Tired of living

You will not believe this but I am actually considering another cruise - this time alone. I will sail on the Regent Explorer. It is only a 7 day cruise to Alaska. I have done this cruise several times with my husband, but this would be a bit different. I have cousins living in Vancouver and they have invited me for a visit. I would not stay for more than 3 days, because you know what they say about fish and guests. If it happens it would be summer of 2024. So we will see. A lot can happen until then.

The cruise was fine. At first we were flabbergasted by the smallness of the cabin. We found out that all the cabins are only big enough to hold a queen size bed. We asked for twin beds. Two wins are too big to fit in, so we had narrow beds - almost teen size. In addition there was a shortage of storage space. But we decided that here we were and we were going to make it work. In addition, my friend had specifically requested a veranda. Their version of a veranda was a heavy door leading onto the deck, with three chairs placed in front of our window. No privacy at all since everyone could use the deck. Having said that, we found the crew wonderful and everyone we came into contact with delightful. The entertainment was a trio consisting of a piano player (who also sang), a bass player and a drummer. We to know them on a more personal level and they were just great guys. They even played Take Five by Dave Brubeck for me. It was not something in their repertoire, but they played it. I was thrilled. The weather was great. We saw a lot of interesting things but the best was Niagara Falls. Only one word can describe the majesty of them - awesome. When we reached our final destination - Toronto - my cousin was there waiting for us and drove us to the airport. She is such wonderful person. So all in all, with a few glitches - it went fine. Thanks for asking.

You will not believe this but I am actually considering another cruise - this time alone. I will sail on the Regent Explorer. It is only a 7 day cruise to Alaska. I have done this cruise several times with my husband, but this would be a bit different. I have cousins living in Vancouver and they have invited me for a visit. I would not stay for more than 3 days, because you know what they say about fish and guests. If it happens it would be summer of 2024. So we will see. A lot can happen until then.

I appreciate your suggestions. However I do live in a 55+ community and there are many clubs right here. I just don't have the interest right now to join anything. I have a problem with going out on my own in a social setting. This dates back to childhood. I am trying to work through this with my therapist. But thanks, anyway.

Marilyn - May I suggest what my daughter did after long Covid and PTSD from her ER days during Covid?
We call it "baby steps." In one of her volunteer groups, first she attended a few meetings via Zoom, then she attended one small group meeting of people there she already knew. She tried the "general assembly last month, but had to leave after just 5 minutes. This weekend, she was able to come to a presentation with 4 others and participate from the fringes - but it wore her out & she needed to go home to her furry pets after. This month she & I will go together, and I will be her emotional support person it will be outdoors, where she does better.

When my Mom's lifelong friend, with great social anxiety, moved to her senior living place, it took weeks... First we got her to come to lunch when her son & I would be there, and just the 4 of us could share a table. Then I coaxed her to come with me and join my Mom and one lady she knew slightly. Finally, she was able to join a table of 4 (including my Mom) on her good days. We also got her to come to movies and entertainment - where she could sit in back & leave if she felt too anxious.

Baby steps - are there any gatherings where you can just show up on the periphery and not necessarily need to interact?
Sue