I forced myself to go to a friend's birthday party last weekend

I smiled and laughed the whole time, but inside I was just counting the minutes until I could leave. I felt completely empty, like I was watching a movie of myself having fun. I stayed for two hours, which felt like ten. I left early saying I had a headache, which was a lie. Has anyone else felt like a total fake just to keep up appearances?

3 comments

3 Comments

hannah4009d ago

That "watching a movie of myself" part hits hard. I used to think pushing through was the only way. Then I had a night exactly like yours, and I realized forcing it just makes the emptiness worse. Now I only go if I actually want to, and I give myself permission to leave early without an excuse.

corablack9d ago

Didn't hannah400 nail it, because that permission to leave changed everything for me too.

piper7798d ago

That "permission to leave" part is a total game changer for introverts.