An evening with friends and food

I have often failed to consider the social aspect of health when trying to figure out how to feel my best.  I find it much easier to focus on food, nutrients, exercise, etc.  I tend to be more of an introvert and feel most comfortable alone or with small groups, so socializing is something that takes effort.  However, I've noticed that the times where I feel the best are when I have felt a connection with other people.  This isn't always the case, often social situations can come with a lot of anxiety too.  This is an area of my life that needs some improvement, so that I can feel more at ease with people and to reap the benefits that comes from human connection.

Today I went out to eat with some friends and had some good food.  I ended up deciding to eat whatever I wanted, including dessert.  Eating out has always been a very important thing to me, and it is usually the place where I have trouble balancing my diet.  When I reduce my consumption of unhealthy foods, it is the thought of not being able to eat out that I stress about.  The thought of never being able to enjoy certain foods with friends, etc.  I've yet to find a proper balance where I'm able to eat these foods but then go back to eating properly right after.  For some reason I think there are only two options, either being extremely strict or having a free-for-all.  This is a common belief that causes me a lot of difficulty in different aspects of my life.

But today was good.  Going out, seeing people I have not seen in a while, and enjoying good food  I don't see how such an evening can be seen as a bad thing even if what I ate wasn't perfect.  Maybe it really is possible for me to have some sort of balance that I'm at peace with.  This is what my original goal was, to find a balance where I am taking care of my self and not feeling deprived.

Friendship is an essential component of health, and I hope give it the attention that it deserves.