I can quite honestly answer no to this. I don’t mind being around people, but if I’m in a group, I prefer to just be on the edge, listening in.

The weekend is not even over and I am already exhausted from being around people.

Friday

I went to a cafe with my husband (above picture). Even socialising with my husband can be too much sometimes. Sometimes I just need my own space but today, I had a good time.

Afterwards we met up with his friends, a couple visiting Tokyo for work. They are really nice people but I was absolutely exhausted by the end of it. I had a headache and felt drained.

Saturday

I’ve started going (I’ve been twice) to a Japanese class offered by volunteers in my local area. They are so kind to give up their time, especially in the middle of the day on a Saturday. This also took it out of me. Making small talk is hard enough. I remember once when I thought I’d been doing a good job in the UK and the guy I’d been speaking to said to me, ‘You’re not very good at small talk, are you?’. Which no, I’m not, but I also don’t need it pointing out to me.

My personality makes it quite hard to learn a language. Even at school, we were marked on English and one of the marks came from verbal skills and mine wasn’t too great. I just wish sometimes, society could recognise that we aren’t all born to be centre stage and allow those of us who like to be in the shadows to remain lurking there if that’s what makes us happy. I’m an introvert and I don’t wish to be an extrovert, I’m just not made that way.

I hope you’re having a great weekend!
Emily