Cancelled Plans
Published Nov 8, 2026
The Joy of Seeing People, and the Magic of Staying Home
Being autistic doesn't mean I don't enjoy seeing people. In fact, spending time with the people I love can be one of the nicest parts of life. Having a good catch-up, sharing a laugh, enjoying someone's company and making memories are all things I really value.
But there is another side to it that I think is just as important: the absolute joy of plans being cancelled and getting to stay home!
Sometimes, the thought of going out can feel exhausting before I've even left the house. There is the preparation, the change in routine, the noise, the social interaction and all the little things that can take more energy than people realise. Even when I genuinely want to see someone, it can take a lot out of me.
So, when plans change and I suddenly get an unexpected evening at home, part of me feels a little relieved.
Imagine it: no rushing around, no worrying about getting ready, no busy places or overwhelming surroundings. Just getting comfortable, snuggling under a cosy blanket, cuddling up with someone special and enjoying a lovely hot cup of tea.
Bliss!
It's not that I don't want to spend time with people. It's that sometimes the best way to spend time together is in the comfort of home, where I can properly relax, be myself and enjoy someone's company without all the extra pressures that come with going out.
I think that's something people don't always understand about autism. We can love socialising and still need plenty of downtime. We can look forward to seeing people but also feel incredibly happy when we get a quiet evening to recharge.
And sometimes, the best plans are the ones that involve pyjamas, cuddles, a good cup of tea and absolutely nowhere to be.
Because seeing the people you love is wonderful, but being cosy at home with them? That's pretty special too.
And if you'll excuse me, I think the kettle is calling!
Read the transcript
Panel 1:
(A person looks at a text message on their phone.)
Text message from Goofball:
"I'm sorry! Something came up and I have to cancel tonight."
Panel 2:
(A woman with glasses and red pyjamas looks at her phone.)
Woman: "Oh, I guess we aren't leaving the house today."
Panel 3:
(The person holding the phone types a reply.)
Text message:
"Oh no! It's okay, we can meet up another time. Hope everything is okay!"
Panel 4:
(The woman sits comfortably in bed with another person, enjoying a cosy evening together.)
Woman: "Thank God we don't have to leave the house today."
Artist/Website watermark: NEARLYNOTQUITE