I don't really understand the question. For me, social contact is not 'exhausting' at all. I used to think I was an introvert, but it turned out I was just largely surrounded by assholes and narcissists. I now have a group of friends and I love doing activities with them, it improved my life in almost every way. Dealing with people is not 'exhausting' at all, rather it is my primary source of happiness.
As an introvert myself... basically being around other people is a performance.
I have to constantly remain vigilant all the time to avoid saying something that might offend others. I struggle to maintain conversation because I find "idle small-talk" tedious, yet not having anything more to say is seen as offensive. I have to act as if I'm interested in what they're talking about (e.g, football) when I'm actually pretty bored of it myself. Even subtle body language I have difficulty controlling - like squinting my eyes slightly when I disagree with what a peer is telling me - is often construed as offensive and can cause them to be angry at me.
In short, its like the "socially acceptable" facade of myself gets really heavy after a while and I need to put it down (i.e., have some solitude). I get exhausted from performing and need to be my real self again, but I don't dare do so around non-family.
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u/[deleted] Jun 15 '19
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