Sometimes it’s hard for people to tell and other times it’s blatantly obvious, but I am an introvert at heart.

I don’t understand large friend groups; I can’t function at parties with more than 8-10 people (unless I know each of them personally); I don’t like being in groups of strangers; and I won’t participate in small talk if I know I’ll never see you again.

Which all add up and mean that I will only attend one large get-together once a month, give or take. It’s fun to meet people and socialize, but it’s also incredibly draining. There are only so many names and conversations I can remember, or care to remember. To be myself again, I need to take the entire next day, or even a few days, to myself with a hot cup of tea, relaxing music, and Christmas lights.

I apologize for missing social gatherings and parties. But, I do not apologize…