As someone in her early 20s, a common misconception is that I always want to have constant socialization in my life. While I value human connection, this could not be farther from true.

I love meeting new people and inviting others to hang out in addition to being included in plans.

However, sometimes seeing friends is exhausting and making arrangements is even more tiresome. Sometimes my bed is the only friend I want to have, but sometimes I enjoy going out or staying in with others.

What follows are some ins and outs to hanging out with people.

Pros:

1. Feeling loved, wanted, and part of something

2. Being able to see loved ones

3. Partaking in fun activities

4. Potentially traveling to new places

5. Creating memories with friends

6. Bonding with friends

7. Forming new inside jokes with friends

8. Being able to potentially dress up or even dress down dependent on the occasion

9. Not feeling lonely or isolated

10. Already looking forward to seeing your friend(s) before even parting ways

Cons:

1. Having to travel somewhere

2. Integrating many different people’s social agendas and schedules in order to all hang out

3. Potentially seeing people you don’t feel like seeing in a large group in order to ultimately see who you actually want to see

4. Getting ready

5. Plans changing every 5 seconds

6. Waiting for your one friend who always runs an hour late at a restaurant

7. Spending money

8. Being tired and still hanging out

9. Going out even though you’re not in the mood to be social

10. Wanting time to yourself but knowing you haven’t seen X in 1,000 years so feeling obligated to go hang

11. Plans seeming fun week in advance but seeming more like a chore as the date approaches

12. Having to compromise on plans you really aren’t thrilled about

13. Not having personal time

While there are pros and cons to hanging out with friends in intimate and group settings, just as there are pluses and minuses to everything in life, being social is usually fun and rewarding when you’re in good company. However, it is essential to set boundaries and advocate for yourself if you are not wanting to hang out in a particular place. Moreover, personal time is healthy, and giving yourself a balance between “me time” and interaction with others is key.

The next time you’re asked to be social, think wisely about your plans and who you want to spend time with and what you want to do!