I'm having a harder time getting out...much easier to just be a recluse. I do find if I go out, just to a store, or on an errand with my neighbor friend, I feel better. Neighbor friend is much like me, so we kind of offer this therapy errand with each other. But....even if she's not available, I try to get out occasionally because I know I tend to seclude myself, and the more I do that, the more my thoughts become distorted....like people don't like me, and things I say and do are embarrassing, which I then go over and over in my mind. All of this, I know, is unnecessary and imaginary, but I struggle with it.
As for pets...well, I use my pets as an excuse NOT to go out, telling myself they NEED me. (I have three of them.) I don't travel or even take short trips because of them. I'm thinking I may have to toughen up and find a good boarding situation (which will entail expense), and go somewhere!