Alright folks, lemme tell you about this little experiment I did over the summer. Called it “no friends over the summer” – sounds harsh, I know, but hear me out.
It all started ’cause I was feeling kinda scattered. Too many commitments, too many people pulling me in different directions. I needed some serious me-time, ya know? So, I decided to go cold turkey on the social scene, just for the summer. I figured, what’s the worst that could happen?
First thing I did was mentally prepare. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I’m a social creature by nature, but I told myself, “This is for your own good. You can do this!” Then, I subtly started declining invites. “Sorry, gotta wash my hair that night,” or “Oh man, got this thing with my, uh, cat.” You know, the usual excuses.
The first week was rough. FOMO hit me hard. I’d see pictures of my friends hanging out on social media, and I’d get this pang of loneliness. But I stuck to my guns. I filled my time with stuff I actually wanted to do. Like finally finishing that woodworking project I’d been putting off for ages. I also started hiking every morning, which was amazing for my mental health.
Around week two, something shifted. I started to enjoy my own company. I rediscovered hobbies I’d forgotten about. I read a ton of books, binge-watched some guilty pleasure TV shows, and just generally chilled out. No pressure to be anywhere, no expectations to meet.
The hardest part was the random texts and calls from friends. I didn’t completely ghost them, but I kept my responses brief and vague. “Hey, what’s up?” “Oh, just busy with stuff.” I know, not the friendliest, but necessary. I didn’t want to get sucked back into the social vortex before I was ready.
I also had to deal with some questions. Friends would ask, “Are you okay? You’ve been MIA lately.” I’d just say I was taking some time for myself and needed a break. Most people understood, or at least pretended to.
By the end of the summer, I felt like a new person. I was more relaxed, more focused, and more in tune with myself. I’d learned that it’s okay to prioritize your own needs, even if it means taking a step back from your social life.
So, what were the results? Well, I wouldn’t say I completely cut off all my friends. I just created some space. And you know what? The friendships that were truly important survived. Those people understood my need for some alone time. And when I re-emerged from my summer hibernation, I felt like I had more to offer those relationships.
Would I do it again? Maybe. It definitely wasn’t a permanent solution, but it was a good reset. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and drained, I highly recommend trying a “no friends” period, even if it’s just for a week or two. You might be surprised at what you discover about yourself.
