Member-only story
The Surprising Results of Accepting Invitations
Because hiding in my house never really helped me.
I’m an extroverted introvert. What this means is that I enjoy being social and do well at it. But, I’m kind of like a three-year-old. I’ll start off the evening as a big ball of energy but I burn out fast. After about 90 minutes I kind of just want to lay down on the floor and take a nap.
The last two years, the holidays I’ve gotten the best of me. Two years ago I didn’t touch alcohol at all during the entire month of December because I felt like pouring a depressant all over my already increasing level of depression was a recipe for disaster.
Last year, holiday depression sequestered me inside for much of the season. I just didn’t have it in me to leave the house. My house was pretty, warm, and safe.
This year, I’ve realized that doing the same things I’ve done for the last two years is not going to work for me. I don’t want to spend another holiday season miserable. Wallowing in my own self misery is not a productive practice.
In the last year, my circle of friends has grown. Exponentially. I feel more supported and cared for than I ever have in my life. It’s not…
