[bignaj]

One benefit would be increased ability to navigate/enjoy complex social situations and understand implicit cues. It sounds like although you were "cured" of Asperger's (whatever that means) you may still have been very much an introvert. This would explain why it was draining for you to go and glad-hand everyone. Another reply to your comment alongside mine seems to show the same experience. The other perspective: I'm an extrovert and it invigorates me to go meet people, while I feel somewhat anxious if I'm sitting alone all day with little social interaction.

[throwaway58]

> It sounds like although you were "cured" of Asperger's

No. We are never cured; we learn to cope if we have the mental capability. We are not cured.

[bignaj]

I understand that, which is why I put it in double quotes and qualified the statement. It doesn't seem to me like you can flip a switch and be "cured." Another question -- what's the overlap/relationship between introversion and autism/Asperger's? I'm not saying introverts have Asperger's, I'm wondering if people with Asperger's are often also introverted. (lots of trigger-happy people thinking I said you had autism for being an introvert... which is not what I asked)

[yupmetoo]

An introvert will lose energy rather than gain it in complex or highly active social situations, but will still emotionally feel a good connection with the person or people they're around. Someone with ASD has a much more difficult time "feeling" the positive benefits of socialization, whilst they may learn to enjoy it more from a left-brain analytical perspective. Not to say its a lack of empathy, in fact you can actively feel other's emotions in many cases, but the actual inner feelings of community and belonging may be pretty muted.

[Dewie]

I wonder if there is an overlap/relationship between being extroverted and being offensive?