I am very definitely an introvert, and I have many times registered my distaste for the usual kinds of in-office socializing. Far too often, it's forced, it's i

I am very definitely an introvert, and I have many times registered my distaste for the usual kinds of in-office socializing. Far too often, it's forced, it's interrupting your normal work, and it feels like it's required, not merely to do, but to do well, in order to remain accepted and have a chance at advancement. What the GP describes sounds much better than all of that. It's not something that's just...a forced overlay on top of your daily work, making everything harder and more frustrating; it's a change from the routine, a time you're taking away from regular work to both socialize and work in a different way, and a chance to get fed on the company dime (which is generally a nice perk).