It's not easy for me to let someone in. That is, to know me. I'm so tired of explaining ME. Don't fucken touch me the first day we meet. I had been beaten and left for dead by someone who said that he loved me. So don't think that you and I have lots in common until you know me. So... last week a male new to my complex put is hand on my shoulder (from behind me) when we were all coming in together for a group picture. I assumed it was the woman whom I had gotten comfortable with, (which took me a year) so I put my hand on the hand! When I found out that it was that new guy, I was mad at myself for being relaxed enough to even except letting the woman touch me.

Sometimes when I'm (ugh) at a party, I'll watch people. Two people who never met before will start to talk and within moments, they're locked in a conversation that goes on and on.... and I'm wondering.. "WTF are they talking about? They just met!" My conversation at parties consists of one-liners and nodding. I hate small talk. And then there are the people you just met who decide to tell you the story of their lives. Dontcha hate it when you ask someone how they are and they tell you?

It's exhausting if I overextend myself or have to be in situations with too much stimulation for too long. Then I know I have to pull back and take care of myself.

Exhausting when you are in situations that are occasionally necessary, like shopping in crowded places, or feeling obliged to attend a loved one's party! But most of the time, when I can choose my company or absence of it, I enjoy being my introverted self.

Very true, just need a small group of decent and interesting people to add to your circle then being an introvert can be awesome. Still exhausting at times, but worth it.

The exhausting thing for me is trying to explain myself to other people. Like, I'm not being quiet to be rude, it's just how I am. Or that a lot of the time I prefer to stay home. I feel like a lot of people don't understand.

Crouds are exhausting to me, large parties of people I don't know............

True.