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Introvert seeks quiet in a noisy world

By Amy Dickinson, Tribune Content Agency on

Dear Amy: I am a 26-year-old woman living in LA.

I am a friendly, open person. I smile and laugh easily. I'm sure my friends would describe me as "nice," or "sweet."

Despite my disposition, I am an introvert.

In order to keep my energy levels up, I need moments alone throughout the day.

I use ride-share apps for transportation and find that drivers almost always want to talk, even when I give subtle cues that I would rather be quiet.

When I go to restaurants alone, waiters or other solo diners will want to chat throughout the meal.

 

At the retail store where I work I am very friendly with my co-workers, but they continuously want to talk throughout our shift, and will even come into the break room to talk -- or want to go with me if I'm going out.

I like people, but my job already demands so much social interaction that moments of peace where I can read or people-watch or just focus on my work are so important to me. Being kind and well-liked is also important to me.

How can I deal with these situations without seeming rude or closed off?

-- Exhausted

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