Pink of Perfection

Comments

• Bethany: What I wouldn’t give to be able to be a homebody. Being a student, I still have to go outside in 20 degree weather, and drag myself to the library and classes. I wake up in the dark and go to sleep in the dark. Really I wish I could stay at home and take naps and read.30 weeks ago

• Suzy: Nope!30 weeks ago
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  Bethany, What being in school lacks in homebodiness, it makes up for in coziness. Sitting in class wearing wool sweaters, reading in front of a window at the library, eating in the dining hall with a gaggle of friends. Frankly, what I wouldn’t give to be back there for a day.

  Suzy, Well, now that’s settled! 30 weeks ago

• sunny: Greetings from a fellow homebody. So glad you wrote about this! I’m the happiest (and my facebook updates reflect this!) is when I realize during the day that I have no plans and get to spend an evening at home. It’s pure luxury for me. Even more luxurious and something I’m completely looking forward to is a weekend with one event planned and one friend visiting for dinner. I do get those twinges of “should I be out and about and being all social and cultural and stuff???” then the feeling fades.30 weeks ago

• jen: ahhhh, that’s the life. very occasionally i get to be a homebody on a weekday and it feels fantastic. usually my homebodiness is saved for weekends and while it’s still awesome, it somehow lacks that same coziness as a weekday. i wonder why that is?30 weeks ago

• Maria: A million times yes to this post!

  I really think you nailed it with this line: “Part of being a healthy adult is knowing what you love, what will fill you up and set you right again, and then giving it to yourself …” Sometimes I feel guilt from not wanting plans, for silently sighing in relief at a night alone, curled up with tea in mug and book in lap, cotton robe tied tight.

  I’ve always explained my love of just heading home through introversion - and not being a homebody - but I suppose that much is true.

  Just a few short hours until I am snug and at home for the entire weekend… no plans, no commitments, no leaving the cozy apartment until Monday morning, if I so desire.30 weeks ago

• Jackie: Ohhhh what a lovely post.
  Reminds me that I need to make more time for this.
  THANK you.30 weeks ago

• Julie: Yes!!! Yes, yes. I love spending lots of time at home, and it is so fun to read your thoughts on the subject.

  I get a crazy amount of satisfaction from saying “no!” to something I don’t want to do (that probably involves leaving the house on a weeknight or spending money on something I could care less about).

  Totally support you on this one.30 weeks ago

• Rebecca: I recently moved into my own apartment for the first time, and I’ve come to love being a homebody!! There really s something special about being yourself, in your own place. And I love those classic photos you used in the post!30 weeks ago

• Lisa (dinner party): I was thinking about this very thing the other day–the fact that I live in one of the most exciting, interesting cities in the world and yet I just really want to be at home most days (especially in the winter) On one hand it makes me feel guilty and lame for not making the most of New York, and on the other, it makes me think that maybe I could be happy living anywhere.30 weeks ago

• Erika: This post came at the perfect time for me - I’ve been going through the exact same thoughts over the past few days here in freezing Chicago! Thanks for the reassurance that my homebody ways are 1. shared by others, and 2. OK!30 weeks ago

• Emily: The answer to your question (”And is there anything wrong with that?”) is no. No, there is not a thing wrong with it. I’m a NYer as well, and I love the city but boooy do I appreciate my couch as well. The winter especially encourages staying in.

  I’ve always been an odd mix of introverted and extroverted, so I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one!30 weeks ago

• Sasa: Amen sister.30 weeks ago

• Karen: Sarah, you always seem to know what I am thinking. When I was doing errands today (in the freezing cold), I was looking forward to getting home and putting on my slippers. This time of year lends itself to hibernating.30 weeks ago

• Amy C: Wow, I am so happy to see I am in the company of other homebodies and introverts! I’ve been burrowed down recently, reading and putzing around the kitchen. My husband is a total homebody too, and so nothing makes us happier than snuggling and catching up on Top Chef, or planning furniture for our new house together. Every once in a while we drag ourselves out, and then end up pining the whole time for our soft couch and warm puppy.30 weeks ago

• Adrienne: This post is so relatable. I was one of those over-scheduled-way-too-busy people in high school and college, and every once in a whle I would just shut DOWN and need to stay home by myself. My mom calls it “cave time,” as in “I must retire to my cave away from everyone and regroup with this book and cup of tea.”

