A Healthy Introvert?

[Ashim]

I guess before the question can be asked, one has be clear on the definition of an 'introvert'.

One version goes:

* someone who is happy to be with groups of people, but after a while, they find it draining, and need some 'me' time to recuperate.

An extrovert, on the other hand, can happily spend all their time with others, and not find it draining, but rather, on the other hand, invigorating.

- -

so I guess the question is, is there a healthy introvert?

I guess I am asking the question because I think I have always associated introversion with neuroses.

When I interact with groups of people I have to shield myself now.
From the beginning of my career I have always had to make presentations or give training to groups of people, which I found enjoyable, not in the least uncomfortable. I was however playing the role of teacher, so the interaction with the group was sort of bias toward me acting as 'controller'.
In the evening I mostly wanted to be alone and found company hard going.

Now I try to stay as alone as much as possible. I find interactions with others at times very draining. Needless to say I also have a strange effect on others too. I tend to be aggressive toward other males - my neigbour looked me in the eyes a few weeks ago and said;

"You...you..are an EVIL person"

Asked what prompted this insight his answer was,

"The way you LOOK at me".

Unless I have made a conscious effort in preparation I usually find myself depolarising due to the energy fields of others. Sometimes there might be a small rise on initial contact but usually the depolarisation will set in sooner than later.

Some people make me sick. I know that sounds harsh but it is a fact.
At some stage folks just forget about you and you stop getting asked out to events, parties etc.
There was a transitional stage where I felt obliged to attend family events and stuff but it did not take long to get to the stage where I could no longer force myself. I had to tell folks that I simply did not enjoy company.

So the net result is: I think people are a draining bore; they think I am as mad as a hatter. Nature at work.