I’m an introvert but today I’ve felt energised by being with people

[ThatsRight]

Colleagues mainly. I had to go in to the office. We went for drinks. I met some of their husbands and wives.

Then some new friends offered to do something nice.

I realized that PEOPLE in general are actually wonderful.

Usually I can’t wait to retreat into the “safety” of some quiet time, alone, or max with DH and the kids, but tonight I really enjoyed being with warm funny quirky people and I realized how much I enjoyed it and how good it was for me. How it makes me want to continue to engage with others and drink up what they have to offer by just being people. And that hiding away is a bit silly.

Maybe I’m not actually that introverted and have just got low self-confidence and mild social anxiety? And tonight I didn’t really care and, as I say, just enjoyed the variety of perspectives and differences that make us all so unique. But I am also looking forward to WFH tomorrow and being able to avoid contact with people

What a lovely post OP, good for you!

Glad you had a nice time! I’m an introvert but I really really enjoy short bursts of being around people if that makes sense...I can be a social butterfly for an evening but then usually want to retreat and have a quiet day the next day. It’s weird because I absolutely love being in big crowds of people like at gigs or festivals but then feel I need to be on my own for a day to recharge afterwards.

Yeah, like Rou, I enjoy being around people. I have a job that involves being friendly and enthusiastic and chatty and I love meeting strangers and hearing their stories, but even though it's fun, I get very tired and grumpy afterwards if I don't get alone time. For me, socialising is like wine - I enjoy it while I'm drinking it, but if I indulge too often or have too much at once, I feel dreadful later and can't face the thought of more until the hangover's gone.

I'm an introvert too but I do enjoy spending time with other people...I'm not anti social by any means. I just need plenty of time alone

You sound like me. A friendly introvert

Anxious Introvert here. I put myself out tonight and met new people whilst doing something new. Really enjoyed it! Shattered now though

Yes! I live people’s stories - who they are and what makes them them. How different people view the world is fascinating. I felt inspired and motivated to go out there and live life and have fun with funny warm interesting people.

My confidence has taken a knock over the last few years and I feel a lot of shame and self-doubt about various things. Therapy helped me work through some of that.

But I think company is also really important.

I do genuinely find it exhausting being around people and shudder at the thought of being the center of attention, though to meet me you would never think I’m shy. On the face of it, I’m fairly outgoing, maybe a bit trappy even. But given a choice I would potter on my own all day every day, and for weeks on end.

Though now I can see that that self-doubt and shame chatters away in the background and I get lost in my own head. And that when I’m with other people I don’t listen to that and instead am more present.

Being with other people is healthy escapism.

*I love people’s stories

What a lovely post - thanks for that

I am an introvert but I like company too, but i have to have the down time afterwards to recover, I think its a nice mix and sounds like you had a lovely time