Like most introverts, from time to time I get peopled out, and for introverts “people” includes pets—after all, we count them as family, so they’re pseudo-people.
Regardless of what we introverts do for a living, there’s a huge difference between what we do, and who we are. There are the roles that we play to earn a paycheck—doctor, lawyer, assistant manager at Radio Shack or whatever. We interact with others according to the expectations of the job. However, at the end of the day, in order to recharge, we introverts withdraw and seek solitude.
I don’t see any reason that actors can’t be introverts, although since I don’t know any actors, I can’t prove that.
Simon and Garfunkel sang, “I have my books and my poetry to protect me.” In my case, it’s technical articles and a soldering iron.
Oddly, there seems to be a heightened chance of being peopled out around the time of the political conventions, but it’s probably coincidental.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against people, in fact, some of my best friends are people. However, people like me better when I’m recharged.
I’m going rename my office/radio room/workbench as my laboratory. So, if you’ll excuse me, I shall now retire to my laboratory. Alone. To recharge.
sfnowak 
Steve, I’m not sure if you’re specifically referring to only the “political conventions” as the reason you’re “people’d out.” Heck, I’ve been “people’d out” for years. But I feel guilty about that—because “people skill” is the one quality, trait, intelligence, success factor, and all-inclusive personality and character virtue my dad said I must possess…didactic education be damned!
Since my “re-tire-ment” some years ago, I’ve not withdrawn or retreated, and I don’t think I am depressed. Withdrawal is giving up; Retreating is letting go. Some people resign and others harden. There are many when we “re-tire” we “retread,” rethink, revitalize, renew, rebuild, and even rejuvenate.
Yet, along with all this comes the need for less people and more expressive outlets for our creative energies. We learn to give, contribute and help in different ways. No we never turn anyone away, we don’t see new landscapes but see with new eyes, and sometimes we can speak to those who will listen about secret destinations of which they as travelers are unaware.
Not being “people persons” like before per se, allows us to some degree to “meet life” and to be a guest of life: A guest sees more in an hour…than a host in a year. And what do we as guests see most often? Extroverts–like children–who need the most love will often ask for it in the most unloving, unconventional, arrogant, egocentric, diva, self-assured, and even brilliant of ways.
Instead of an extrovert, people now call me a Mexican monk.
Rick,
I’m beginning to believe that it was not by accident that some deeply religious people decided to cloister themselves. In my case, I’m not ready for that, but as I get older I realize that I can’t do everything; more importantly, I have learned that it takes time and focus to do things right. I like to get discussions going, and sometimes if I avoid being precise, it stirs more people to think. My perception is that if I withdraw a bit from people and focus, I can perhaps do more good. It’s the old management principle of teaching others to make yourself replaceable. In our younger days, this meant promotable. I no longer seek promotions, but instead hope to plant every bit of knowledge, wisdom, and experience in someone else. It won’t be one person, but a little experience sharing with one, some wisdom with another, some knowledge with a third. Even Jesus couldn’t convey everything effectively–there are some very plain lessons that He taught that we still just don’t get. However, now that I get a few things-at least on an elemental level-I want to share what I can.
I think of my “peopled out” time as the same as when a musician spends practicing, or a magician spends developing a new and exciting illusion. When it gets “perfected” (i.e. good enough to be repeatable) then it will be performed.
As always, I so enjoy exchanging ideas and challenging thoughts. I like to think that you and I, along with select others, are carrying on the proud tradition of philosophy; not repeating what Plato or Socrates said, but thinking, discussing, agreeing, disagreeing, then thinking anew.
Peace, Love, and the blessings of Our Savior on you and all you hold dear.
Tu amigo para siempre en Cristo,
Esteban