I’m a Socially-Exhausted Extrovert
That sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s not.
I feel energized and alive when I talk to people.
I’m sociable to a fault, chatting with lots of different people, including strangers. These conversations give me joy and satisfaction, whether in person or online.
Yet, there comes a time when even an extrovert is worn out, and needs to get some rest.
Some friends asked whether I might be an ambivert, which is in between an introvert and extrovert. I believe I’m still closer to the extrovert end.
It’s odd but my main interests, reading and writing, are solo activities. Yet, I feel most awake and energetic when I’m talking to someone.
However, my ears and jaw (or arms, shoulders, and eyes for online chats) do get tired. Even if I feel mentally boosted from positive social interactions.
So I learned the paradox that you can be happy and burned out at the same time.
Writing Long Comments
As some of you know, I delight in writing comments, especially long ones, on other people’s articles. On Medium, I’m not just looking for readers; I’m looking for friends, too.