the habit or preference of keeping to oneself

[DontWorryBHappy]

I've realized that I am a pretty introverted person. But I take it a step further in the sense that I tend to *avoid* interacting with people most of the time. I live in an apartment with 3 other girls, and I actually cringe when one of them comes out of their room when I'm in the common area because I know I'll be forced to interact. To be honest, most of the time I feel like any attempts people make to talk with me are just annoyances. Sometimes when I'm on the bus someone will try to make small talk with me, and unless there is something special about that person that would make me want to talk to them, I usually end up wishing they would leave me alone, so I try to act busy or whatever. I don't know if i can change this about myself and become a person who is receptive to people, like some other people that I know.. One of my roommates seems to be able to talk to everyone and also seems interested in all of them. But I'm exhausted just hearing how much she talks on the phone. I guess to me, socialising tends to feel like a game where I'm supposed to say and act in all the right ways, and it's rare that I really feel I'm acting like myself. Which is probably why I seem to prefer being *by* myself. It's not that I don't like being around people either.. I mean, I like to be in places where there are people around, it's just that most of the time I perfer not to interact. Lol, that's it.

[Seneca]

I'm an introvert myself, and I like to keep to myself as much as I can. I'm a loner by habit. But something about the aloneness just gives me a piece of mind.

 

I enjoy the freedom to do what I want when I want. And I enjoy the solitude very much.

 

However, I do enjoy other people's company - especially the company of a beautiful woman. But I don't fall in the trap of feeling that I need to be in constant contact with someone...

 

Socializing doesn't have to be a game. You can be your authentic self when you don't care what others think.

 

Be your authentic self in front of others... don't make any apologies for who you are.

 

The interaction will come naturally when you truly become interested in the other person.

[MGD3]

I've realized that I am a pretty introverted person. But I take it a step further in the sense that I tend to *avoid* interacting with people most of the time. I live in an apartment with 3 other girls, and I actually cringe when one of them comes out of their room when I'm in the common area because I know I'll be forced to interact. To be honest, most of the time I feel like any attempts people make to talk with me are just annoyances. Sometimes when I'm on the bus someone will try to make small talk with me, and unless there is something special about that person that would make me want to talk to them, I usually end up wishing they would leave me alone, so I try to act busy or whatever. I don't know if i can change this about myself and become a person who is receptive to people, like some other people that I know.. One of my roommates seems to be able to talk to everyone and also seems interested in all of them. But I'm exhausted just hearing how much she talks on the phone. I guess to me, socialising tends to feel like a game where I'm supposed to say and act in all the right ways, and it's rare that I really feel I'm acting like myself. Which is probably why I seem to prefer being *by* myself. It's not that I don't like being around people either.. I mean, I like to be in places where there are people around, it's just that most of the time I perfer not to interact. Lol, that's it.

 

I am introverted by nature too and had to work on being an extrovert. Even though I still feel quite introverted most people think I am an extrovert!!! You just have to want it! Believe me once you break your old habits you will feel real good but remember since you are an introvert naturally, give yourself a break from crowds once in awhile and do not feel bad about it!

[carhill]

OP, there's a whole world of people out there just like yourself, except you rarely/never encounter them, as they are also keeping to themselves.

 

If your path speaks to you, walk it with confidence.

 

Myself, I enjoy it both ways. Yesterday I was around crowds of humans and spent the day with my best friend working on a project. Had a great time. Today, completely alone and haven't seen a human, inside or out, all day. Just me and the cat. That's my 'path'.

 

If you don't want to 'keep to yourself', then you'll choose to take steps to achieve that goal.

 

Tell me, are you sensitive to bright lights, noises, touch and/or stimulus in general? If so, there may be other factors involved. Still no different though. You're not alone, in the sense that you're an 'oddball' or 'abnormal'.