  I have since recognized that I need more cave time than I allowed myself during those years, and now I do my best to balance my time. My fiance is more of a social butterfly than I am, and we actually had discussions when we moved in together about how it was ok for him to go out without me (and vice versa of course) because I need to be alone more than he does. Healthy adults, indeed!30 weeks ago

• anne: Wow. I feel exactly the same way. Good to know I’m not the only one. I simply love a cozy evening or weekend at home. I can definitely relate to your afternoon relief scenario too.30 weeks ago
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  I had a feeling POP readers would be homebodies, too. Looks like I was right!

  jen, i think it’s that naughty “i’m playing hooky” feeling that makes weekday bound homebodiness so great. It feels so illicit!

  Maria, It’s interesting — I wonder how much introversion does play a part in this. When it comes to Meyers-Briggs I am right on the extrovert/introvert edge. I guess I never thought of being a homebody as being antisocial, but maybe it kind of is…

  Julie, Yes! That feeling of getting out of spending money on socializing (or something) that you know you won’t love is so satisfying! I feel you.

  Rebecca, Aren’t those pics the best. I especially like the top one. I kind of regret never having had an apartment all to myself. That’s why when I do get the place to myself I like to girl it up, big time.

  Lisa, Exactly. I almost had a paragraph in this post about feeling like I could move to a farmhouse with internet access and feel okay about it. It’s a liberating feeling, isn’t it?

  Emily, We NY homebodies sometimes just need a reminder that it’s okay to stay couchbound. And as Lisa said, it’s nice to feel like you don’t need the hustle and bustle of the city to be happy.

  Karen, Here’s the slippers, silk bathrobes, and hibernating!

  Amy C, Planning furniture for a new house?!? That’s a new fave activity to add to my homebody time! Not that I have a new house in my future anytime soon, but a girl can dream…

  Adrienne, I think I might start calling it cave time, too. I love that. It’s especially fitting seeing as how I am called a hobbit in some circles.

  Anne, You’ve found your people!30 weeks ago

• Cadi: Oh Sarah, there’s no place like home, especially in the wintertime. And just as much as I love to be cooking away (wine in hand) for myself and my love with a roaring fire going, I also like extending the heat of the hearth and having just a friend or two over in their cozy pants to enjoy the food smells and wine and warmth. But only sometimes. Selfish homebodiness prevails a lot.

  Thank you for this post - with the impending rain coming tonight I can’t wait to get home and into this mode, and this reminded me of how close I am to getting there. 30 weeks ago

• Karen: I don’t think I could have said this more perfectly myself! I always feel like my life sounds so “boring” because my routine is to go home after work, cook a nice meal, talk with the hubby, and settle in to watch a movie or some TV, curl up with a thick magazine, or enjoy a cup of delicious coffee or wine. But, I can’t think of anything finer! Glad to know I’m not alone 30 weeks ago

• Ann: I love this post. This is exactly how I feel all the time, but I have a little voice in my head that says “Hey you! You’re in your twenties! You should be living it up, going out and enjoying your youth!”30 weeks ago
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  Cadi, You are so right — a homebody hostess is a good hostess (sometimes)! Especially if your friends are of the same mindset.

  Karen, Well, if your life is boring, I guess all of ours are too. I guess it’s good to mix it up and throw in some going out adventures — if only because they make us appreciate the staying in moments even more!

  Ann, I too am wasting my youth on bottles of wine at home and reading in the bathtub! But when I think of being surrounded by wailing babies someday, I can’t think of a better way to waste it. Oh wait: yes I can — staying in bed ALL DAY.30 weeks ago

