From Happy Hour to Hide-Under-the-Covers Hour
Back in my 20s and early 30s, Fridays were everything. I’d roll into the office in my cutest outfit, strut into happy hour, and hit the pregame ready to work the room. Nothing stopped me from getting shitfaced, talking to everyone, and basking in the attention.
At 49? Who is that girl. Now, Friday rolls around and I’m thinking about therapy and wishing I could cancel every social plan. Forget “working the room”—I just want to crawl into my cocoon and not come out until Monday.
Cocoon Chic: My New Weekend Vibe
These days, my emotional sensitivity is cranked up to eleven. The cocoon feels safe. If I stay in, nothing bad can happen. But the trade-off? My brain won’t stop. I’m busy worrying about the future while also dissecting every single thing I’ve ever done in the past. Spoiler alert: that combo is not the Friday night I imagined in my 20s.
Social Anxiety: The Post-COVID Remix
Let’s be real, COVID did a number on my social stamina. Add in a new relationship, changes in how I look, and the nonstop commentary (good and bad), and suddenly the bubbly extrovert I used to be is on permanent vacation. People expect me to be that same party starter, but the truth? I can barely detach from my own thoughts long enough to fake it. And the vibe I give off? Not great.
Apparently, I’m Intimidating (Who Knew?)
Here’s the kicker: people think I’m intimidating. Me. The one who wants to disappear into her cocoon. Sure, I keep new people at arm’s distance (it’s practically my catchphrase). But deep down, I worry that if anyone looks too closely, they’ll see through me, and I hate that.
Anyways, have a good weekend. I’ll be cocooning—because for me, Friday anxiety is real, and honestly, it’s harder to shake than any hangover. xoMS
