I took a personality inventory once that said I am not gregarious. For whatever reason, I got all defensive and challenged the prof who, basically said what Vortex's friend said. "When you are depressed, do you want to be around other people?" Oh, god no. "Then you aren't gregarious."

I also think that I have become more introverted over time, though I believe I have always lived more in my head than in my environment.

I LOVE the shields metaphor. I have shields like Serenity's...adequate for protection, but in constant need of adjustment and/or tinkering.

But I have no problems meeting people I don't know, or speaking publicly or whatnot. Or being bossy.

But once I am done, I am done. See ya, had fun, going home, reading, quiet, happy, bye.

So MUCH this! I could strike up a convo with a dead person, and then I'm out.

Related, kind of.

Good day with Darb today. She's been really anxious the past couple of days, and it's so hard because I don't really know what to do for her. Cleaning all the things was a little traumatic, but she's super sensitive to her environment so I think some of the things I did or rearranged have helped. She's been a lot more confident/interactive today.

I moved my desk into the living room a couple of weeks ago, and she's much more inclined to come up to me when I'm sitting there instead of on the couch. Weird. But my couch and chair are a little big for the arrangement that makes this possible. Gah. I already bought her a car. I don't need to buy her a new living room set.

"When you are depressed, do you want to be around other people?" Oh, god no. "Then you aren't gregarious."

What is your definition of depressed here? Because when I'm depressed, yeah, don't want anything to do with anyone. It's kind of one of the main diagnosing factors of depression--that you isolate. But, when I'm not depressed? I'm most often described as vivacious and gregarious. So, I don't buy that distinction at all.

I think that person is playing fast and loose with the definitions of both depressed and gregarious.

The "how do you recharge your batteries" angle is the one that has always seemed most true to life to me. Introverts still want interaction. Extroverts still want alone time. But the recharging seems to me like the best way to see the fundamental distinction.

The question is, in general, when you are low on energy, which is more liable to perk you up, being alone or being with people? That's how it was explained to me.

For me, I definitely want to be alone to recharge, but being around TCG will also recharge me.

Today has been a shitty day. Had to buy a plane ticket for my aunt's funeral this weekend, and I got an official warning at work for internet usage. I'm pretty sure it's mostly because of all the social media stuff I have to do for work, but I also can't really fight it, because I'm stupid and have been visiting LJ and stuff. Cried in front of the big manager who warned me and my officemate. Just fucking awesome.

{{{Dana}}} I'm sorry!

Being alone is def rechargey, but what makes D and I quite a good match is that we can be alone, together. I am upstairs on the computer or reading in bed (my preferred reading spot)and he is downstairs, TVing or computering or painting.

We wander in and say hi and kiss on the way to get more tea, or a snack or what have you.

However, there are times when I am all "GO AWAY" because I would like to have the house to myself for a while, but that's pretty seldom.

I'm sorry, Dana. That sucks.

Yeah, I pretty much always want to be around Jon. Moreso lately though. I don't know if we've just settled into each other or what, but the last year or so there are days he's the only thing that can get me out of a funk. Last night I was counting the minutes until we could hang out. Then when we finally got to, just sitting next to him recharged me.

Oy Pix. You guys have been in my thoughts a lot. Much love and hope and strength from down here in Big D.