I got the basics covered, in fact I tend to be fairly anxiety riddled about making sure I meet bare minimum expectations if I go out of my way to socialize. I only really let myself go (in multiple ways) when I’m depressed. Which admittedly I probably am right now.
Its funny you mention board games. I’m actually not super into board games on an intrinsic level unless its a supremely nerdy/crunchy game. I get very meticulous/competitive/analytical/meta-gamey but I do go to casual board game meet ups anyway because its “fun enough” and I can socialize occasionally.
I think though you hit on a key element: I don’t live in a metro area. I live in a rural hellscape, and commute into a small city. And for a number of reasons I tend to not socialize after work and instead head straight home. I’m usually tired after work and I worry about driving home later than that potentially and driving exhausted. (45 minute commute)
get very meticulous/competitive/analytical/meta-gamey but I do go to casual board game meet ups anyway because its “fun enough” and I can socialize occasionally.
You’d probably like some of my coworkers then. My boss let us do a “team building” activity playing Twilight Imperium, and we’re all pretty analytical types. If you were in my area, I’d introduce you.
But failing that, you can try asking if anyone knows of other groups that plays something more your speed.
I’m usually tired after work
Totally fair. Is moving closer to the city an option? 1:30/day must suck, I do that 2x/week (40-ish there, often an hour home) and WFH the other two, and even that much gets old.
While I’m not neuro-divergent or anything, I am quite introverted and a little socially anxious, so maybe I understand some of what you’re going through. Or maybe not, idk. But I do know that I need some amount of social interaction even though it’s draining.
Anyway, good luck! I hope you find something that works for you.
I got the basics covered, in fact I tend to be fairly anxiety riddled about making sure I meet bare minimum expectations if I go out of my way to socialize. I only really let myself go (in multiple ways) when I’m depressed. Which admittedly I probably am right now.
Its funny you mention board games. I’m actually not super into board games on an intrinsic level unless its a supremely nerdy/crunchy game. I get very meticulous/competitive/analytical/meta-gamey but I do go to casual board game meet ups anyway because its “fun enough” and I can socialize occasionally.
I think though you hit on a key element: I don’t live in a metro area. I live in a rural hellscape, and commute into a small city. And for a number of reasons I tend to not socialize after work and instead head straight home. I’m usually tired after work and I worry about driving home later than that potentially and driving exhausted. (45 minute commute)
You’d probably like some of my coworkers then. My boss let us do a “team building” activity playing Twilight Imperium, and we’re all pretty analytical types. If you were in my area, I’d introduce you.
But failing that, you can try asking if anyone knows of other groups that plays something more your speed.
Totally fair. Is moving closer to the city an option? 1:30/day must suck, I do that 2x/week (40-ish there, often an hour home) and WFH the other two, and even that much gets old.
While I’m not neuro-divergent or anything, I am quite introverted and a little socially anxious, so maybe I understand some of what you’re going through. Or maybe not, idk. But I do know that I need some amount of social interaction even though it’s draining.
Anyway, good luck! I hope you find something that works for you.