Mildly Antisocial Tendencies

Last night I told the story of Penny's birthday party. For those of you who may never have heard it, here it is. Don't worry, it's short.

In third grade, a second-grader invited me to her birthday party. She was a very popular second grader, so I went. I think she was in my Girl Scout Troop...

Anyway, at the party we had a lot of fun, went on a scavenger hunt, ate cake. At the end of the night, they turned on the radio and started dancing. Guess what I was doing? You all know, because you know me. I was sitting in a corner reading a book. They tried to get me to dance, but I didn't feel like it.

Now, I tell that story not because I want people to feel bad for me [why should they?], but rather because it's funny and it sums up my life in a few sentences. Yet whenever I recall that night, invariably someone listening says, "But you don't have to be that person!" I appreciate the sentiment, I do, but seriously, I don't think it's a bad thing to be a little antisocial.

I try to understand why people can be so upset by my introverted nature, and the only conclusion I can come to is that they think they are not entertaining me enough, or that something is wrong. (Sorry, but that's selfish.) So I try to include myself as much as possible, fight the urge to leave the group and read, daydream, write, etc, not because I am ashamed of who I am. No, I do it so that others don't feel bad.

That's not to say I don't enjoy people. No, I love being around people - I just don't always love interacting with them. Point: If I wander off, don't worry, I'll be back.