I still feel guilty when I want less from people

Dear Delyara, Less conversation. Less noise. Less social obligation. Less checking in. Less emotional responsibility. Less need to respond correctly. There are days when that is all I want, and guilt arrives immediately, as if wanting less contact makes me cold instead of tired. I start defending myself before anyone has even accused me of anything. That’s what I’m tired of. Not only the need itself. The shame attached to needing it. I think exhaustion becomes much harsher when you are not allowed to name what would actually ease it.