I'm facing a New Year's Eve dilemma: go out or stay in. Some people love to get dressed up and do something exciting to ring in the new year, but I do not. What I really love is making an early night of it and waking up early and starting the new year refreshed and relaxed. I've also been frantically cleaning because I like to start the year with a clean(ish) house. (I think everyone who knows me will laugh when they see this because a) I'm not a morning person and b) I'm kind of a slob.)
Anyway, this year, I'm trying to decide whether I want to stay home or have a low-key night at a friend's house with promises of food and board games. I know I'll have a good time if I go, but right now the prospect of putting on sweatpants and hanging out at home is very appealing, especially because I spent all day yesterday socializing.
My dilemma reminded me of something I heard a few days ago that I keep coming back to. One of my favorite podcasts, Hiding in the Bathroom, is about women and entrepreneurship, and it often focuses on the personal challenges of running a business- the things that make someone want to hide in the bathroom. I caught up on an episode from a few weeks ago with KJ Dell'Antonia of the New York Times, who talked about a column she wrote called "Am I Introverted, or Just Rude?" I identified a lot with the author. Like her, I don't have social anxiety (although I am pretty shy), but find socializing exhausting even when I have fun. Dell'Antonia gives thoughtful consideration to the balance between doing what's best for herself- forgoing social obligations- and what's best for everyone- forging bonds with the people in our lives, even casual ones.
So, even though a big part of me doesn't want to get off my couch, another part of me got yummy snacks earlier in eager anticipation of a party, because I actually do want to go at least as much as I want to stay home. Plus, I can always enjoy some quality couch time next year!
What about you? What are you doing tonight?
