If I'm going to be completely honest, I think another reason that I've retreated as I've gotten older is because, looking back, I've done some really, really stupid things, and I hate putting myself out there and acting stupid. Again, it's easier to withdraw into myself. Although, I don't see it as a permanent withdrawal. I call it "cocooning" and see it more as an attempt to reduce outside distractions and noise so I can recenter and reconnect with who I am, which helps me reconnect with others on a calmer level without feeling so frayed and chaotic.