It's perfectly normal to feel this way! I feel the same too. And there are thousands, perhaps more, who feel just the same. Staying at home means spending a lot of time in your own company.
There are many reasons why you might feel like you don't need friends. Preferring solitude, being close to members of your family, and being busy with other things are just a few factors that may play a role. Fear of being disappointed or hurt by friends can also be a contributing factor.
Absolutely not. You have the right to choose your own friends. Most people choose their friends based on common interests. You should never feel guilty about being friends or no being friends with anyone just because someone else thinks you should.
Don't shame yourself for not wanting to go out. There's nothing wrong with how you feel. If you're not sure if you should make an effort, remind yourself that you don't have to stay for the whole time. You can go and leave after an hour if you're not enjoying yourself.
"Bonds can be formed through a range of activities from team sports to male banter—or simply having a pint with your pals on a Friday night," Dunbar continued. "However, the key to maintaining strong friendships is to meet up twice a week and do stuff with the four people closest to you."
It's okay to be less-social than other people
Others have a lower drive to socialize, which can show in a variety of ways: They like to spend a lot of time alone. They're solitary by choice, not because they want to be around people more often, but can't. They have solo hobbies they enjoy more than being with people.
People with avoidant personality disorder avoid social situations due to fear of rejection and being judged by others. However, because most people with this condition want to develop relations, they may be more likely to respond to the work of psychotherapy.
Perhaps you have been stretched too far in social life and need to pull back, or maybe you have gotten bored with them or perhaps you are experiencing depression. There is a reason, you just need to figure out what it is and see if it is harmful, ie,depression.
Experts suggest seeing your friends at least once a week, if not more! Having good friends not only increases life expectancy but it also reduces stress and depression and can have a good influence on your health too.
Losing Friends as We Get Older is a Fact of Life
Part of growing up and maturing means shedding the excessive or unnecessary, and realizing what you need and don't need in your life. You may realize that life is just simpler with less. You may realize that your priorities have drastically shifted over the years.
Having good friends and a strong social support network can relieve stress. One study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that people who discussed difficult times in their lives had a lower pulse and blood pressure when they had a friend by their side.
Flakey behaviour and mental health
Or your friend might be an anxiety sufferer. Social anxiety in particular may cause people to isolate themselves and flake on plans if they suddenly feel panicked at the thought of socialising. Cancelling plans can also be a sign of depression.
Why do I feel uncomfortable around people? You might feel uncomfortable around someone because you have feelings for them, or because it's a toxic or intimidating person. Discomfort can also be a sign of underlying social anxiety or lack of social skills.
Sometimes people withdraw from social situations because they prefer spending time alone. In many cases, withdrawal is linked to fear, anxiety, depression, rejection, poor self-esteem, and dysfunctional family dynamics. Whatever the cause, social withdrawal has the potential to lead to loneliness and isolation.
It can be linked to a history of abuse, bullying, or teasing. Shy kids are also more likely to become socially anxious adults, as are children with overbearing or controlling parents. If you develop a health condition that draws attention to your appearance or voice, that could trigger social anxiety, too.
No matter the reason, not being able to or not wanting to socialize with co-workers is completely acceptable. It's daunting determining how to politely turn down invitations for socializing after work, and choosing when to join in.
Social anxiety disorder is an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and other daily activities. It can even make it hard to make and keep friends. The good news is social anxiety disorder is treatable.
Obviously, most people don't meet all of their friends during childhood and, unfortunately, not all friendships last forever. The poll found that the average friendship lasts for 17 years, however, 17 percent say they've had the same best friend for over 30 years!
Research suggests that the number of close friends we need to feel that we have enough is somewhere between three and five. Not only that, but adults with four or five friends enjoy the highest levels of life satisfaction and those with three close friends are not far behind.
It is absolutely normal to have the feeling of being left out and serves a beneficial purpose. The urge to be a part of a group and be included means you are wanting connection, emotional support, laughter, friendship, joy, love, or happiness. The yearning for those positive feelings and experiences is a good thing.
It's OK not to want to hang out with friends all the time. There's nothing wrong with wanting some time by yourself. However, if you never want to spend time with friends, it may be worth asking yourself if you enjoy the friendship or if there is something deeper going on like depression.