SO YOU’VE DECIDED to stay in. Well done. Your wallet, liver etc, will thank you. But none of this really matters when FOMO hits.

Urban Dictionary defines FOMO (noun) as

a state of mental or emotional strain caused by the fear of missing out.

It can be a debilitating condition, but you too can feel normal again after 10 harrowing steps.

1. Certainty and anticipation

You tell yourself you’re definitely NOT going out tonight. It’s been a tough week, it’s dark, it’s cold and all you want to do when you get home from work is stay in with some wine and the Late Late.

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2. The game-changer

The text arrives. The invitation out. Take it or leave it?

3. Justification

You’re doing the right thing, you’re sure of it. Think about it, you’re saving money, your liver, and you’ll feel great tomorrow. It’s highly unlikely anything amazing is going to happen anyway.

Source: Wihelmina Upton

4. The ‘What If’

The first Facebook check-in you see, and this do-goodery means nothing to you. You’d happily give up every penny you had for a single pint in a stuffy pub somewhere.

Time is ticking by and the offer is still out there. Now there’s another. Why is EVERYTHING happening on this one night.

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5. Acceptance

No, you’re definitely staying in. In fact, you pity those who’ve gone out. There’s the rain.

This stack of DVDs and books and TV shows will keep you occupied.

Source: Tumblr

6. Smugness

Ah sure it’s probably too late to go out now, and it’s still raining. HATE to be out.

Source: Glamour

7. Doubt

Oh dear God this is so boring why didn’t I go out?

Source: Zap2it

8. Social stalking

A little check of Facebook or Twitter can’t hurt.

Everyone is having the time of their lives. People you thought were definitely not going out are out and they’re all having a gas time without you. WHY AREN’T THEY TWEETING MORE?

Source: Vodkacranberryclooney

Source: Shutterstock

9. Horror

Literally everything fun that ever happened in the world is occurring right now and you’re not there.

Source: Somegif

Source: Shutterstock

10. Resignation

It’s 3am, you’re awake and safe to say you’ve made the worst decision of your life. Sleep well, sleep well.

Source: PhotoBucket

Ah don’t worry. They’re not having as much fun as it seems… we’re sure of it.

Source: Thought Catalog

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