Dad used to say, “there are people that I like, [pause to catch his breath] but I don’t like people.” For an introvert, I like people, except, I think they wear on me. I think, as I get older, they wear on me even more. I feel like I have no spare energy for complicated conflict resolution. I’ve been wondering if there being an answer to “what are you going to do about it?” is a valid test. Accepting “think more about it,” as an answer makes it feel so. This feels makes me feel not quite alone, but, distant.

J had a lot to say about meaning. I was trying to place my indifference to how people live their lives and she thought the key was that the choices I make are meaningful to me in some way, and others choices are meaningful to them. Watching TV after work, or keeping a dead-end job have meaning as long as it is important for someone that they not be stressful or not feel they owe something, or other items of importance.

I’ve heard people who identify as introverts say clearly that they need time to recuperate from social interaction. I always go back to Caring for your introvert.

Do you know someone who needs hours alone every day? Who loves quiet conversations about feelings or ideas, and can give a dynamite presentation to a big audience, but seems awkward in groups and maladroit at small talk? Who has to be dragged to parties and then needs the rest of the day to recuperate? Who growls or scowls or grunts or winces when accosted with pleasantries by people who are just trying to be nice?

If so, do you tell this person he is “too serious,” or ask if he is okay? Regard him as aloof, arrogant, rude? Redouble your efforts to draw him out?

Oh that always makes me giggle and feel better.