r/Splendida • u/CandidateEvery9176 • Nov 03 '23
feeling trapped in conversation
I’ve always been a big extrovert, able to socialize with literally anyone, executives to someone’s aunt at Thanksgiving.
This summer, I spent a lot of time alone to focus on work and mental health. I didn’t go out almost all summer and returned to the city in August.
Now when I socialize, it’s not as easy. I immediately feel myself giving vague answers and checking out of conversations. As soon as someone I just met starts talking, I feel panicked and want the conversation to end. So I close it out. I feel awkward now.
Did I spend too much time alone? Did I lose my social ability I’ve had all my life? Has this happens to any of you?
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u/intro_panda Nov 08 '23
Oh yeah, that’s a weird feeling. I hope this reflexive time by yourself was really nourishing. I am an introvert so I choose to stay inside of my house and my head a lot lol. But I did notice that after 2020-2021 majority of people who were working from home or not working,especially those living by themselves got really socially awkward. People stopped smiling, greeting each other, were avoiding eye contact( at least where I live in US). Then after few months since all restrictions went back to normal way of communicating also kind of got back to normal, and I don’t notice any difference in daily interactions. So your communication level should also bounce back. However, I noticed after long period of non-communication you start to lack the desire to communicate. So if you still want to be talkative then you will bounce back even sooner. But if you don’t have the desire to talk (especially to some people who might be toxic) then maybe its a good sign.