That all sounds exhausting (introvert here).

The last thing I want to do when out in public is be stuck talking with strangers.

As an introvert, one thing that works is that I repeatedly go to the same shops and restaurants so people know me and I know them, and we’re not strangers anymore.

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lukan 2 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

"is be stuck talking with strangers."

Then learn not just how to start, but also how to end a conversation. I hated having to do small talk with people - until I learned that I had not to. I now can share something interesting - and then go back to minding my buisness. (If the other person is deaf on their end - strong signals to end a conversation are looking away, turning the body away, opening up ones laptop ... (or put out the damn phone) or put on earphones)

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jagenabler2 2 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

The price of community is inconvenience

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forshaper 2 hours ago | parent [-]

The price of a strong community is extreme annoyance (and it's worth every bit of frustration)

	▲	em-bee an hour ago \| parent [-]
		that's not a strong community, but an overbearing, suffocating one. but that behavior leads to disagreement or disunity. it's why i left germany/europe btw. a strong community stands by its members. it supports them. it doesn't annoy them.

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2 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

[deleted]

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knorker 2 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

As a fellow introvert, I would recommend that you see it as taking medication. Or getting exercise.

You don't do it because you like it. You do it because if you don't, then you'll be worse off years later.

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jader201 2 hours ago | parent | next [-]

> You do it because if you don't, then you'll be worse off years later.

This feels hyperbolic. While I would agree that community and remaining connected are very important to overall health, I don’t feel like making a habit of talking to strangers is a prerequisite.

	▲	lukan 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		"I don’t feel like making a habit of talking to strangers is a prerequisite." But if you practise that skill, you will then also be able to pick up a conversation with people you do find interesting.

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xRyen 2 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

This is something I've definitely lived by for many years. Nearly all of my colleagues and friends don't believe me when I say I'm an introvert. I purposely put the effort in to make meaningful connections with anyone I can and it has paid off more times than I could ever count. Is it exhausting? Absolutely. But in my mind, the alternative is worse. People are great. Get to know them.

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SoftTalker 2 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

You say this as if introversion is something to be "cured."

It's like telling a gay man that he just needs to try dating more women.

There's nothing wrong with being an introvert. It's not really a choice in the first place.