I'm introverted.
If I'm in a group with a lot of people I don’t know, I will take a while to warm up. I'm naturally a really chatty person if comfortable but, I become more reserved in new situations.
I've had people (especially people older than me) say in my face and behind my back that I should smile more, talk more, be more…
It bothers me a lot because I am polite and respectful as much as I can, I just can’t force myself to be fake (I just don’t have the energy for it) and I also don’t ask anyone to tone it down because they are too much (I don’t think it’s my place to do so).
This said, I don’t think I should change. I’m closed off, I don’t deny that (and I will say I need to work on it) but, I don’t trust easily (shaped past experiences and my overall personality) and I take my time to feel comfortable to be myself in most settings.
What is your opinion?