starkid wrote:
The solution depends on what part of socializing sucks your energy. Is it talking? Listening? Leaving the house? Traveling to the meet up location?
Once you answer that question, choose a social activity that doesn't involve a lot of the tiring elements. For example, if talking makes you tired, you could join a film group or take a class that does not require much discussion.
I like this answer! Thoughtful. Taking classes is a great thing if you're into fitness, you can probably find tons of things in your area from yoga to martial arts to dance to kickboxing to tumbling, etc etc
In a related way, once you figure out the thing that is exhausting, you can then work on finding ways to communicate that to your friends or potential friends. You need to be around people who can mesh well with your needs.
My friends know that I don't like "going out" for things like shopping, partying, clubbing, eating out, etc. So I hang around people who like to chill at home. Sometimes we play card games, sometimes watch tv, sometimes chat or do nothing. I have friends that invite me over when its time to clean or reorganize because they know I'm more relaxed socializing over a task like that. My friends also know that a lot of talking can be really draining for me, so they know not to get offended or feel awkward in silence.
It wasn't fast and easy to find these friends, and I don't see them very often now, but it's great to know that I'm not doomed to be completely isolated just because I don't enjoy the "normal" socializing activities.