• Ginger: I’ve been thinking a lot about this issue lately. I often feel “guilty” that I’m not doing more - wondering, like you, if I’m not really living.
  But then I decided that people who go out fliting about the city, having dinner out here or there, etc. etc. are doing those things because it makes them happy.
  Just like sitting at home with a Netflix or a book makes me happy.
  I’ve concluded that this is such a small time in my life. Before this stage, I’ve been a student busy and running to classes and work at various hours, and then a single, dating and hanging out. Next, I expect I’ll have children and schlep them (oh so happily) to ballet and little league. So, for these few years, I have my built in best friend here in my house in my husband, I have a life to learn and build by trying the new recipes and all the beautiful gifts I’ve recieved. I have my newlywed status as an excuse.
  May no one feel guilty for keeping it close to home. Reread Little Women or Pride and Prejudice, or watch a rerun from the 50’s, Leave it to Beaver… 50 or 100 years ago, this was the normal. This was how people spent their time. Nestled in their warm homes, listening to the radio or reading to one another. I don’t think those folks were particularly unhappy, and certainly expect they were mentally healthier. So I’m happy.
  Happy to be a homebody.30 weeks ago

• Andrea: Thank you for this. Knowing there are others with the same mentality makes me feel less guilty and weird about being a homebody.30 weeks ago

• Julia: i looove being a homebody. don’t get me wrong, i love the occasional night out, but i love staying in in comfy clothes, with a mug of tea, a great book, and billie holiday on the turntable (i think i have a piece of 80 year old soul)30 weeks ago

• Katherine: First time commenter…but this post totally hit home (no pun intended.) I love being at home. My husband and I always make grand plans for the weekend, but then Saturday and Sunday roll around and we always end up doing the same delightful activities…making food, reading, sewing for me, video games for him. I sometimes wondered if I should feel guilty about this, but I have learned to embrace it. Our weeks are busy, so we like to do absolutely nothing on the weekends. This post totally speaks to what I hold dear.

  I really like your blog. Hello!30 weeks ago

• J: This is a beautiful reflection (in words and pictures) on what it means to be a homebody!

  I’m an introvert, I work from home, and I have a touch of SAD. Sometimes I feel trapped at home, yet I’m not a big fan of going out on the town. I prefer to interact with the world in small doses and in quiet ways.

  This post is the most beautiful thing I’ve read in days, weeks… I will be reflecting this weekend (while snowed in) on what it means to be a homebody and how I can embrace it and make it beautiful and rewarding, as you seem to have done.

  thank you show much for sharing!30 weeks ago

• Michelle: As a NY native, I find it hard to be a homebody in a state–I’m in CA now–where the sun almost always shines and people’s lives revolve around outdoor activities. I grew up hibernating for months at a time when the temperatures were too cold and cruel to venture outside. The upside to being stuck inside was that I had to find ways to entertain myself and occupy all that time. I became a big reader and writer and I developed a love for baking, making my space beautiful and comfortable and having long conversations over pots of tea. Those simple pleasures still bring me the most happiness, and are every bit as legitimate as any outdoor activity. Being an ‘indoorsy’ person should be just as acceptable as being an ‘outdoorsy’ person. I love a fun night out, and enjoy being an active member of my community, but there’s no place like home, right?30 weeks ago

• Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas: Cozy post! Thanks for making homebody-inclined nature sound so glamourous : ). That is what my weekends are all about, since the work week calls for being out and about all around town.30 weeks ago

• Evon T.: No way is there anything wrong with being a homebody. I LOVE it! Before I had a “real grown-up” job, I used to criticize anyone that didn’t want to head out on the weekend and make an adventure out of it. But once I obtained a career, I find that sitting at home sloughing on Bio-Oil, looking though craft magazines or home dec mags, drinking green tea, watching “Ask This Old House” or “Golden Girls” and anything else interesting on cable is an absolute delight, no matter the time of day. I love going out at times because it amplifies my life signal, gives it that jolt of electricity when I need it, but being fulfilled at home makes me feel blessed… blessed that I’m happy whether I’m around others or by myself, cozying up with my beau or sitting pretty before dozing off to sleep. Ahhhh, makes me miss my own four walls right now just thinking about it. I write this from work and look forward to a cozy Saturday at home and watching Haunted History later as the cherry ontop of my day. XOXO ladies.30 weeks ago

• Nikki: I also look forward to a whole weekend at home or a night in. Like you mentioned I get a guilty feeling when I’m not out doing, exploring, especially since I am currently living in Europe. I do get out and I have explored but those weekends in are something for me to relish.30 weeks ago

• Christine S.: Sometimes my pre-teen and teenage children say to me, “You really need to get a life, Mom!” However, my smiling retort back is that I have one - the luxury of having the ability to stay home and not need to be part of the social fray when I don’t want to be, read to my heart’s content, indulge in movies, and foray in the kitchen. I remind them that it is normal for them to want to go, go, go; but, for Mama, settling in and snuggling down is perfectly fine and the way it should be.

