“I’m full.”
A few months ago, I started telling Anne, “I’m full,” when we are out with friends, my brain has had enough social interaction, and I’ve crossed a threshold from having fun to feeling overwhelmed. When I get full, it’s time for me to leave, and I don’t beat myself up for that, or force myself to continue being overwhelmed because I feel like I shouldn’t stop having fun, or I’m worried that my friends will be offended that I have to leave. (They won’t be. Good friends who are worth having in my life care about me and understand my limits.)
Self care is so important, you guys. Take care of yourselves and put your own mask on before you assist another passenger.
It’s okay to have a great time with your friends, or with your partner, then then feel like you’re done and it’s time to go spend some time alone to recharge.
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I fully support this! And, I'm full.
With my husband I use the phrase, "I am out of spoons." This is commonly used in the chronic illness community to indicate all our "spoons" or energy is used up. I agree that self care is important. No guilt. If they are truly your friends they will understand.
Wow. This is going to be very helpful. Thank you for yet another insightful piece.
I love this kind of post - it can make one feel less alone; I had been doing this for a long time, but I always felt awkward (guilty?) about it. Who knows how many people are in the same boat and need to hear this?Luckily, now, my wife is the same way and we can tell when the other's social allowance is spent.
I feel as though there are not enough (or any!) social norms and spaces catering to the introvert half of the population.
Thank you for this post. I was feeling quite overwhelmed today and your post was a source of solace.
Fully understand this , sometimes people are best in small doses
