About Social Energy

I recently had a conversation with a friend about social energy, which got me thinking about my own experiences. I realized that when I lived abroad, I hardly felt drained. It wasn't until I returned to my home country and stayed with my family that I started to feel this way.

At home, I mostly confine myself to my room, either working or relaxing while browsing the internet. Family members often enter my room, asking if I want to eat or inviting me to chat for a bit. My grandparents, who live in another city, would always visit when I'm back home, which means even more people coming into my room.

I don't mind the company, but it's just so different from when I was living abroad. There, no one enters my room. Even though I share an apartment with another person, when I'm in my room, I'm alone. I have a clear sense of personal space. If I'm being honest, sometimes I feel a bit annoyed and tired at my family's home because I don't have that same level of privacy.

It makes me wonder if having a distinct personal space while living abroad gives me the illusion of having more social battery. In reality, I think I just recharge faster when I have my own space.

During my recent visit home, I decided not to join my parents when they went to meet my father's family. In the past, I would join them everywhere, but this time, I ultimately wanted to be alone at home.

Maybe for us introverts, it's not just about having more or less social battery, but also about having the opportunity to recharge effectively in a space that feels truly our own.