I am also an introvert who has adopted an extroverted appearance. I believe that society considers extroversion "normal" and introversion "abnormal". Often people don't understand my need to be by myself to regroup and rejuvenate myself. So I put on an extroverted exterior to fit in. It makes me feel like a phony though, and like my encounters with people aren't genuine.
Plus I feel guilty because, although I have many friends and loving family members, I don't often call them or set up get togethers with them. They initiate most of the socializing. Its not that I don't love them, but I just can't be with people all of the time, and its hard to fit them all in. If I'm not alone every few days I get extremely stressed and anxious.
I think I have low self esteem, and a feeling of never being good enough because of my introversion and the negative reinforcement I've gotten over the years.
My son is even more introverted than me, and I make it a point to never criticize him for being alone and never nagging him to go out with friends. But he knows he is different, and also feels that sense of society's perception of normal.
Commenting by HaloScan
