Faith seems to me to be fundamentally a group sport - often forced upon us by parts of society that care soooo much about our souls. I wonder if introversion is both a result of our agnosticism/atheism as an inhibitor of social interaction. And a cause of our introversion when we habitually withdraw from potentially uncomfortable situations.

I certainly avoided lots of social occasions in my youth because they were faith tainted. In rural America that was just about the all there was.

I have this problem a lot as well as my job has me meeting and interacting with several new people a shift. I really never ever wanted to be in a customer service type job but somehow unwittingly am (didn’t think that’s what my chosen profession involved). I have a lot of anxiety and keep telling people I picked the wrong career. No one believes me when I tell them I’m introverted. It took me until now and counseling to realize what my anger and disappointment was about. I hate my job because of this forced fake social interacting and that each time I meet a new person and their family I feel like I have to pretend and act a certain way and am being judged etc.

I can relate!! At 70 I don't think I have ever had a job that wasn't people. Up to a point I like the challenge of relating to new and different people. But it sure is a hell of a lot of work. Yes it causes me anxiety!! It also leads me to sublimate lots of anger. If I had been smart I'd have found a solitary job when I was much younger. I hope you are in a position to do that.

Act - whichever way you'd like to become - and, with patience and practice - that is what you'll become!

The only time I have problems is when there are crowds

I know the feeling. I have to answer calls all day and talk to those on the phone. It does drive my anxiety sometimes and I have had panic attacks. But, I try to just focus on getting the job done.

I had to make myself interact with others at work, and with time have become comfortable with it. Not as much in social situations.

I am not so much anxious as just usually need more quiet time. Out in public I'm not seen as introverted.

i'm OK one on one or a small group but shy in a big group

i'm OK one on one or a small group but shy in a big group