Introversion isn't an inability to talk to strangers. Like OP suggested, plenty of introverts can strike up conversations with strangers and even be 'the life o

Introversion isn't an inability to talk to strangers. Like OP suggested, plenty of introverts can strike up conversations with strangers and even be 'the life of the party', so to speak. Most introverts though tire out with excessive social interaction, specially interactions comprising primarily of small talk, and need some alone time doing activities they enjoy to recharge. On the other hand, meaningful, deep conversations that go beyond talking about the weather with strangers would probably energize an introvert. Being unable to initiate conversations with strangers can be shyness/mild social phobia, or something else, which you probably mean when you refer to introversion. Susan Cain's book Quiet, does a good job of explaining introversion. Her TED talk is a sort of cliffnotes version of the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0KYU2j0TM4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0KYU2j0TM4