I don't really know how to interact with people; I guess I never did.

I come from a family of mostly extroverts, so I was always "the quiet one." They couldn't seem to survive on their own for even an hour, needing constant attention and "togetherness" from each other and friends and extended family. I often tried to keep up but would ultimately need to "recharge" alone. They didn't really understand it and would either become aggressively offended (mostly my brother) or emotionally hurt (mostly my mother).

I see similar dynamics at work where people seem exasperated when I don't engage "enough" with them or act as though I prefer to be left alone. When I attempt to keep up with their social expectations, I end up becoming exhausted and feeling vulnerable. When I give into my need for solitude, they become upset with me and I feel like I am doing something wrong or career-killing.