I am an off-the-chart introvert who loves people -- it drains me to socialize, but I've found that everyone is well worth the energy expenditure (in small doses, of course, because of my disposition).

Small talks scare me, but I've learned that they can be windows and paths into substantive and sincere thoughts and feelings. The art of conversation is fascinating, and perhaps (to me) one of the most valuable pursuits. i work on steering the conversation quickly from the superficial to what lies beneath. Of course this may make some uncomfortable, but so far i have been quite fortunate, and am grateful for all I've learned from people of various inclinations.

In fact, i think as introverts we are probably more capable than extroverted to shift conversations in much more interesting and rewarding ways -- we tend to like listening and to listen well.

Would love to hear everyone's thoughts and experiences on this, whether you agree or not or somewhere in between.

Small talk is boring, skip to real talk. That's my advice.

I think there is a lot in what they say about living in larger 'tribal' or extended family groups being much better for avoiding mental health problems than our current isolated individual lives or small family groups. Even for introverts I think it probably works if we are allowed to be ourselves and are not persecuted to join in activities all the time.

I think the key is meaningful connections.

I honestly wouldn't mind talking with people so much if they actually had something worthwhile to talk about. I get so tired of people talking about other people. Especially when it's someone I've never met. I couldn't care less what Karen's daughter's friend's sister did. Tell me about a newly discovered planet or tell me about a movie that you love. Share an idea that you have. SOMETHING beside constant gossip. I can't stand it.

There's a LOT more than we need to hear .