I tend to be introverted, as I don't usually start conversations. It's been easy for me to deal with it, and I gladly would chat with anyone kind enough to say something to me.

I am. But, I'm a farm boy and I can live without people all up in my space. However, I teach college and have to be a sage on stage. I've been able to do that as I've gotten older. But I still need my alone time to recharge. People ask me how I can go eat at a restaurant and sit by myself. I don't know, I just do and I don't think alot about it. But I still don't have alot of use for small talk. I think it's shallow talk. I've been told it's a necessary skill to learn. That's what extroverts have told me. I ignore them.

Hermit crab, here. Keep my shell thick and knotty and my claws sharp. Only the most gentle, compassionate, and respectful get through--just the way I like it!

I find that since I hit adulthood (-30) that I have become way more introverted than I used to be. I think life makes me lose passion for some of my projects and that can be problematic. I find I prefer the company of a few intelligent people over a mass of dumb.

We all need our cave time. Not everyone is all the same. Some of us are more social than others.
The only thing you need to worry about it's dealing with yourself.

I’ll happily spend time by myself, but I make an effort to convene with close friends. Activities like camping, D&D or movies at least once a week. I still struggle with large parties or crowded atmospheres.

I'm an introvert. It is just who I am. It is not easy sometimes. Especially when you'd love to interact but you don't know what to say.

I'm an introvert and I don't see it as something I need to 'deal with.'
Not a problem for me. If others view it differently, that's THEIR problem.

Likewise I have long hair and I like it. If others see it differently, that's THEIR problem.

I don't like being around people. I tolerate them when I have to, & there are a few people I like being around from time to time, but generally I try to avoid society as much as possible.

Introvertedness can be a sign of high intelligence and/or high sensitivity. That's not at all a bad thing. Feeling self concious can stem from feelings of internal inadequacy. Overcoming that is a matter of growth and matueity. Best advice is to be kind to yourself and look to expand self image.

I quite like it

When I'm out I hide it very well. Then I go back in my hole every night to recharge.

For me there isn’t anything to deal with. I don’t derive much satisfaction from the “maddening crowd” but I also don’t feel as if I am one way or another socially. If I feel too alone or isolated, I make contact with people in small and big ways; a simple hello to a stranger passing on the street or attending a party that I’m not inclined to attend.

I am a very gregarious person, but I also enjoy being alone. I prefer being at home as opposed to being out and about. Since my divorce (2 decades) ago, I rarely attend a party thrown by someone else and I have stopped doing my own parties. It doesn't bother me much either way. I have had time periods in which I made a lot of friends and time when I didn't. Be happy with your choice is my only advice.

Perhaps search google for some information on how other people have managed with being introvert and wanting to be less introvert (if that's what you are trying to do). There are going to be far more qualified sources on the Net than a forum on an Agnostic web site!

As a layman, I'd suggests that some sort of "aclimateation excercises" might be woth a go (not even sure if that's the right term!). Think of a mild circumstance whereby you feel your introversy kicking in; then expose yourself to that circumstance repeatedly until it no longer makes you feel uncomfortable/introvert. Then, repeat the process with the next challenging circumstance etc etc. I'm really hesitant to suggest responsible remedies off the top of my head. I'd seek a credible and professional source of advice and information. Perhaps Google for a local group that is specifically aimed at introverts (don't pay for miracle cures!) good luck. ?

Due to a lifetime of interest in music, theater, public speaking, etc. i've learned to force my self to be an extrovert. Or at least put on a fairly convincing show of it. Just another form of acting, i guess.

Theatre

I am to some extent and also have some social anxiety. I'm usually fine one on one...usually fine with groups of people if I know most of them. But it's extremely difficult for me to meet friends at a bar or restaurant. I hate walking around looking like an idiot trying to find them. Realistically I know that no one is looking at me, but I still feel consipicuous. Or if I'm going to a group thing but only know one other person that makes me uncomfortable as well. What if they ditch me and then I'm stuck there trying to fit in with a bunch of people I don't know? shivers

I suppose I’m more of an introvert. Although, I do get out occasionally. I deal with it by not being ashamed of it. Most of my friends know that I internalize things and keep to myself. So when I do go out with them, they appreciate it that much more.

And I watch a lot of tv shows and I’m able to focus more on characters and their stories than each individual episode.

Deal with it you ask? Well, I don't "deal with it". After some time I realized people are just full of BS so I realized I am better off just by myself. Let me deal with myself first.

I love it. I am quite good at self-entertainment and always find interesting stuff to do.
I work in an E.R. and that gives me my dose of people and craziness.
But nothing beats only talking to someone when I wish to. (And that's mostly in texts or online).

I don't deal with it, but I live with it.
Yes it might be nice to be more self confident, but at my age, I think I have over come it as much as I will, in fact I think I am regressing.

Depends on the situation. I'm overly shy and it causes problems with asking someone out. Fear of rejection is off the scale. However, once I'm introduced to someone, even as friends I can't shut up.

Paint ..find a bicycle .. practice violin , Be project oriented

I am an introvert. I don't like large groups of people, and I have terrible social anxiety. I like my alone time, and I have a husband that is very understanding of that. When I need to decompress I let my family know, and I go to my room and read or watch television.