Whilst I would like to think of myself as a reasonably sociable meerkat, my ideal nights are the ones where I do not have to go anywhere or do anything (indeed, in most circumstances, these are my ideal days as well). I don’t mind going to the pub with my friends, on the odd occasion, or heading out to the cinema with the wife and daughter, but for the most part, as I get older, I prefer a quiet night in. I am content to sit on the sofa and write my stories whilst watching TV, and conversing with my wife and daughter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I guess this means I cannot be regarded as an exciting person, but I am quite happy with that. I am – or at least I’m trying to be – a chilled meerkat. I am trying not to let stress get to me. I can stress myself out about a lot of stuff, including things I cannot influence, which is clearly pointless. Sometimes, the act of going out can feel a bit daunting too. It challenges my conventions, my routine for the evening. A trip to the pub with mates is weighed up against whatever the needs might be of the following day. If I need to be up early, I am conscious of all the things I will have to do, and this plays on my mind, even on what’s supposed to be an enjoyable night out. I find it a lot easier to unwind within my own four walls. I know the plan, so to speak. There are no variables to confound me. I know I can truly relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n