[announcerman]

I wonder how much the "recharge while alone" feeling is due to the fact that introverts feel a need to put a front and think their every move during social situations thus making the situations unfulfilling and tiring while also making them very difficult to navigate. I find that using logic and conscious thought instead of instinct for things like social situations makes you react much more slowly to the flow these situations usually have while also making you less spontaneous and making the socializing tiresome. Maybe because we evolved to be sociable before we evolved conscious thinking and thus we have fine honed instincts that shouldnt be overidden by thinking for these things? Who knows.

[stumblers]

FWIW, I consider myself deeply introverted and I don't put on a front or think about anything during social situations other than focusing on whatever's going on in front of me...nothing is difficult to navigate, etc. I'm not quick witted or particularly smart and have found that over the years (I'm older) that if I simply pay open and honest attention to my surroundings and don't think about anything it seems to work out for everyone. Of course there are times it doesn't but it's definitely not due to me overthinking (if anything, it's the opposite).

But I've noticed that the typical social situation is overwhelming in a 'sensory' way, that everything is turned up pretty high, but I also know I'm alone in this (at least with my set): the noise, smells, crowding, standing, etc. etc. it's just plain tiring to exhausting. My wife loves it all, needs it regularly. I attribute the "recharge" simply to different wiring not overthinking.

Also: I haven't read the linked article yet, just responding to your comment to round out the conversation.

[Cthulhu_]

I've found social situations hard, but over time and experience and a lot of alcohol I've probably developed a more intuitive, more indifferent approach to social whatnots. Give less fucks - introverts will be very reflective and whatnot about how they and what they say might come across to the other party. Which is a good trait if you're a lawyer in court, but in a social situation it doesn't matter nearly as much as you'd think.

[magduf]

I'm very introverted. Sometimes I wonder if I should have been a lawyer instead of a software engineer.

I would have hated having to wear a suit and tie all the time though. I really, really hate ties.

[gerbilly]

>I wonder how much the "recharge while alone" feeling is due to the fact that introverts feel a need to put a front and think their every move during social situations

I've heard that introverts process social information more deeply than extraverts. The extra processing causes fatigue.