Retirement Tips for a Socially Functioning Introvert...?

k6chris

I have realised for many years that I am an introvert at heart, but have always had jobs that require interaction with people. Now I am retired, I have noted that my introvert tendancies are coming to the fore, which I am a little worried will see me as a full-blown recluse before the year is out. Has anyone else 'suffered' this and if so, what is the 'cure'?


Thanks

marlot

It was a concern for me too. I bought a puppy, and meet many of my neighbours whilst out walking her. I also volunteer a day or two a week.

• U3A?
• Men's sheds?
• Local walking groups?
• Volunteering?

Alice_Holt

Volunteering ??

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/support-us/volunteering/
Advice roles are demanding, but fulfilling.
Being part of a team, and working with colleagues to help others, can be very satisfying.

U3A is an excellent idea.

robinwales

Why are you worried about becoming a full-blown recluse? My wife and I are pretty misanthropic and tend to keep well away from most people. We have a very happy and fulfilling life. If you have reclusive tendencies but want to mix with others there are plenty of opportunities to mix with others. But perhaps you might be happier being reclusive most of the time and being more selective about who you do mix with. The best of both worlds?

melanzana

Nothing wrong with being a quiet individual, unless you don't like it much.

zagfles

Why does it worry you? If you prefer your own company then why go out of the way to do what you were forced to do while at work? If you start feeling lonely then fine, go find stuff to do to meet people as suggested above, but don't just because you might be labelled a "recluse" (by yourself or anyone else)!

bostonerimus

I’ve found retirement to be an oppprtunity to indulge my reclusive side. I ride my bike, read , go to the movies etc. I have friends that I can have a beer with when I want and do some volunteer work at a local theater. You can be as introverted as you want....that’s the freedom of retirement.

Dox

Retirement is a chance to do what you want, when you want to do it, with or without companions of your choice. Why turn it into an arduous attempt to be 'social' if that's not what you want? If you are happy with your own company, make the most of it!

k6chris

Thanks all! I don't think I'd realised what a natural introvert I was! Just curious if others have had this discovery. Retirement certainly is a voyage of discovery....

enthusiasticsaver

I quite like my own company and do lots of coastal walks to indulge that. I like socialising too though so joined the U3a and make sure I make plans with friends too. Do what makes you happy not what you think you should be doing. Retirement should be you making choices not fitting in with what you think you should be doing. Maybe concentrate on interests rather than mixing with people and maybe finding like minded people who share them may enrich your life and you may enjoy socialising then.

OldMusicGuy

Read, walk, indulge your hobbies. My wife and I are both introverts and my wife suffers from severe social anxiety. Retirement is going to be the best time ever for us because we don't have to attend unwanted social events for work/school whatever and can now spend time with each other and our son. We are really looking forward to a nice quiet life focused on us, our garden and our hobbies.

If it's of any interest, I am a highly extroverted introvert. My job often involved presenting to large audiences, which I loved doing. I also love performing and being on stage. But I don't like socializing, which I find quite stressful. I don't miss the work side of things and I find that being in a couple of clubs associated with my hobbies allows me enough "controlled" social contact to not make me a complete recluse.

No "cure" is needed. You need to understand yourself and realise that the modern world is obsessed with often meaningless social interaction. If you haven't read it already, you might find this book by Susan Cain interesting: "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking".