Going to see a 3-hour Classic Shakespeare Drama tonight

[IHadADog]

... when I'd rather stay home and do nothing. But I promised and I know, somehow, this is good for me. We're seeing King Lear, one of the more depressing plays (or so I'm told; I know the basic plot outline and that Lear goes crazy at the end). My spouse bought the tickets and I agreed a while ago. I could stay home, but I don't want to be alone. So I'll go. And maybe it'll be great.

It's almost humorous. If someone told you they were suffering from depression, would you first thought be, "Go see this play about a family where everyone betrays each other and dies." Spoiler alert: guess I should have put the spoiler alert first.

Anyway, I agree to these things, in part, because I'm asked months in advance and I think, "Surely, I'll feel better by then." Then I don't, but I can't keep saying no.

Anybody want to give me another spin on this? BTW, I'm not seeing the NY production with Glenda Jackson as Lear - I'm sure THAT would be fascinating if for nothing else than Lear is played by an outstanding ACTRESS.

[JAYnLA]

I have the same quandary in my life! I have a cabaret performance tonight that I said yes to a few weeks ago. I think it's really important to say yes to outings whenever we can - I said no so much that I started to feel very alone. Being with people and being out is usually a good thing for me. Sometimes it gets uncomfortable but sometimes it doesn't. Just wanted to let you know that I have the same issue, often!

[IHadADog in reply to JAYnLA]

Thanks for sharing that, JAYnLA. Sometimes the things that freak me out seem like they would be hard to explain to a "normal person." Like, you're going to a fun, interesting thing. Why isn't that just great news? That's why I like venting here, where it feels like no one judges because we've all experienced something like it. Yes, it's important not to say no to everything and also not be alone all the time, so I think it's ultimately good. But it's still a struggle. Thanks for understanding.