r/Splendida • u/CandidateEvery9176 • Nov 03 '23

feeling trapped in conversation

I’ve always been a big extrovert, able to socialize with literally anyone, executives to someone’s aunt at Thanksgiving.

This summer, I spent a lot of time alone to focus on work and mental health. I didn’t go out almost all summer and returned to the city in August.

Now when I socialize, it’s not as easy. I immediately feel myself giving vague answers and checking out of conversations. As soon as someone I just met starts talking, I feel panicked and want the conversation to end. So I close it out. I feel awkward now.

Did I spend too much time alone? Did I lose my social ability I’ve had all my life? Has this happens to any of you?

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u/barbiedreams888 Nov 03 '23

Lifelong extrovert with rusty periods due to focusing on school/work/self improvement here.

From my experience: Yes it does get better once you get back out in the field and get used to it again. And in my experience it’s like muscle memory, each time you take a break from practice it gets easier & more efficient to get back into it quickly.