I (16m) have spent a lot of time in my room since a child, I feel like I just like being alone because it takes me away from the problems of social interaction as a whole. I have been trying to stop being in my room as much because my mom has been open about being very sad because she feels like I am not being as loving as I should be or just a “normal” son, ex; someone who curses with their parents or just has random conversations. I try to be this way but I feel like the way I was raised just wont let me. Maybe growing up without a father made me this way, I can see how that would be true in some aspects, I mean I’m pretty nervous about asking a girl out or starting a conversation with a random girl (conversing im fine with it just feels really awkward to talk out of the blue). Honestly I know I should be more interactive and im probably the ahole in this situation, but I just really dont know how to. Lately I have been interacting more and trying to be more loving, but also im in my room a-lot because either im sleeping because im drained from wrestling or im doing homework. Obviously I do play video games but I usually try to limit it and take a break to go downstairs and try to interact. Im sorry if this was long or confusing, I tried to word it as best as I could but this is my first post on reddit so idrk how to.
not the ahole. some people just need more alone time. if you’re trying, that’s what matters. don’t force yourself into something that doesn’t feel right.
Most 16 year olds live in their rooms and limit socialising to their mates
My daughter is 16, we socialise at mealtimes, in school holidays when not being in a building with 1500 of her peers isn’t draining her social battery so much; we might play games, watch a movie together or go for a walk.
Some days I feel like I chat more in messages than in person. Interacting with my daughter is important to me so I try to do it on her terms, we’ve actually had some great snap chats 😂
I think youre doing fine – youre stepping out of your room and it’s clearly important to you to have time with your family. If you’re a games family get a set of uno cards (uno extreme is our current favourite) it’s a quick fun family game and can help with short bursts of socialising
NTA – You’re not doing anything that I wouldn’t consider “normal” for a teenager. I think it’s great that you have been trying to spend more time out of your room, but you should definitely not feel like you have to. Some people find social interactions difficult and exhausting, it’s just who they are.
Your mom could always come and speak to you. Communication is a 2 way street after all.