It isn't normal, no. However, it's more normal for anyone who has depression or anxiety issues. It's actually a common trait. I've read posts on here in the past (even before I joined and was just a 'lurker') of people who were spending literally several weeks at home… I really do feel sorry for them that their problems have got to that stage. I openly admit that I'm nowhere near as bad as that.
I enjoy being at home. It's my 'sanctuary'. After work I can simply close away most of my problems, be myself and limit the amount of insults and jokes said about me. If I'm ever alone, practically all my problems disappear and I usually enjoy my own company. A recluse lifestyle would probably suit me down to the ground but sadly I don't have the funds available to live like that. I have to force myself to work most days and face a barrage of negativity towards me just so I can earn an income

.
Back at the start of June, my parents went away for a couple of days (I still live at home with them - I've got no other option available). I didn't leave the house for three days. All I done was to open the back door for the cat when he wanted to go out. Other than that, I was completely alone. It was bliss. After 24/36 hours I honestly felt about as good as I have been for several years. I'm not saying I wouldn't get lonely eventually or feel the need to go out (I know I would, eventually), but for a few days, maybe a week or so, having a 'Monk Mode' session worked wonders for me. Precisely the actions medical professionals and regular people tell us
NOT to do are the very things that actually help me. :blank
Over the course of this year I'm actually getting out more. Not for myself as I know it doesn't work for me as it would for regular people who can expand their social circles very easily by merely turning up somewhere. I'm doing it to prove a point to several people who insist that getting out more will somehow aid me. I'm showing them exactly what I mean by being singled out when I put in effort and not being given the same chances or opportunities due to the stigmas people hold against me. Going out this year has simply increased by SA symptoms, people have noticed my temper has notably reduced in recent months, my mood is now more down than being 'normal' for me and I feel I'm borderline depressed again. This is exactly what happens to me each and every time I make a concerted and long-lasting effort to mix with people and try and make any sort of basic life progression. It simply doesn't happen for me - but materialises for everyone else. It's the bugbear of my life…
All of this is why I prefer staying in. Yet, try explaining the above to any regular person and you'll be looked at as if you've just dropped out of a dog's backside… before going on to blame you for everything, naturally…
PasstheCarbs said:
We're trained to feel bad about it. Staying home? How lame! Saving money? That's stupid and un-entertaining. When you are relaxing at home (the fruits of your labor working), you aren't being productive and are thus lazy and a loser.
:ditto
Oh yes... Very much so. This is 100% true. I feel almost criminalised for wanting to be at home and for wanting to be sensible towards my future and saving. Apparently, the only way to live is to have zero savings and to be out partying the moment you leave work in the evening. You aren't allowed to relax and you certainly aren't allowed to feel tired.
No thanks. It's not for me. It's not who I am. Sadly, people like us simply aren't accepted.
I actually discussed a similar topic on my wordpress blogsite a month ago in a blog titled 'Curse Of The Nightowls', that you might be interested in:
https://haymansafc.wordpress.com/2016/07/02/curse-of-the-nightowls/