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.

{{Dana}}

Like I often used to tell DH, he didn't count as people when I didn't want to be around people.

{{Dana}}

And {{Pix and NC}} It keeps coming and coming, doesn't it?

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.

I think this is what the prof meant. Not depressed as in clinical diagnosis, but 'down.'

My friend, J, needs people in order to recharge. She's the most classically gregarious person I've ever met.

In the convo with the prof, I realized that I was conflating 'gregarious' with friendly and outgoing. They aren't technically the same.