  Not to say I don’t like getting out once in awhile doing activities I enjoy (again, a luxury one possesses when having semi-independently aged children). However, when it is bone-chillingly cold, there is no way I’m going to do that. I walk across a frozen tundra of a parking lot in the morning and at the end of the day in my rural, mountainous PA community where I teach. When I get in my car at the end of that chilling walk, all I can think about when I get home is a cup of hot cocoa or tea and a warm blanket.

  I’m making winter seem like my excuse, though, to be a homebody. Even my warm winters in Texas lent themselves to being homebodyesque - a friend of mine who lived across the street from me and I spent most winter Saturdays (outside of Houston, mind you) in our PJs having muffins at one or the other’s home for breakfast. Cozy and homebody even then…in a city that screams to its citizens to be out and and about and enjoying life!

  I like being a homebody!30 weeks ago

• ReGina: My idea of a perfect weekend is when I come home from work Friday afternoon and I don’t leave the house again until Monday morning. I work in customer service at my job. I am on the phone all day registering people for classes and taking care of people coming in the door. When I get home, I don’t want to talk on the phone, I don’t want to have to be Miss Congeniality. I want to sit in my chair, crochet and watch my soap operas that I’ve recorded and read a book. Ahhhh……and to put the icing on the cake, it snowed last night! A big snow…8 inches, which is a lot for Asheville, NC. lol It looks like a winter wonderland outside. Most snow we’ve had in years! Ya’ll are awesome on this site. I raise my mug of hot cocoa to you!30 weeks ago

• Jessica: Fabulous post - I love to spend time at home! Re:going out into the cold, I ask myself, “will I regret not having stayed home to read if I go to such and such event?” and if the answer is “yes” or “maybe,” home wins.30 weeks ago

• Rebecca: And then the perfect topper for all of this, on an extra cold night, is a hot soak in the tub right before hitting the chilly sheets with your man. Ahhh.30 weeks ago

• caitlin: i love this post! honestly, get out of my head. i am always plagued by such guilt for staying home when i ’should’ be going out. i enjoy lounging in my pjs, catching up on all of my blogs, and even just writing down my grocery lists. i’m 24 going on 52.

  the worst was when i was studying abroad in paris. i would go out frequently with my friends during the week, but i would always take a saturday or a sunday for myself to lounge about. i also LOVE to sleep, so i would roll out of bed around 12:30 pm and my host family would be incredibly judgmental, having just come from a lovely little walk in the luxembourg gardens. i would want to say ‘but i was there on tuesday! today you cannot make me leave my pajamas.’ thanks for making me feel justified in my indulgence.30 weeks ago

• Kelly: Oh my gosh, yes! I’m in my yoga pants and “Up North Michigan” sweatshirt right now, so comfy after a home breakfast of bacon, coffee and French toast with my boyfriend. I’m looking forward to a day of reading Alice Munro and watching “Planet Earth.” I do sometimes feel an odd sort of guilt for loving being at home so much, but I like what you said, Sarah, about knowing what you love being a part of an adult identity.

  I can’t tell you how much I love your posts. They make me nod and smile!30 weeks ago

• Tee: Ah, I’m so glad I came across this post! I write this from the comfort of my bed, snuggled up in a fuzzy blue robe and thick pink pajamas, and wrapped in a homemade knit shawl with a cup of steaming hot vanilla coffee by my side.

  This is, without a doubt, the life - and it’s what makes me happiest. Like another poster commented, one day I’ll be the “out and about” woman who takes her kids to school and lessons, and I will do so with complete joy. But right now, I enjoy this lifestyle. That’s not to say I don’t love a nice lunch with my girlfriends, shopping at a new boutique, taking classes now and then to expand my skill set, etc. - but ultimately I’m simply most comfortable at home.

