Do you feel connected to people in social settings

I’m comfortable even in big social settings (ex: trade shows, conferences ), but I don’t have the life-of-the-party personality. I’m selective of who I talk to and what I talk about.

“Connected” is a word I’d use for people who are really in my life, who know what’s going on with me, in the same way that I know what they’re going through. And that kind of relationship is what I have with those I call friends.

Everyone else is what you called transactional. And this includes co-workers, even some relatives you just say hi/hello to. You know each other, you’ll talk to them when you have to, but you don’t really share with them what makes you sad, what you’re worried about, etc.

I DO actually make connections....We ARE INTROVERTS IN THE AWKWARD WORLD👻

Okay, so I was gonna say I felt like the styrofoam peanuts in a box in the room when I came across this fun fact:

Whether or not you can eat packing peanuts depends on what they are made of. You should never consume traditional styrofoam peanuts, and while plant-based peanuts are technically non-toxic, experts strongly advise against eating them.

I really do fear for the future of the human race.

I dont always, no. But I have a small group around me who make me feel comfortable in these situations and bring me in the loop. You have to find something that regulates you but also give yourself time with it.

Unfortunately I’m that empathetic weirdo who feels connected to everyone in social settings. Because of that, my guard has to be up at all times otherwise public environments will become too overwhelming for me to exist in. I tend to smile at others a lot just in the hope that they’ll make the air around me a little calmer. It’s pretty exhausting but effective.

But here I have to try even harder to exist around others because so many filters simply don’t exist. The rawness of emotions come forth from so many because it’s one of the few places they can express themselves fully, and because of that I’ve had far more negative experiences with people…which makes me see so many as a potential threat to me in some way. The sad truth is many showcase that they are, or at least try to be. The transactional relationships are very much a thing here, given my past experiences here and other online platforms where I never see it as a thing in person.

Yes but not with everyone. I am very suspicious too irl and online. But that doesn't mean I won't give it a chance. And some of them become nice connections.

I dislike transactional relationships.Transactions are the core of a lot of relationships, but purely ones make me anxious. Like, am I to pay attention next time you're going to give me something to give back? It just doesn't make sense for me.
What ever happened to just helping people for the sake of it?

Not really, I stick to a small group and honestly I could go to settings where large crowds are and just be by myself (amusement park for example) because I’d be ignored for the most part and I’m good with that.

Nope, never have and I've made my peace with it.

To be perfectly honest, I don't have the time nor inclination to be socializing with hoards of people. Never have, never will.