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How do I get "alone/introvert" time in a very extroverted family?

Profile: joyfulPomegranate52
joyfulPomegranate52 on May 11, 2015
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I struggled with this problem for a long time. (many years) One day, I just decided to tell my family that i needed alone time, and i went into my room and shut the door. Nowadays, whenever I just need to be alone, they accept it.
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Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Mar 17, 2015
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The best way to get alone time is to set boundaries and keep them. Your family might not understand what you're going through or your need for a little quiet time to yourself, so calmly and politely reminding them that you're unavailable to talk or be around them for however long you need is a really good way to go about getting that time. Sometimes having a sign can help, or just not engaging after one or two warnings will discourage some of your family members from trying to initiate contact. It might take some time and constant behavioural modification techniques (think of it as training a dog to do something--you need to be consistent and firm with your actions to get the message across) to make it work, but it will a lot of the time! However, if that really doesn't work, getting out of the house or away from them can be a good strategy--going for a walk, to a coffee shop, spending a couple hours doing yoga in the forest, you name it! Physical separation works just as well! Remember that knowledge is power, and if your family is extroverted, they might not understand where you're coming from. Try to educate them and you might see a big difference--who said old dogs can't learn new tricks?
Profile: SoftBlanket40
SoftBlanket40 on Aug 31, 2015
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I'm a very introverted person, in a family of extroverts. What I do, is letting them know that I treasure the time I spend alone in my room, and I won't give it up for anything. I just explained to them that without that time, I won't be myself, and anything they do or say will be way too overwhelming to me. And most importantly, make sure you plan through your day some alone time, whether is it as soon as you wake up, or late at night just before going to sleep.
Profile: caringApricot86
caringApricot86 on Mar 16, 2015
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Hi, I have moved into a very big family, I am lucky enough to have a dog I can use as an excuse to get out and away and sometimes by just taking time after work to be on my own. Also long bathroom breaks can get you some space! But what you may want to consider is explaining how you feel, you may have to do it clearly if this is the right path for you
Profile: kindheartedSky78
kindheartedSky78 on Apr 13, 2015
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I feel that you are wanting some more time to yourself but your family enjoy being together. Just because we come from the same family, it does not mean that we are all the same. I feel that you may need to implement some boundaries around your relationships within your family and this will mean that you will need to become assertive.
Profile: IntuitiveDrops
IntuitiveDrops on Jun 1, 2015
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You simply take it. You are different from them, you have different needs. If they love you, they´ll understand. :) I, for my part, also don´t participate in everything. When I`m tired, I politely excuse myself or go when nobody´s paying attention to me anyways and minding their own business. Do what you enjoy.
Profile: iggyface
iggyface on Aug 29, 2016
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Discuss setting up fair boundaries with your family - they may not realize you feel this way - talk about having a 'quiet time' slot.
Profile: Ginieboops
Ginieboops on Sep 28, 2015
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Just by being honest with them and explaining that you get energy and have fun differently from them, good wind down activities I would recommend are reading, listening to music, cooking and meditation.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Oct 4, 2016
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A great way to get some alone time I've found is getting out of the house to do hobbies that don't require other people. Simple things like hiking can give you the time alone you desire, and it's also healthy, you see some great things and get some fresh air while you're at it. If you want to remain at home, talking to your family directly could be an option too. Perhaps making them understand that you are more on the introverted side of the spectrum, they will respect your alone time more when you just want to relax alone while at home.
Profile: YellowHouse213
YellowHouse213 on Oct 11, 2016
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Something that I find that helps is I excuse myself from the room. If I feel overwhelmed by all the attention, I just step out and calm down a bit. People just think you are using the restroom and no one really minds.
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