- wanting to spend my Sundays ALONE watching football and reading the NY Sunday Times
- not picking up my phone when it rings because ( a) i know the person on the other line really has nothing to say or discuss, but will find something to complain about, (b) or I rather finish reading my book or paper, (c) or I just don't want to speak with anyone
- preferring to spend my free time sitting in a cafe reading, writing, researching aka googling anything, running or biking, than at someone's house catching up. I WOULD, however, prefer to catch up with them over coffee at a cafe, while I'm taking a break from working the activities mentioned above
- not returning a text message because I know the other person will likely want to meet up and talk about all the bad shit in their life
- not wanting to chat it up in the office on Monday mornings or Friday afternoons about my weekend/plans for the weekend - OK maybe this is me just hating office bantar.
A friend recently said, " You're always busy and never have time to hang out." The funny thing is that I don't necessarily feel busy, but I know always have something to do. Sounds like an oxymoron, but it's true. I don't like spending my free time doing nothing - at home watching TV, except if it's football on Sundays or Monday nights. I love going out for dinner and drinks with friends, but I'm trying to be much more budget conscious, given these tough economic times. I know what you're gonna say, " It doesn't cost much to make dinner at home and buy a bottle a wine." And I totally agree! However, when I get into my solitude groove it's hard for me to get back into the social responsibility of maintaining friendships.
The truth is friendships are hard work! It's a full-time job that can really fill up my social calendar. Dinner with Jen on Monday, Obama fundraiser event hosted by Michael on Wednesday, drinks with Maria on Thursday, bday party for Lisa on Friday night and brunch with Julie on Saturday. And that's only knocks out 4 people off my long list of friends. I also have to include meetings for networking purposes - meet with professor from Hunter afterwork, panel discussion on state of education, or dinner with recruiter from X company. It's just a lot for someone who prefers to be alone.
But you know what?! Life is all about balance and I think I am being selfish. I appreciate my friend who called me out on "always being busy." I recognize that I need keep up with my friendships, especially those that have been critical to my spiritual and emotional development.
Soooo...Thank you for calling me out! Oh I know, maybe my friends can come over and watch football on Sundays! Some beer, chips and catch up during half time! LOL..... kidding, just kidding.
1 comment:
Nah, I get what you're saying. Sometimes you just NEED some down/alone time to just stay sane. I feel like between work/teaching Seminary and other stuff at church or with family, I'm just go go go ALL the time and DANG IT, NO! It's almost like I have to get sick to be able to justify staying home, curled up on the couch with my pups and a good book... sheesh... GO AWAY PEOPLE! Heehee, just kidding... well, kinda... ;)
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