Tea & Scones & Being Alone

In the last year,

I've learned a few things about myself.

For example,

- I cannot run nearly as fast or as well as I used to.

- My favorite color is no longer green, but teal.

- I'm a closet ice-cream addict.

I also learned that I'm quite the introvert,

which surprised me.

I've always felt like a pretty social person,

able to keep a conversation going,

eager to make others feel comfortable.

But the truth is,

it wears me out.

After most get-togethers and social events,

I feel like I need a day or two (at least) of recovery.

You know...

Just me.

A book.

And a bath.

With the phone off.

Weird, how it took me 24 years 

to figure this out.

In light of my discovery,

I've been experimenting...

Trying to figure out the balance 

of spending time with people and

investing in relationships,

while maintaining boundaries

to stay above water.

I started making scones and tea

every other week or so,

inviting a few gals over to just hang out

in the most casual way.

So far, it's been lovely.

It keeps me from falling into a hermit state,

which has been a tendency of mine lately,

and forces me to grow with these wonderful women.

I guess I'm finding a bit of balance.

Which is neat.

And highly recommended.

How about you?

How do you maintain the balance between 

a healthy social life and much needed alone time?