Thank You, Science
Here's a trendy article: Caring for Your Introvert. It's got some great lines - Science has learned a good deal in recent years about the habits and requirements of introverts. But it also does this thing where the second half of the article loses steam and starts randomly insulting small talk. This is something I've seen lots of introverts do, and it bothers me.
We call ourselves introverts because talking to people who are new and/or numerous enervates the fuck out of us. Which is entirely true, as far as I'm concerned. Lots of people genuinely enjoy lots of things that are tiring, though (runner's highs and Arnold Schoenberg come to mind), so why the comparison between friendly banter and toxic fog?
Anyway, if anyone reads this article and still feels like an extrovert at the end, I'd like to hear about it. Also, the best comment thread I've seen so far is at Electrolite - the use of science fiction conventions as an example of social interaction is as adorable as a baby with Vulcan ears.