Why can't I just stay inside all day?

[Anonymous]

What's so great about outside? Everyone keeps telling me about this awesome social life I should have and how I am a hermit but nobody ever tells me what's so amazing about going outside. Granted I need a job desperately and have been trying to get one but even when I have one I'll just be going back and fourth between that and my house.

I used to go outside for exercise but I never talked to anyone, I've never been good at talking to people, I've never really had any friends not on the computer, I've pretty much stayed in my house since I was in 6th grade; I'm now a graduate. What is so amazing about outside?

[Ianthe]

It sounds to me like you might be agoraphobic. Have you ever had counselling for that?

Everything is outside. The world is outside, people are outside, life is outside.

What's so great about inside, that you think it's a good idea to never leave it?

Why did your parents let you stay in your house since the 6th grade?

[Anonymous]

I don't tell my therapist about it, I don't really have a problem with staying inside. I don't know what's outside, I mean I've attempted to go out but I'm really awkward around people I don't know very well.

I like being inside because I'm used to it I guess? I have my computer and that's all I've really needed. And my parents let me stay inside because kids from school and from the cul dre sac I used to live at would attack me and such. I ended up not going outside anymore after that, idk. I played Runescape and stuff lol, course then moved on to WoW and Starcraft, and all that fun stuff.

What is there to do outside that I'm missing out on?

[Dolphinkid]

Life, air, atmoshpere. Outside is where everything originated. Its where we once lived. Its nature, it air, its sunlight, its sports, its cozy grass and a tree to lean back on while reading. Out side is the space to march on for bands. Out side is energy, its everything, for everyone. Most importantly, outside is REAL.

Inside, is a place to rest and or relax after a day of being out side. Or a break on the weekend to unwind after a week of being out living life!

[Ianthe]

What's outside? People, most importantly. The internet isn't the same as interacting with people in real life. But also sunshine, fresh air, art museums, cathedrals, oceans, mountains... you know, the world. It's just not the same through the computer screen.

What to do? Bike riding, kayaking, hiking. Concerts in the park, watching fireworks, traveling to other countries. A million things, more than I could ever fit into one forum post.

I think it was a mistake not to get you involved in things outside of the house. Social development is important, and you are probably a little behind, which is why you are so awkward around people. The only solution for it is to interact with people more.

Maybe you could find a social activity that you would enjoy, that would bring you into interaction with people regularly. What sorts of things are you interested in?

And, no, you don't have a problem staying inside. You are afraid to go outside, and that is something you should really talk to your therapist about.

[Anonymous]

I don't know, I'm good with computers and like playing games but outside of that I don't really know. There's not much I can do anyway. I'm like in early transition and doubt I pass well enough as a girl to be around other people. If I talk I out myself, I wish I had learned sign language.

I use Skype and online forums, I meet more people on the computer than I ever would outside.

What's the point of going outside for the sake of being outside? I'm coming off as rude and I really really don't mean to be because I'm not asking it like that but I don't understand why I'd want to be outside. I can go to the store or something without too much problem and it's a lot easier because there are self-check outs and all but other than the important things that I need to live on I don't know what the point is.

I'm sorry

[Ben]

I think you answered your own question when you said that you desperately need a job. If you head out to the job center, this could be the beginnings of easing out of your cocoon. You don't have to be an outdoorsy kind of person, but there's a level of interacting with the wider world that most people need to lead a healthy and sustainable work and social life.

[Cascade]

Think of heading outside for the first time as the beginning of a new game, like WoW. When you first start playing a game you have never played before, you have no idea what is around the next corner or how to do anything. You quickly adapt once you gain experience doing things in the game, which helps the entire video game world unfold before you. You learn new skills and earn reputation with people in order to advance.

It's the same thing as real life. Life is basically the most realistic MMORPG of all time, only you help create it! And talking to people is fairly essential in all games in order to advance the plot and gain experience. When you talk to people, it's hard at first but you get the hang of it easily enough. Luckily, escort quests are only essential if you have small children.