Let's say you want to go to see one movie, but all your friends want to see a different one. Or maybe you don't feel like seeing a movie at all, but your friends are going.

Or there's a party on Friday, but you don't feel like going out. Or maybe you just want to stay home and read a book.

There are countless other situations where you might want to do one thing, but social obligations, situations or friends are pulling you to do something else.

You're simply being forced to choose between two things you want, because you can't do both. That happens even when you're alone -- or at least, I haven't figured out the correct method of writing in my (paper) journal and taking a shower at the same time. Or taking bong hits while swimming. Or napping while playing video games. Or....

This doesn't sound like you're being prevented from doing what you want, when you want -- you just can't do two things you want at the same time. But this isn't unique to socializing.

(It also sounds like failing to take responsibility for your choices so you don't have to deal with being forced to choose between them and can blame Them for forcing the decision.)

"Tonight's an at-home night for me. You guys have fun."

Going to weddings for people I don’t know and office parties where I don’t work come to mind.

I also feel like a fish out of water at parties, and very rarely enjoy them. Usually they're just depressing and leave me wondering why I'm spending time with these people.

People you are excited to share with, see and spend time with.

Good groups of people are hard to find, but make a big difference.