Smiles, shyness, and shut downs

I used to tell people that I was shy☺️. After they stopped laughing I explained that my natural state is introverted. I can be outgoing and energetic, but it drains me after a while.

Then I need to go to a quiet place alone and recharge.

Behind those smiles and laughs, my people and social battery is draining...the larger the crowd the faster it drains.

In stressful situations, I work with the team but I am thinking of my escape route to get someplace where I can deal with the stress on my own, in my own terms...

I will shut down or blow up once my people Meter is full. I am just trying to get to the finish line...

Lately I've been wanting to socialize more...but just a touch. A few specific people for laughs is cool.

Summer brings more people out... I have literally come home and just gone to bed after gatherings...

High stress, shutdown. I am listening to my body and learning to manage all of it. So when you see that smile just know I'm on the clock ⏰ 😉