"FOGO" Is The New "FOMO"

As we inch closer to a post-Covid world, who's dreading big parties and small talk? Me. I call it "FOGO" or "fear of going out." Experts say that reentry from isolation brings with it a form of social anxiety felt by newly released prisoners (and Tom Hanks in Castaway). Perhaps you're intimidated by the idea of sharing close quarters at a yoga class or fear cocktail party chit-chat? Just know that you're not alone and the best way to soften this anxiety is to start slow and set boundaries. See who you want, when you want, where you want and how you want. The "social recession" made me realize that I used to overschedule myself--probably to feel wanted. Sigh. This NYT article offers a few helpful social exercises for getting back in the game.

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