cup up at home. So I need to set boundaries to ensure that this is going to work for me. That means that if I need to spend time at home, I will do so without comments from others effecting how I think/feel. With so much in my life recently, I have had to set boundaries. Ideally, I want those closest to me to know that I am trying to push myself more, but to also respect my choices if I need that much needed time at home.

 

As always, I hope that you guys enjoyed this post about trying to become more social. I know that this isn’t going to be easy for me. As I mentioned, I am a homebird by nature and I love being in my lovely house. It fills my cup relaxing in my house. I am really going to have to force myself out every now and again. But I know that in the long run I will be grateful for making this change and getting out of the house a little more. As always, I would love to hear from you guys on this. Leave me a comment below and let me know your view on this. Do you need to force yourself out of the house? Or do you need to remind yourself to have a night in every now and again?