Miserable, no; quiet, yes. I don’t know what to do in social situations, so I just pay attention, smile, and participate only when I absolutely have something to say.
In groups of people I don’t know well, I don’t say much but offer encouragement and react supportively - people seem to enjoy that. I’m told I’m a “good listener” when that’s literally just my defense mechanism. It’s wild what information people will volunteer just to fill conversational space.
With people I know well or who share my hobbies/obsessions, I will be more likely to participate until I run out of energy. I’ve convinced myself (with no evidence) I’m annoying or have nothing to contribute, so being quiet minimises the damage either way.
Miserable, no; quiet, yes. I don’t know what to do in social situations, so I just pay attention, smile, and participate only when I absolutely have something to say.
In groups of people I don’t know well, I don’t say much but offer encouragement and react supportively - people seem to enjoy that. I’m told I’m a “good listener” when that’s literally just my defense mechanism. It’s wild what information people will volunteer just to fill conversational space.
With people I know well or who share my hobbies/obsessions, I will be more likely to participate until I run out of energy. I’ve convinced myself (with no evidence) I’m annoying or have nothing to contribute, so being quiet minimises the damage either way.