Do Social Occasions Exhaust You?
By AnjaP
@Rollo1 (16679)
Boston, Massachusetts
September 6, 2015 6:59am CST
So, I went to the family cookout. I didn't cook, I didn't serve, I didn't even watch the toddler nephews who ran about willy-nilly. I might have talked to the dog for a bit. But other than that, I just sat, occasionally eating something.
And by the time I got home, I was exhausted. My eyelids weighed several pounds each and it was a herculean effort to keep them from falling down over my sun-weary eyes. I could have gone right to sleep but I thought I should check in on my internet sites. I did try, but soon gave up. I put a show on the television and fell asleep on the couch.
I can only guess that it was the hubbub and chatter, sun and fresh air that did it to me. I had a good night's sleep beforehand. All those family members, talking and laughing and trying to use my brain for actual real life interaction - something it is quite unused to - just overwhelmed me and depleted my energy reserves.
How do you feel after a social occasion or family visit? Do you feel energized by the presence of people and the circles of discussion or does it wipe you out?
I think it's a million times more tiring than virtual socializing on the net.
14 people like this
17 responses
@tessastv (273)
• Inverness, Scotland
6 Sep 15
Sometimes I find social occasions thrilling, other times just completely exhausting.. As for me, it really depends on what kind of people I am surrounded by. Family visits are mostly fun, I guess I'm lucky to say that.. 
@cgalavia (1436)
• Philippines
6 Sep 15
Yes I am.I am always exited when there is a get together with the whole family and relatives.
I like to interact to them and exchange many discussions as possible,catching up to each other.
Family gathering has so much fun so I like it a lot,However,I get tired also after and want to rest for a while then sleep.
3 people like this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
7 Sep 15
We are a large and rowdy group with just my kids and their kids so I am pretty used to the noise etc that comes with it. I am usually energized by the interaction.
3 people like this
@Beatburn (4286)
• Philippines
7 Sep 15
It's hard to keep track of conversations in gatherings like that. I usually just stay in one place and let those interested come to me and talk a bit. I'm okay with gatherings, just make sure that majority of those around I'm okay to be with.
3 people like this
@rusty2rusty (6763)
• Defiance, Ohio
6 Sep 15
I feel awkward in social settings. It tends to place me on alert and does drain me quickly. I am usually one of the first to leave.
1 person likes this
@rusty2rusty (6763)
• Defiance, Ohio
7 Sep 15
@Rollo1 That is alot of my issue as well. Lacking the social interaction, I have forgotten how to start a conversation with a stranger without being afraid of what they might say.
@owstalaga (4707)
• Philippines
6 Sep 15
Well if I don't like to socialize and lack sleep, I find it exhausting, but when I do feel like socializing, having family or any other social gatherings are awesome. Especially when there's lots of food. 
2 people like this
@glenniah (1197)
• Mandurah, Australia
6 Sep 15
I have to admit that being amongst people and having social interaction recharges my batteries. I can be really tired and feeling down but as soon as I am in the presence of people I feel alive.
However, take me to shopping mall and I will come home very tired and exhausted. But you probably already knew that about me.
@allknowing (135331)
• India
7 Sep 15
The point is you did not participate. If you did you would have been as bright as a star at the end of the party. I used to organise events but now I do not do it any more and do not socialise either. I have been there and done that enough to satiate my thirst for parties.
1 person likes this
@Bluedoll (16773)
• Canada
6 Sep 15
This may be out there but I remember going to parties/gatherings and if someone asked me how I was, I told them the truth, why not? If didn't feel like talking didn't etc. But sometimes you feel obligated specially if you are hosting.
When I played guitar and sang I remember this boy coming over and they all want to grab the strings and pull. Wang it makes such a terrible sound. Rather than interact I just let him which meant for the next couple of minutes it was guitar tune time. The little boy though was being talked to by another not to do that. Me, well I was in the zone - unstressed.
But it is so true those activities can be exhausting. I don't get out much these last few years and I miss them now. This has turned into a letter. Stop me please! I should have just said, Yes.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (50093)
• United States
7 Sep 15
It certainly can be draining at family gatherings.
2 people like this
@Bhattacharjee (16)
• New Delhi, India
7 Sep 15
Yes social occasions do exhaust me because I am an introvert.An introvert gains energy from being alone and drains energy when surrounded by people for too long.
1 person likes this
@Haveyouseenthatgirl (63)
• Makati, Philippines
7 Sep 15
Totally! there are lots of people in social occasions and the thought of it that you have to interact, chat, and entertain them? Oh my god so exhausting!
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
7 Sep 15
I love family get-togethers! I always end up being exhausted at the end of everything but for me it's all worth it. We seldom get to meet because we're all scattered everywhere so it's nice to enjoy occasions like that once in a while.
1 person likes this
