Unexpected free time

Being in visit to the respective birth places, both me and my wife have
some visits to give and to receive.

Concerning my side of the family, there's not much to say. I've got four
siblings, we are all quite busy with our life.  Also, I don't have any
appreciable relationship with my cousins.

Everything was solved in a single, very socially-intensive day.  I managed
to dodge all the pointless meetings with people I don't know, but that I
should meet according to my mother.  I spent the remaining time walking
in the woods.  I wish my wife didn't decide to work from home, during
that time.

My wife's side is quite different, and there's way more social interaction
involved.  Quite a number of people, often just family friends, seek
for a visit.  There's a lot of social interaction with quite a number
of cousins.

I'm not a social person, and I'm usually not comfortable in these
meetings.  For one thing, not having relationship with these people
implies that we don't have much to talk about.  Moreover, my interests
are very unlikely to match other people's.  In short, I typically spend
the whole time being silent, or giving minimal answers to discourage
the little talk.

My wife knows quite well that I'm not suited for this.  Lately she
started to offer me the opportunity of staying home.

My internal reaction, on the first occurrence, can be described as
that of a young boy who has been given license of not going to church.
My external self was more cool, more rational, and made sure at least
three times that this path is safe.

Not that my relief wasn't evident, but even if I dislike social
conventions, I don't really want to be depicted as the grumpy guy who
doesn't want to meet people.  Although probably I am.

My wife, at that point all dressed up for the occasion, lowered her
voice and said: <I'd pay money not to go, why don't you shut up and
enjoy some time for yourself?>.

The thing somewhat surprised me, as a young boy who has been told that
yeah, church is actually boring for me too, did you really think I
enjoy it?

Oh well, I'll be grateful and enjoy some free time then, while shrugging
at how pointless social conventions are.