I've been an introvert all my life, but around 2004 I suddenly developed the ability to fake it. I don't really care for small talk socializing, but at least being able to fake it made the whole process simpler and faster.
Without any reason that I can discern, I lost that ability recently. I'm finding it harder and harder to dodge awkward moments when I'm with people I don't know very closely. Extended family or friends of friends, the whole thing is starting to get difficult again.
That's not to say I can't socialize at all. Certainly not. But the problem is that I'm having trouble getting around more shallow conversations, asking the right questions, returning with the correct replies, throwing in a tasteful but clever joke every once in a while.
What happened to my Charm system? This is really annoying. For a while there I was so good at faking it that I was everyone's favorite new person to meet, now I feel like I'm coming off as aloof. That may or may not be accurate, but I have no desire to be rude or be perceived that way.
At least I think did acceptably well at my friends' wedding, after I'd had a few drinks. There's something you can rely on to jump start the Charm system. (Though, of course, you have to carefully maintain the balance.) I'm not exactly satisfied with being reliant on alcohol to socialize.
Are you an introvert? Do you have trouble talking to people you don't know about stuff that doesn't really matter to either of you?
Without any reason that I can discern, I lost that ability recently. I'm finding it harder and harder to dodge awkward moments when I'm with people I don't know very closely. Extended family or friends of friends, the whole thing is starting to get difficult again.
That's not to say I can't socialize at all. Certainly not. But the problem is that I'm having trouble getting around more shallow conversations, asking the right questions, returning with the correct replies, throwing in a tasteful but clever joke every once in a while.
What happened to my Charm system? This is really annoying. For a while there I was so good at faking it that I was everyone's favorite new person to meet, now I feel like I'm coming off as aloof. That may or may not be accurate, but I have no desire to be rude or be perceived that way.
At least I think did acceptably well at my friends' wedding, after I'd had a few drinks. There's something you can rely on to jump start the Charm system. (Though, of course, you have to carefully maintain the balance.) I'm not exactly satisfied with being reliant on alcohol to socialize.
Are you an introvert? Do you have trouble talking to people you don't know about stuff that doesn't really matter to either of you?
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fragilesong_:
I'm a very extroverted introvert, if that makes sense. I'm very social but I'm most comfortable in around only two or three close friends or by myself.
varuka_salt:
I'm so introverted, I don't even like talking to myself.