Great description, thanks for sharing. I too am very introverted by nature, although these days people are shocked to discover it: I'm frequently acting like a

Great description, thanks for sharing. I too am very introverted by nature, although these days people are shocked to discover it: I'm frequently acting like an extrovert, and usually enjoying it! But it's learned behavior ... And it's a great point about how your friends' attitudes were unexpectedly contributing to your lack of energy for socialization. Over the last several years I've made it a point to spend most of my time with the friends who help me stay in the right frame of mine, instead of the ones who [unintentionally] infect me with their own negativity about new situations. And I find I'm much happier as a result!