Why do I feel exhausted after spending time with new people?
Feeling drained after social interactions, especially with unfamiliar faces, is a very common experience. It often points to the mental energy expended when we're trying to make a good impression, understand new social dynamics, or perhaps even adjust our usual demeanor. This effort, while often unconscious, can be quite taxing.
Research from the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that social interactions, particularly with new acquaintances, can activate brain regions associated with effortful cognitive control.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to feel tired after meeting new people?▾
Yes, it's very normal. Meeting new people requires more active attention and interpretation of social cues than interacting with familiar friends, which can be mentally demanding and lead to fatigue.
Why does making a good impression drain me so much?▾
Striving to make a good impression often involves a degree of self-monitoring and adjusting your presentation to fit what you perceive as acceptable or desirable. This constant internal calibration uses significant mental resources, leading to exhaustion.
How can I avoid feeling so drained after social events?▾
Consider scheduling some quiet time before and after social gatherings to recharge. Also, try to be present and authentic rather than overthinking every interaction, which can reduce the mental load.
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