The joke is, I am an extrovert. I just happen to hate people.

Introvert/extrovert is not a binary choice. You can be both, even at the same time.

You're going to be more comfortable around people that are like-minded. So, you will come out of your shell in those circumstances.

Nobody would ever know how much of an introvert I am because as an artist, I have to put on my public face and go out there and sell. No.matter how difficult it is, if I want to live as an artist I have to do this. But as with most artists, I would be happy painting by myself and have an agent sell my work.

A lot of my introverted friends describe similar feelings. Even though I am an extrovert, I can see how one could be more open around strangers who are unlikely to reject you.

I am a loner and an introvert, preferring to be by myself MOST of the time. I can be social when necessary. I have never been associated with any type of group per say, although I was a member of a fantastic singles Sunday School Class for many years and throughly enjoy it and the activities I participated in which were many and varied but strictly for social purpose.