Anyone else have problems with parties?

[paleotn]

19. You sound just like me....

and my better half. We're simply wired differently when it comes to socializing with people we don't know or don't know well. I can do mindless chit chat with strangers or near strangers, but it's a conscious effort that's exhausting after a while. I'd really rather not if I can help it.

The real problem is people thinking that EVERYONE should socialize in the same way and on the same level. We call them neurotypicals (NT's) and they can be equal parts annoying and amusing. Humans are neurodiverse and the sooner society recognizes and VALUES that, the better for all of us.

I found a community of folks similar to me during my Navy days. It takes a certain type of person to cram themselves and 100+ other guys into steel tube that's submerged for months at a time. Communication with the outside world is short, succinct, rarely outgoing and we're OK with that. Simply part of the job. And there are no strangers and few secrets on a submarine. We all come to know each other very well. So, you could say that introverts like us help provide the nuclear deterrent that allows Americans to sleep soundly at night. Just a thought.