If there is anything you need to know about me, it is that about 80 percent of the time I would rather be in my house or in my dorm with friends rather than away from home.
Any outing I go to has to be planned at least a week in advance because of how much I hate leaving the comfort of my own home last minute. Whenever friends ask me last-minute to go out with them I typically respond, "Um, sorry I have sooooo much homework to do," as I'm in the midst of watching the Vlogbrothers on Youtube.
Now, I don’t hate being out with friends or family. In fact, I rather enjoy it. However, binge-watching Netflix while cuddling with my cat just seems so much more comfortable and less complicated for my introverted self.
I am the master of routine, which is a large attribute to why I am a homebody as well. If I ever leave the house I must be home at a certain time, and I actually have to leave the house at the perfect time as well: never too early, and never too late. If I have even just a few other things that have to get done at home that day, instead of rearranging my schedule, I will just flat-out refuse to leave my house.
When I actually decide to venture out with friends, my mind ends up making me feel a little guilty about it. I always think to myself, “ Wow, I wonder how much work I could’ve gotten done if I hadn’t spent the whole day out with friends?”
As a an introvert, I end up physically and mentally drained every time I have to spend the day out in public with a large group of friends. I would much rather simply sit at home and enjoy the quieter company of maybe one or two people. I always preferred having much more intimate and safer relationships with my friends in the comfort of my own home (maybe theirs if I was feeling particularly adventurous).
I'll willingly admit, I absolutely hated being told to go outside as a kid. I hated the woods and the heat (unless I was at a pool). I was much more of a “stay in my pj’s and watch cartoons “ kind of person. Maybe older generations would say this is because I grew up in a generation with a plethora of technology, yet something about staying inside always seemed a bit more comfortable. However, I still enjoyed days at the park, hikes and spending the day with my family at a creek.
Am I a complete homebody? No. I just prefer it most times. But it's all about balance: Given I have enough time to prep, I thoroughly enjoy a day out.
So to all the homebodies out there: I feel you!
