Being okay alone is great. Hiding alone is different. Know which one you’re doing.

The behaviour looks identical from outside, and the difference is in the engine. Rest leaves you steadier and more able to be around people afterwards. Avoidance leaves you relieved at first and then smaller, and the next invitation is slightly harder to say yes to than the last one was.

The test is simple enough to run on yourself. After a day alone, ask whether you feel refilled or just further away. If the distance is growing, accept one small invitation this week before you have time to build a reason not to.