While I was very unambivalent in my first assessment, I can think of social situations that have been regenerating to me, even ones that may seem paradoxical - like having a lot of people (I trust) around me enjoying themselves loudly on drugs and alcohol, while I stay sober and listen to them talk to me uninhibited and without a filter. And I did miss being around people, sometimes desperately so, although maybe not to the degree you are describing.

But I've also always struggled with clear-cut categories like that, feeling like a completely different person at different times of my life, so, I guess I don't know if I am just overthinking it. 🤷 If seen on a scale/spectrum, definitely more weight on the introverted side, though.

[–] grrgyle@slrpnk.net 2 points 3 days ago

But I've also always struggled with clear-cut categories like that, feeling like a completely different person at different times of my life, [...]

I hear that. I think a spectrum/scale is probably more helpful than a binary A | B divide, and yeah also heavily context dependent. Like even really severe introverts usually have some close "inner circle" people who they don't find draining.

I also relate to feeling alone in a crowd, where you can sort of spectate the socializing without actually being the focus of it. Or just being in an anonymous crowd so large that you feel alone (the crush of humanity--the thing I miss the most about living in s big city).

Anyway, not that I'm looking for universal metrics, but just to say that most introverts probably aren't 100% that way -- they might just need every other weekend to themselves or something.