A gradual return is still a return, even when other people are eager for the former pace.

Recovery has its own speed, and it rarely matches other people’s hopes. After illness, grief, or a long absence, those around you are pleased to see you, and their pleasure can arrive as pressure: invitations, expectations, a wish for the old version at the old pace. Their eagerness is usually affection rather than criticism, and it can still push you past what you have. Partial presence is real presence.

Decide what you can actually hold and say it plainly once, so nobody has to guess. Accept a smaller share for now without apologizing for the shape of it.