For other highly sensitive people, how do you handle social obligations?
I’ve got a social event coming up soon, and I already feel pretty drained from everything else going on in my life.
I originally said yes after some pressure because I tend to people-please, even when I don’t really want to commit. The thing is, I don’t naturally enjoy social events. I can be polite, listen, and seem fine on the outside, but I much prefer being at home or having quiet time to recharge.
Right now, I’m trying to figure out how other people like me handle situations like this without completely burning out or feeling overwhelmed.
My parents don't like it, and I often get called antisocial, but that's not entirely true either. When I am in a new situation, like a new job or college class, I tend to observe and connect with someone else who's in the background. I'm just very, very selective.
Do you set strict limits, sometimes cancel, or approach it differently? Also, are there others out there dealing with anxiety? Sometimes I struggle to pull myself out of the negative spiral.