I want to, but it's late...

I'm sure everyone in youth ministry has experienced this, but I feel like I get it all of the time around this church - more than any other church I have been with.

Maybe it's because I'm on staff now and not just a volunteer.  I'm talking about invitations.  I get invited everywhere.  Most of the time I try my best to be there - sporting events, music events, lunches and dinners, coffees, etc..  I enjoy spending time with the people in my church; especially youth.

There is one time, however, that I almost always say no.  Sunday after youth group.  We have our Sunday youth group (FUEL) from 5-7 every Sunday night.  I often get invited by the youth to go out afterwards.  That's when the words come through my head..."I want to, but it's late...".

It's literally the only time I almost always reject the invitation.  I do this for a couple of reasons:

1) It's late!  True, it's only 7pm, but I have to lock up the Church and clean up a bit before I go home.  And I've already worked about 12 hours today..I'm beat!

2) To give them time away from me.  I see the youth all day Sunday and as much as I like to hang with them as much as possible, sometimes I think that the need time away from me.  They need fellowship with each other without me there.  They need to have God talks among themselves without me bringing it up.  Plus, I'm a downer on Sunday nights anyway.  I always just want to sleep!

So what do you think? When do you say no to hanging out with youth, if ever?  Do you think this is a healthy thing to do, or am I just crazy?  (I don't have a wife or kids...just a dog and a cat!).  Lets get some of that awesome feedback.