By SheelaR

I’m not going to lie – the older I get, the more I find myself feeling overwhelmed by the presence of other people. It’s kind of wild when I think back to my younger days. I used to be this social butterfly, flitting from one event to the next, thriving in lively gatherings and crowded spaces. But over the past ten years, I’ve noticed a shift. I’ve slowly but surely retreated into a more solitary lifestyle, and honestly, it’s been pretty peaceful.

Don’t get me wrong; I still enjoy traveling and love keeping up with my friends; just not in person. Video calls and long texts mean more to me than squeezing into a crowded room for small talk. I cherish my friendships, but I’ve found that maintaining those bonds doesn’t always require my physical presence. Sometimes it’s just nice to have a good conversation over the phone while I’m curled up at home, sipping on some tea and enjoying the silence.

But whenever I do have to enter a social situation where there’s more than one person (myself included), I often feel completely out-of-sorts. It’s like I’ve entered a different universe, and I’m just trying to navigate my way through it. The noise, the chatter, the energy – it can feel overwhelming and downright exhausting. I think part of it is that I’ve become more attuned to my own needs and what makes me feel comfortable. And honestly? I’ve reached my socializing quota! I don’t need to be out at happy hours or parties to feel fulfilled anymore.

There’s something to be said for those quiet moments spent alone, whether it’s reading a book, watching a movie, or just thinking. It has become a form of self-care that I genuinely treasure. Life can be so noisy, and finding peace in solitude has allowed me to recharge and reflect. 

So here I am, fully embracing this solitary lifestyle while still enjoying the parts of the world that call to me. If you’re also feeling this way, know that you’re not alone. It’s perfectly okay to crave solitude and find comfort in being by yourself. We don’t all need to be the life of the party to live fulfilling lives!