I just wanted to express some thoughts that I've been having lately on here, because I really like the reddit community and hope that the people who read this can relate to me.
I'm an introvert (23f) who really doesn't like interacting with people, I find it so draining and I dread it everytime. Recently I've been forced to be in a position where I had to interact for a really long amount of time with some family members that I'm not that comfortable around, and I've been reflecting ever since on so many things.
I realized just how absolutely exhausting and soul draining it is to have to force yourself to deal with people you don't naturally vibe with, for a long amount of time, just to fit the social norms and to not be called a weirdo for not being social. I'm not even exagerating when I say that this whole situation made me make a promiss to myself, to work hard enough in life to be in a position of control and total freedom, to pick and choose the people that I interact with and to stay away from the ones that I dislike.
On the other hand, I had an experience a couple years ago, where i met one of my parents friend's daughter, and an instant connection formed right there and then. I don't think I have felt that instant connection and even fondness and comfort with somebody that fast ever since, and it was mutual. I find myself yearning and longing to feel that way again, with new people, to be in the presence and the company of people who just naturally get me, people that I ever so effortlessly click with, with not a single ounce of effort put into it.
I honestly don't think I was successful in expressing exactly and clearly the way that I feel, so I do apologize in advance if this post is a little bit confusing, but I'm sure that the people who can relate will understand excatly what feelings I'm talking about.
I just want to say to all my fellow introverts, that you should never force yourself to socialize with people who are simply not the right fit for you, it doesn't make either one of you a bad person. And lastly, do you guys understand/ can relate to that feeling of instant connection that I was talking about? I didn't really mean it in a romantic way but it can apply to that too. If so, what was that experience like? I would really like to know!