[kaitnieks]

I'm introvert but I loved eating with my coworkers. It's very different from the energy consuming socialization that you would experience at parties or otherwise.

Then again, I didn't eat with all of my coworkers, just my friends.

[hga]

Ditto; I recharge myself when e.g. I'm working alone, as Joel prescribes (or at least allows for).

There's obviously some upfront extra consumption of energy in getting to know new co-workers, but at least to me that's well worth the price.