As a gay man with many introverted tendencies, I can relate to so much of this. I enjoy being with people and miss companionship when I'm not around people. But ... I enjoy group companionship best when I enjoy it in moderation.

In high school, I used to sneak a sandwich into the library to eat in peace and quiet. But my 11th grade literature teacher would have told you I was an extrovert. (She probably wouldn't have meant that as a compliment! She called me "Chatty Cathy" once out of frustration because I wouldn't be quiet.)

By my mid twenties, I had developed a reputation for vanishing from social events without saying goodbye. People thought I was being rude, but actually I would be having a great time until suddenly I would crash and just couldn't take all the people and noise anymore. Leaving quietly would feel like the only reasonable course of action.

Then the next day, I'd take an hours long walk in the woods to de-stress.

Perfect date? Coffee and maybe a pastry at a cafe with very quiet outdoor tables.

Perfect friend? Somebody who enjoys one-on-one time and hours of nothing more stimulating than conversation, sharing ideas, swapping stories.

I suppose growing up gay in a conservative religious world imprinted caution and privacy on me. I learned very early on that too much socializing (too much genuine sharing) exposed me to great risk of rejection.

I don't have any idea if those early formative experiences "made" me an introvert. I don't think even know if can properly call myself an introvert.

I just know that I can only handle group socializing in small doses, and that people who witness those small doses often think I'm an extrovert.

People are complicated. Which is good. :-)