[pasbesoin]

I, too, have struggled with what you describe.

I find a real dichotomy between modesty, which works in interacting with co-workers -- and with which I am much more comfortable -- and rampant self-promotion, which often seems to produce the most positive-feedback at the corporate level.

I think I can generalize this to social settings, overall. Confident self-promoters seem to have more dates and to "be out there" more. Whether they are happier and more satisfied in life? I don't know.

I find more that a bit of enjoyment in my peace and quiet. But I'm kind of lonely.

Sometimes it feels that way in the corporate setting, too. Perhaps not the ideal setting for people like me.