Friday night arrives, and your phone buzzes with invites to a party or a dinner. You look at your couch, then you look at your phone.
Suddenly, a wave of anxiety hits. You feel like you “should” go out, but you desperately want to stay in.
Stop forcing yourself. Flip the script. Replace FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) with JOMO (Joy of Missing Out).
Missing out is not a failure; it is a luxury. Here is why staying home is the ultimate form of self-care.
The Anxiety of “Being Everywhere”
Why do we feel bad about staying home?
Basically, social media convinces us that everyone else is having more fun. We see a curated highlight reel of parties and vacations. Consequently, our brain compares our quiet night to their loud night and feels inadequate.
However, this is an illusion. Most people at that party are probably tired, spending money they don’t have, and wishing they were home too.
3 Reasons JOMO Is Superior to FOMO
Your time is your most valuable resource. Stop giving it away.
1. It Saves Your “Social Battery”
Socializing is expensive energetically because it requires listening, talking, and performing.
In contrast, JOMO costs nothing. When you choose to miss out, you are choosing to recharge. You are protecting your peace so you can actually be present when you do go out.
2. It Reclaims Your Identity
FOMO makes you a follower because you go where the crowd goes.
JOMO makes you a leader. You ask, “What do I actually want to do?” Maybe it is reading, painting, or staring at the ceiling.
Therefore, missing out on the crowd means catching up with yourself.
3. It Saves Money (Obviously)
Going out is never free. Ubers, drinks, and dinners add up fast.
Staying home is free. So, every time you embrace JOMO, you are effectively paying yourself $50 to relax. That is a great deal.
Common Questions About JOMO
Will I lose my friends?
No. Real friends understand burnout. Just be honest. Say, “I need a recharge night,” not a fake excuse. They might even join you.
Is this just being antisocial?
No. Antisocial means hating people. JOMO means loving yourself enough to know when you are done with people for the day.
How do I stop scrolling while home?
If you stay home and watch other people’s stories, you still have FOMO. Put the phone away. JOMO only works if you disconnect.
Conclusion
The world will keep spinning without you for one night.
So, put on the sweatpants. Order the pizza. Enjoy the exquisite pleasure of having nowhere to be.
Tell me in the comments: What
