I once had a job working for an agency that provided services for men and women living with HIV and AIDS. Part of my duties included teaching GED equivalency, but mostly I managed our computer network and database application.

Several times a year, I had to go to conferences or seminars. Networking was a big deal, passing out business cards, making fundraising connections, etc.

I got used to doing it and developed some skills. My boss was happy with me. But oh my God how I dreaded those events!

Reading the room, reading the people, wearing the mask of an extrovert. Exhausting!

I was always so happy to get back to my computers and my students.

Interesting that a roomful of GED students didn’t exhaust me in the same way.

Maybe because working quietly on grammar and arithmetic was more predictable than meeting strangers.