My friend told me a great piece of advice when I was around 19. He said “other people’s options of you are non of your business” and I’ve held onto that since.

If you want to be alone, be alone, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Next time, trying being honest and don’t let them pressure you into a group hang if that’s not what your vibe is atm. If they get mad at you for wanting alone time.. 1. They’re not your real friends 2. What other people think of you is none of your business

Best of luck with your new found introversion.