For context, I (female) was invited over to my friend’s house for dinner on Saturday. It was just me, my friend, and her husband.
They told me I was welcome to show up around 2pm. So I brought a case of beer and some cookies I made that morning.
We chatted in their backyard for about an hour and had dinner at 3pm. After dinner we chatted and played a card game in their backyard for another hour and a half. They had mentioned during the card game that there was a concert happening down the road. And that they would turn off the music when it started so we could hear it. Also that they had corn hole if we didn’t feel like cards anymore.
Here is where my dilemma comes in.
I have social anxiety and feel like I do not pick up on social cues easily. Because of this I am have started putting a lot of emphasis on trying to pick up on these cues.
I heard that 3 hours is approximately a good amount of time to spend. But you should also look for clues that they might want you to leave. Such as yawning, checking their watch, or leaving when others do.
Because it was just me, and no one else, I was not sure when was the appropriate time to leave. I did not feel like they were pushing me out and conversation was still flowing decently.
But then I start to feel it. The, “Am I staying to long? Should I go?” Which makes me anxious because I do not want to be a rude guest. But then it can unfortunately make it look like I want to leave.
I did have an hour drive ahead of me. Traffic can be crazy on a Saturday because I live near two major cities. I also had my two cats at home that I needed to feed. Though they would be fine if I was an hour or two late.
I couldn’t tell if they were welcoming me to stay longer. If they wanted me to listen to the concert. My friend did check her watch (though stated it was to make sure the sprinklers don’t hit us), conversation phased out a bit because they fed their dogs. I kinda took it as my cue they maybe I should head out?
I ended up deciding to leave at 5:45pm. Not getting in my car till 6pm because of idle out the door chatter.
But now I worry. Did I leave too early? Did I miss that they expected me to stay longer? Or am I just overthinking it all together and it is fine either way?