I'm 42 and I find that I get more extroverted the older I get. I have young kids (4 and 6) and we are constantly entertaining, hosting playdates, having big events at our house like BBQs, holiday parties, etc. We socialize with friends at least 1-2 per week. I find that the older I get the more social interaction I need and the more friends I need. Always looking to make new friends too.

Would it be possible to talk to your husband and see if you can come up with an agreed upon plan? Maybe he would agree to leave earlier than normal or you both could choose to do something together instead of a birthday party. Or some other idea. That way you are working together instead of against each other. I hope you can find what works for you both!

I've always been an introvert, but I loved to go dancing and drinking in my twenties with good friends. Now in my forties I just can't do crowds. I'm a teacher and am surrounded by hordes of people (albeit little ones) all day. On the weekends I just want to stay home. I relax, do a "reset" for the week ahead (cleaning, laundry, etc), catch up on a bit of work, and steel myself to be engulfed by other people's needs for the next five days. Sometimes I get that "FOMO" feeling, but most of the time I couldn't care less about socializing.

I’m 39 and I feel the same way. I’m just so exhausted from taking care of our kids, extended family committments, housework, long commute, work etc. that a weekend at home on the couch sounds heavenly to me.

I mean, it makes biological sense, doesn't it? Teens and 20s are about connecting, go-go-go, finding people, finding a mate. Your mind and body want you to do that.

Once you've popped out some kids--or once having kids would be biologically chancey--your mind and body don't want you to do those things anymore. They want you to protect your kids and protect yourself.

I say this just to assure you that it's normal and actually makes a lot of sense. No need to beat yourself up about it. Just recognize it, factor it in, make your plans accordingly.

Know thyself.

Anonymous wrote:How old are you OP?

Similar age to those posting.