I love people, sometimes

I sometimes come across as shy.  I sometimes come across as standoffish.  I sometimes come across as the one who is trying to help others come out of their shell.  I sometimes come across as a total people person - funny, really silly, really energetic, full of life and conversation.

It all depends on the situation and the people I am around and how I am feeling at the time.

I do like people.

But I am an introvert - doesn't necessarily mean I am shy, just that I don't necessarily thrive on putting myself out there all the time unless I am really feeling it.

I love talking with certain people in my life.  I love the joy that brings and the laughter that ensues and the knowledge that is imparted.  I love the back and forth play with words that can take place.

I also seem to enjoy talking with strangers at functions.  I don't fully understand that one, but I am sometimes more comfortable talking with people I have never met than I am talking with acquaintances.  I love meeting people and learning their stories.  I love hearing stories of people and the people they have met.

I have become more comfortable with not forcing conversation when I am not feeling it.  I don't just play along anymore - that wastes my time and the other person's time.  I think this has probably caused some people I work and coach with to think that I don't like them.  Definitely not true.  At times, they are people who truly energize me.

Lately, I have just had so many other things that I need to do and have really not wanted to join in some of the topics they talk about.  Sometimes it is draining to listen to people talk about things that I am not interested in.  Sometimes it is really draining to listen to people complain and not have anything positive to say.

So, to answer Fadra's prompt for this Stream of Consciousness Sunday, "Are you a people person?  Do you feel energized or drained around people?"  The answer is yes to each part.