Feeling like im on the slippery slope!!!

Sounds fairly normal to me - I can easily go a week or more without speaking to another human being (apart from my husband), and that's including going shopping. I do watch the news though - as a former journalist, I can't help being a bit of a news junkie. I'm more than happy in my own company. It's way too 'people-y' out there.

I think there are different types of people, those who thrive when in the company of others and always busy, and those who prefer alone time and only the company of those they really resonate with. Neither is better or worse it is just what floats your boat. A very old friend phoned me the other day as she was up in town again (she comes twice a year to see her son). She called and wanted to meet up for lunch. I just could not face her conspiracy theories again or hear about her rich relatives. I've spent 30 years listening. I just said that unfortunately I could not make it this time but hoped she would have a nice stay. Also, my cousin was up in town with her family. She never bothers about me from one year to the next and expects to be entertained and her family paid for when she comes. I said I was unable to make it as we were having work done on the house, which is technically true in a couple of weeks. Didn't even feel guilty, just relieved.

Some posters are saying it is normal.

Sorry, but I dont think it is?

Are you frightened?[i can understand not watching the news. Many more people are doing that too, nowadays].

Fallingstar

I am an introvert but can be sociable occasionally as long as I can escape when I want to. All the same I find that I am not so fond of chatting as I used to be, and do get irritated with phone calls especially FT. I care for my DH so do like some respite but hate when people suggest seeing friends. I much prefer to spend any precious time I get to myself on solitary walks and reading a good book.
So you are not at all strange imho or depressed but just need to spend some time in your own company.

I can really identify with your post and fully agree. I only like to meet people or do things that really fulfil me as time is of the essence. I hope you really enjoy your walks and books. I love looking at the birds, squirrels, butterflies and identifying them and get stuck into a good book that carries me away.

I wonder if it depends on how you were previously. If you were the life and soul of the party at one time and now find you’re retreating from people, perhaps it is depression creeping in. We know that socialising is protective against developing dementia because it keeps our brains busy. It might be worth talking to your GP.

I think I’ve been avoiding society while also craving it at the same time lately, which is weird. Since my Dh died earlier this year it’s been easier to say to myself I won’t bother, what the point? At the same time, though, I hate having no one to speak to any more and whilst home is home, it’s a very different one from how it used to be. I’d come home and chat to Dh about whatever I’d been doing. Now, there’s none of that - my cats don’t listen!

Yet going out is often disappointing in terms of talking to anyone, with so many shops having automated their services and any remaining staff not having time for a brief chat because they’re scurrying round. Today I forced myself go to a group I belong to and I have to say, I enjoyed it especially as I met someone new who was very interesting.

You say you want to shut out the world and I feel like this too. But apparently, so do an increasing number of younger people. I was reading that an increasing number don’t have friends at all and live solitary lives only going out to work (and working from home, some don’t even do that). We have developed so much technology but it has resulted in social isolation. It’s as if we don’t want to interact with anyone else at all. And I think this is also related to the sad state of the world. We have lost any feel good factor and I think people are generally often, stressed, anxious and depressed. This is only my view of course but it seems so obvious to me. I don’t know how this will develop. Sometimes I think it’ll go full circle and life will become simple and ‘good’ again but perhaps that’s wishful thinking.

Hello, another introvert here… very happy with my own company, but I do think it does me good to get out of the house once a day… just thought I would mention that in case it helps..

You sound perfectly normal to me.

I do keep an eye on the news from time to time but on the whole avoid the "Outside World" as much as possible, only doing what is essential.

I am an introvert but can be sociable occasionally as long as I can escape when I want to. All the same I find that I am not so fond of chatting as I used to be, and do get irritated with phone calls especially FT. I care for my DH so do like some respite but hate when people suggest seeing friends. I much prefer to spend any precious time I get to myself on solitary walks and reading a good book.
So you are not at all strange imho or depressed but just need to spend some time in your own company.

I ve found that now in my eighties my world has shrunk and
I m more comfortable in known familiar surroundings ie home, or known areas around town I don’t like to be away for too long, I don’t know why I just think it’s a natural winding down. Whereas I used to enjoy holidaying alone and pottering around a new town I now wouldn’t want to it would be too scary now so I like an easy going life and potter around where I feel ok

Btw I think it’s also entirely normal 🙂🙂

It could be a bit of both.

Does it bother or upset you or any family members?

If not, you’ve reached a period of your life where you can make the choices which suit you

I can relate to feeling like this too. I’ve had two appointments at the same hospital today. One clinic was running late and I only made it to the second one with one minute to spare. The HCA called my name - in full - and another patient tried to take my place! All this added to the anxiety of not wanting to be there in the first place……I simply wanted to be at home muddling, through my day. Life never used to be this stressful and I always managed to cope with whatever came my way. I burst into tears when I finally arrived home.

I do love time on my own and am really happy with my own company. I think you can get out of practice with socialising if you always stay at home and I do like time with friends and family too. Do you feel you are depressed? Would a check/chat with your GP be a good idea?

The news is dire and it can get to be too much. Home is our safe place where we can shut out the world for a while.

I wonder if you are a bit down as avoiding people may be a symptom.
If you feel unhappy about this then maybe a chat with your doctor.

This may just be temporary and you will want to socialise again after a time of 'hibernation'.

I sometimes feel like this and worry that I’m becoming antisocial and boring. It just takes something small to snap me out of the mood, and it is always rewarding to smile or have a brief chat with someone and have it returned, when you’re shopping. I’m sure it’s an age thing rather than depression.