It is only since I was widowed (6+ years ago) and since starting to emerge from the cave of grief that I have realized just what an energy SINK it is for me to be around *anyone* else on a constant, daily basis, which includes family and the workplace. I'm definitely an introvert (by my definition, which is that being around people, even when we're having a good time, drains me of energy; so my definition of an extrovert is someone who *gains* energy by social contact). I am enjoying my solitude SO much that it really makes me wonder sometimes if I'm a hermit! LOL - but I have great loving support family and friends here in my city, too, and I get to socialize as much as I like. But I also am realizing that just now am I starting to recuperate from that constant energy drain. It's not that I don't like people, I love people - just in rather smaller doses, and less frequently, than society thinks is "normal."