Social Outings and Social Batteries

 Networking is a necessary part of being an author, especially when promoting a book like Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines. But if you’re anything like me—someone who enjoys meeting new people but also finds socializing exhausting—you understand the struggle of balancing these events with your own energy levels.

Recently, I attended an LGBTQ+ networking event by Plexus to promote Shades of Purple. I went alone, knowing no one, which meant I had to be “on” the entire time—introducing myself, explaining my book, making connections, and keeping the energy high. And don’t get me wrong, the event was fantastic. The drinks and food were great, and I met some truly incredible people. It was the kind of gathering where you leave feeling full in one way—grateful for the connections and conversations—but also completely drained in another.

The next day, I felt the effects. My social battery had been completely depleted, and I was left with a cranky, almost hungover feeling, even though I hadn’t overindulged the night before. It was the kind of exhaustion that made me want to curl up in bed and not talk to anyone for 24 hours.

This got me thinking about how we, as humans, especially introverts or those with social anxiety, balance these moments. Social outings require energy, and when you’re navigating a space where you don’t have a built-in support system (like a close friend or a familiar face), it takes even more effort. The next day’s emotional crash is real, and I know I’m not the only one who experiences this.

So, how do we balance it? I’ve started recognizing the importance of recovery time. After big events, I need time to be alone, recharge, and reset. And that’s okay. Not every moment has to be filled with conversation and networking. The quiet moments afterward are just as important.

Have you ever experienced a social battery drain like this? How do you recharge? Let’s talk about it. Leave a comment below!