Oh! It's so nice to read something you've thought about your whole life. I have an uncle, now in his late 60s. He and his friends have been living in the same society since kindergarten. They meet almost every day, go on trips, and party at the drop of a hat, always there when they need each other. I've been jealous of that for such a long time. My friends and I, in the pursuit of money, fame, and who knows what, are now spread across continents. We probably speak once or twice a day. Recent friendships haven't stood the test of time.
I’m not sure if I’m an extrovert or introvert, but I struggle with two things: small talk and being stuck in problem-solving mode.
Small talk: I often don’t know what to say and end up saying the wrong thing. Prolonged small talk makes my mind feel numb, like I need to retreat and recharge. So I try to avoid it if possible.
Problem-solving mode: When I’m focused on solving a problem, I’m physically present but mentally somewhere else. I try to engage in the conversation but can’t fully tune in, leading to goof ups which I regret later.
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