quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé:
I suppose that beats being alone during the holidays...

No it doesn't. Not to me anyway.

I am with you on this! I enjoy the get together, but they leave me wiped out as well. We had a total of seven for dinner last night. I enjoyed the time alone preparing the meal, enjoyed the family time eating the meal and socializing afterwards.

Once everyone left, watched a couple of movies and was in bed and asleep by 9pm. Wiped out.

Today was nice, no load - Up early, clean up, wash the good dishes and put them away and just chill.


People like to argue with me when I tell them I am an introvert. I am loud, engage easily, have no problem talking with people, even strangers. I have a strong (some have said “acerbic”) sense of humor and am a savant when it comes to sarcasm.

There is a mistaken assumption that introverts are the quiet folks who like to keep to themselves, don’t often interact with others, or are socially awkward. Loud, engaging, center of attention types must be extroverts because of the interaction and willingness to be around others.

It isn’t the behavior that determines introvert/extrovert, it is the effect the behavior has.

An introvert gets tired, physically and mentally with high interaction levels. It causes a “drain”.

An extrovert is energized by the interactions, it causes a “charge”.


I have no problem entertaining, going to functions, being the life of the party, etc. The next day though I just want low key “me” time to recharge and recover.

My wife planned a “open house” style get together of friends and family in early December. 1-5pm, people coming and going. All total about 30 people stopped by, no more than 12-15 at a time though as people drifted in and out. It was a really good time. Saw lots of folks hadn’t seen in a while.

My wife was in heaven and was all a flutter the next day over how well it went and how much she enjoyed it, etc. I was a lump the next day, didn’t leave the couch and went to bed 2 hours earlier than usual before heading to work for the overnight shift.

Yesterday was chaos but in a good way. Between the little beasts and all of Wifey’s visiting relatives yesterday she and I did not even get to open our presents. First world problems.

That said, some quiet time in the reloading room after the little hooligans go to bed resizing .45 brass or cleaning some dirty 1911’s will be just what the Dr. ordered.

Two days of fun hell, I enjoy having many people over for dinner, like to see them enjoying themselves, but it totally drains me.

Two in a row, plus the added tension of producing a perfect prime rib the second day is all I can take. Absolutely no energy today, going back to work, but I muddled through.

I can see it ending in the not too distant future, and letting the younger ones take over the reins. This was our 32nd year of hosting, and it gets tougher every year.

quote:

Originally posted by cas:

quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé:
I suppose that beats being alone during the holidays...

No it doesn't. Not to me anyway.

Do you have absolutely no family in your life? No significant other? No friends? Absolutely no one to even just pick up the phone and have a long chat?

That's the thought that was musing through my head. Not someone who just happened to get a break from the madness for a few days, which most everyone can appreciate now and then. Especially me as I'm a loner and quiet by nature. But I have a lot of friends and loved ones in my life who make everything worthwhile.

quote:

Originally posted by Copefree:
The hustle and bustle over the past 48 hours around here has resulted in a pretty heavy social hangover today. The joy!

Christmas Eve up at my parents house with like 14 adults and 8 kids (all under the age of 6) was nuts.

Then we hosted our in-laws and my wife’s whole family at our house yesterday for Christmas. I’m quite talkative in social situations but my batteries drain ... quick!

Pheeewww! I am wiped and feel like I need to sit in a dark room for three days.

It’s taking everything I’ve got to talk today ... to anyone. My ears feel pinned back and my eyes hurt.

I love being an introvert but extended overstimulation is rough!

Where are my fellow introverts at?!

your stamina is about 10 times mine

quote:

I love being an introvert but extended overstimulation is rough! Where are my fellow introverts at?!

Preach it. Just got back to my own home. Love my family, but need some quiet time. About a week of it would be great.

quote:

Originally posted by Copefree:

One other (unrelated) thing — I don’t drink alcohol so there’s zero form of hangover in that sense.

I think you have come across the underlying issue. When mixing a large social environment one takes the edge off by introducing a hidden flask full of alcohol. Pulled out as needed to deal with social interactions.

quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé:
Do you have absolutely no family in your life? No significant other? No friends? Absolutely no one to even just pick up the phone and have a long chat?

Sure, but you're assuming I want to.


I went to a relative's house last night for a couple hours. 2-3 people I like seeing. 2-3 people I don't mind one way or the other. 5-6 people I could care less about ever seeing. And 2 people I'd prefer to never see or think of again.
Crowded, loud, uncomfortable, disingenuous. I'd much rather not, but I was doing my duty.

quote:

Originally posted by Ozarkwoods:

quote:

Originally posted by Copefree:

One other (unrelated) thing — I don’t drink alcohol so there’s zero form of hangover in that sense.

I think you have come across the underlying issue. When mixing a large social environment one takes the edge off by introducing a hidden flask full of alcohol. Pulled out as needed to deal with social interactions.

You and I think alike. I've come to always carry a flask now at large social gatherings. And yes, I do share.

Ahhh, your favorite “self care” the article says.