Among Friends

[Regal Bee]

My husband and I have always been social....giving lots of parties and dinners over the years but I find in the last five years or so that I don't care for gatherings of any kind. 

We still meet with friends on occasion but mostly enjoy our dinners out and our quiet time. I am very happy with this stage of our lives...we feel blessed. 

[rockygems123]

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@Neetgal2 wrote:

If I can get myself out of the house to go to group activities or even shopping, I am fine.  I just seem to sit inside, read, knit, exercise and occasionally cook, clean or sew.  There is no reason I don't go out.  I have a car and live in a nice town.☹️. Old age, I suppose.

wish it was different.  Once I get out to group activities, I enjoy myself and others.

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@Neetgal2 

You said something of note that you wish old age was different.  Well then girl make some changes

Small or big steps to make change whatever is successful for you. I'd say the first step is to not consider you in "old age".

One of the women that opens showcases for customers at a local antique mall is 94 and looks 74.  A fellow dealer joining us asked her how she looks so young she said "she never stops moving, doesn't feel sorry for herself and never considers herself old".

[rockygems123]

@sarahpanda 

No I wouldn't be happy without extending myself for new experiences.

Going to a party with about 35 people tonight I'll know about 5 of them and I'm sure I'll learn about a lot of other people. 

[Witchy Woman]

@sarahpanda 

I think many can relate to your feelings....I certainly do.

Having grown up in a tiny little Midwestern town, I was insecure and shy.

However, most of my professional life was spent around high level politicians, diplomats and media types.  I learned to blend in, but do a good job. 

It was always physically and mentaly exhausting since I was truly an introvert.  Every day required all my energy to present an outward persona.

When I finally retired, it was soul-soothing to not have to talk to anyone more important than the produce guy at the grocery store.

I was and will always be happiest in my small world.

[Effie54]

@sarahpanda  Yes, I can relate. I'm introverted by nature and in crowds, I tend to just become a people watcher. I find peace and serenity being alone or one-on-one. 

[Jo1313]

Growing up in retail and them having my own business for years..I was outgoing..

Since retiring o the "woods".. If I don't have to go out anywhere I don't...I don't speak to anyone that isn't family. No food deliveries here so I have to go out and shop..We're were in 5 weeks straight..didn't bother me 1 bit.

As long as my electric and cable stays on..I'm good.

[wagirl]

Me too---especially since covid---a big group of people in a confined area, just isn't my cup of tea. I do get out tho--not a total hermit. 

[Icegoddess]

I've never been comfortable in large crowd settings where you have to mingle.  I also much prefer being at home.  Cabin fever for me means I need to get out and work in the yard.  

I do enjoy small group activities though and that gets me out more.  My new Church helps with that.  Weekly, I have Choir practice, handbell practice, and I'm even playing my daughter's old flute with some ladies.  Monthly, there's a Ladies Night Out activity, usually dinner, but I hear our next one will be a painting night.  

I also usually get out and skate once a week, but I don't socialize there anymore.  The ones I used to socialize with either no longer skate or they skate on a different session.  

My husband, on the other hand, must get out and go somewhere every day.  

[Roscoe the Rascal]

I enjoy staying in and going out.  I don't want to over do either one.  I just find what works for me.  I like to get out and do things and go places.  

The only thing for me is I don't want to have too much to do all at once and can overwhelm me.  Seems like everything comes up at once at times.  

What bothers me more now than when I was younger is when I go shopping and the place is packed and people are rude.  Need to go at the right time.  

[deepwaterdotter]

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@JazzyGirl wrote:

This post made me smile!  I believe as we get older, wiser, we do change our perspective on what our true needs are.  Personally, I've had a very busy, active, high level of responsibility type of life.  So now, I take more time to reflect on what is important to me, not everyone else, choosing calmness over drama and distance over foolishness and disrespect.  You learn to prioritize your peace, mental health, and happiness.  No excuses needed!!  Be happy.

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Very well stated, and I agree.