  I also WORK from home, which could be telling! Thanks for this fantastic post. I’m so happy I came across your lovely blog on this snowy Saturday afternoon 30 weeks ago

• Beverly: My personal pendulum swings wildly from social butterfly to firmly ensconced homebody. And to share a little secret… it’s the latter that makes my soul blissfully happy.30 weeks ago

• Andie: I’ve become a homebody lately and it actually starting to frighten me a little. I’m twenty three and up until this point I was always up for an adventure and loved having random friends show up at my doors begging me to come out and play. Now, I get home, turn up my music and dance around the kitchen, cook, have a little wine, and then settle in with some Thursday Next or my Grandmother’s Agatha Christies. I almost feel like I’m enjoying myself at the exspense of my friendships-but I just want to stay at home-you know?30 weeks ago

• deanne: This is so full of awesome. I always get excited at a weekend when I don’t have to work and I don’t even have to TALK to someone from Friday at 6 pm until Monday at 9 am if I don’t want/need to. And finally, at 36 years old, I’m OK with that. Thanks for the great post!30 weeks ago

• Monna: Sarah, I love, love, LOVE this post. You’ve helped a whole lot of readers “come out” as (blissfully happy) homebodies. I can’t imagine what could be cooler than to have what (and who) you want at home… and to love spending time there. Hurray for you and this post!30 weeks ago

• lindsey clare: well hooray for fellow homebodies! i am definitely one myself, being so enamoured with my home and my bed and my little creature comforts. i love dinners at home, watching movies in bed, wrapping myself up in books, having cups of tea whilst browsing online.
  the downside though, as you mentioned, is sometimes wondering if i’m missing out on doing/being more. and then sometimes i just get bored and uninspired if i sit at home too long. it’s something of a struggle for me to balance my curiosity and fervor for learning and seeing and doing, with my natural inclination to be at home, cosy and comfortable.30 weeks ago
• 

  May I just say how absolutely wonderful reading all these comments has been? I feel like I’m at a party where a room full of people suddenly all agree passionately on one topic — it’s so cool to hear from everyone about their homebody ways. And you all have said it so many colorful, cozy ways. How is it that the greatest people read this site? I can’t get over it. Such a treat.30 weeks ago

• Kate6774: Sarah, just when I thought I couldn’t enjoy this blog any more, I read this post…right after postponing plans to avoid going back out into the 10-degree night! (Thankfully my friend was understanding…I didn’t actually have to say, “I love you, but I don’t think I can struggle back into my boots & parka one more time today.”) I’m definitely a homebody at this time of year and I love the way you make it seem so cozy and delicious!

  BTW, in the future I would like to lounge as glamorously as the woman in the photo at the top of the post…I wonder what exactly that garment is that she’s wearing, besides awesome!30 weeks ago

• Avril: Oh i feel the same way! And not cos of the weather. My city is too crowded (19million & counting :P), noisy, too much traffic etc etc And as I much as I love being a Mumbai girl, negotiating all of these things makes me wanna just stay indoors & enjoy the rustling of the bamboo in our tiny garden, or the birds chirping outside my kitchen window, cooking dinner for Ja, watching our fairy lights that make our little home seem so magical! I want all of this any day! I am a homebody! 30 weeks ago

• Fran: Sara - you did it again! You put my thoughts and feelings into words. My husband and I are definite homebodies. What got me through my freezing 10 mile run yesterday morning was knowing when I got home it would be a hot shower, comfy clothes, and my couch for the rest of the day.30 weeks ago

• Kristine: I love this post!(and your lovely blog) I am a hardcore introvert and homebody and love every minute of it. I practically do back flips if plans get canceled. I love curling up with my sweetie, a good movie and a blanket, to be followed by a bubble bath and a Bailey’s. Now that’s a party!30 weeks ago

• Jen: I think my calling in life IS to be a homebody! I’ve been “in transition” this past 7 months, figuring out the age-old question of “what do I want to be when I grow up” (still!) and strangely, nothing is more rejuvenating or inspiring that having that alone time at home. I am one step closer to finding the answer and frankly, I believe it’s my homebody habit that brought me to that! Hurrah to all the homebodies! We should be proud.

  P.S I and so glad to have found your site via D.Lebovitz’s FB post today! I’m already a fan……30 weeks ago

• Meenoo: First time commenter here. I LOVE being a homebody. I have worked hard to fill my home and life with things and experiences that I love. And with the internet, it’s even easier to do this. Homebodies Unite!30 weeks ago