Explain away: 'How can I decline engagements without seeming antisocial?'

You don’t always need to explain yourself, writes advice columnist Eleanor Gordon-Smith, instead make sure you feel confident in your choices

I have bipolar disorder and it affects my ability to socialise with others. I teach high school, and by the end of the week I am emotionally worn out. I just want to stay home for the weekend and enjoy some peace and quiet. How can I decline social engagements without seeming antisocial or explaining my disorder?

I have a friend who routinely just leaves things when he wants to. It could be midway through a movie and he’ll decide he’s had enough and wander out. You turn your back during a late-night stroll with six people and discover you’re down to five, his retreat back declares he’s tired now. He’s never impolite and would never leave a birthday party or an anniversary. But if it’s low-stakes, and he’s had enough, he just goes.

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from Lifestyle | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2HAskW8

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