Holidays stress me out!
OK, to be fair, most things stress me out, but holidays really stress me out. This is one of the reasons I rarely host a holiday gathering in my home. I’m also kind of a closet introvert (I fake it really well). I really want to be that outgoing person who hosts parties and invites all these people to my house. I can imagine everyone having a great time and my party being an amazing success. I have lots of Pinterest boards of things I would love to do and make for said parties, but that’s about as far as it goes.
Even going to other people’s gatherings can be a bit overwhelming for me. I want (and probably need) the social interaction but I’m pushing my limits after about an hour. I’m the one you’ll see sitting by themselves reading a book or crocheting because I just can’t handle any more small talk. My husband and I have taken separate vehicles when I know I’ve already had a hard day. This way he and the kids can stay, and I can leave if I have to. Sometimes one or all the kids will leave with me because I have passed this wonderful trait on to them as well. But we are all learning to know and abide by our limits. I’m remembering to listen to my body and hopefully teaching them to listen to their bodies, but I’m also teaching them that being uncomfortable won’t kill us once in a while.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that my friends and family still invite me to said affairs, especially since I know my behavior is less than friendly once I’ve had enough.
From those of us with this anxiety: thank you for still including us!
Please keep inviting your less than social friends. Don’t give up on us. We still want/need to be a part of your lives. Remember we love you and will participate as much as we are able. Some days are better than others.
