We have all have those days where all we want is to lay in bed and binge watch Netflix in our pjs, and avoid the outside world. Sometimes, we even look forward to those days when we’ve had a long week full of tests, papers, and piles of homework. I know that the days where I can spend hours just lounging around my dorm or my home, not giving a care in the world are some of the days I cherish the most because it’s finally a day all about me.
I can picture it now. I’m lying in bed, just about to click on the next episode of Gossip Girl when a text pops up on my computer screen asking if I’m free to hang out. Whenever this happens to me, all that runs through my head is “ugh do I have to get up out of bed and interact with society?” Usually, I say yes and start getting ready to face the world because I feel bad that this person reached out to me and wants to see me. Or I ask my other friends if they’re are going, and realize I don’t want to have FOMO (fear of missing out). I usually end up having a great time with that person or group of people but I still wish that I would have gotten my day just to lay around and do nothing. I know that a lot of people say yes to hanging out with someone because they feel the same way I do but I’m here to tell you that sometimes saying no to plans IS ok.
Your friends will understand if you do not want to hang out with them and instead lay in your bed all day watching Gossip girl. Trust me, we all have those moments. No true friends are going to disown you because you chose to sit out one day in favor of a day alone. Having a day all to yourself, in the long run, could be good for your mental health. I know that after a long week, I am not that much fun to be around if I have not had enough time to rest and just destress. Taking time to just do you and treat yourself is always needed. I know that after a day of relaxing and spending time alone, I am refreshed and more enjoyable to be around.
If you’re worried that saying no to getting lunch with your best friends will lead to FOMO, don’t worry too much about that. Yeah, I’m sure that they are going to have a great time at lunch but that always happens with your friends, so there’s no need to worry about it. If you’re scared that suddenly whatever inside jokes were created at that lunch are all your friends will talk about, you’re wrong. They will tell you about everything you missed because they are your best friends and they want you in the loop.
So, the next time you’re curled up in bed ready to watch the whole third season of Gossip Girl in one sitting and that text pops up on your phone, just remember: it’s ok to say no and go right back to watching your show.
P.S. Also another reason it’s ok to say no: when your friends find out how much fun you had staying home instead of going out, they might be jealous of you.