Absolutely miserable after yet another social gathering...

It just sounds as though the event was one where you’d have little in common anyway with much of the group so it’s a shame you had to attend it with your husband. Nothing wrong with not being gregarious - each to his own I say! You know what suits you,

It’s not you, it doesn’t sound like your partner had people queuing up to talk to him either. And all these asides about his past make it appear he is just harking back to former ‘glory’ days, long gone.

Let him go on his own in future, but I suspect he wouldn’t as he realises he’s not part of the ‘crowd’ either.

I agree with the previous poster - your evening wouldn't have been half as bad, if your partner had acted Like a good person. He was actually awful , and this is your problem.

Teandcakes, your partner is the energy-sucker and it is draining you at your cost. You need to keep that energy, so take much more time away and on your own or with friends, by yourself. It is not you, your social mixing skills seem fine

It is a difficult one but nudge your OH into hobbies of his own, wood carving is a good one to glide into and there are wood carving social groups all over the place. Also mens sheds are very popular. Once he has found some new friends with a common interest, then he will stop looking backwards in time

It sounds as though this was an event where your OH knew and had something in common with the people there, it’s a pity he didn’t introduce you to anyone.

It wasn’t you it was them and it was certainly a failure of your OH. I find it difficult to talk to people if we have nothing in common, but if we have, then I can sit and chat away.

Next time, go for your walk on the beach and let him go on his own.

I do sympathise with you as 50 years ago, as a young woman in my first marriage, I struggled with social occasions. This has improved over the years as my career gave me more confidence.

If your partner wants you to accompany him to such events, perhaps he could introduce some of his acquaintances to you. It would help to give you a way in to developing a conversation. Maybe, before you leave home, he could tell you some background to a few that he knows so that would give you a starting point for small talk.

I hope you can relax and enjoy these gatherings in future and encourage your partner to appreciate what he has rather than dwell too much on the past. He is lucky to still be in reasonable health (presumably) that allows him to participate in the routines at a gym.

Please don't think that you are doing anything wrong because you aren't. Sounds to me as if your husband is having a bit of an age crisis thing as he keeps harping on about former experiences. This is reflective of a lack in him, not you. I too would much prefer to have a walk on the beach and read a book at home. Are you a bit of a student/introvert at heart? It can be harder for people like me who were never very sociable/good at small talk. Many people in this world only see the detail but not the overview. Sounds to me as if you are a thinker and have a good grasp of the whole picture. Things are different now as I have witnessed just listening to conversations on the bus and in the ice cream queue. The content just doesn't resonate with me anymore and I feel like turning around and saying 'for goodness sake' but of course one would never do that! If I were you I would focus on what brings you joy and keep a diary of all the precious things that happen each day from a walk on the beach to a pleasant conversation with an old friend. Let your husband ramble and perhaps not go to the gym events or, if you do, go as an observer rather than a participant. But, please do not berate yourself as you are so not to blame.

I’m sorry you had such a rubbish evening.
I don’t like going out either.
But in this situation it’s apparent to me that your husband is the problem.
His behaviour and attitude sound absolutely ghastly.
I would not be going on another evening out with him anytime soon.
I hope that you have a nice day today