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Am I sick ???? Or simply a Personal Trait ?

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Depends on how much distress this causes in your life. If it paralyzes you and you are unable to function "normally" (ie. keep a job, speak for yourself, isolate out of extreme fear, unable to maintain relationships, etc.), then yes, it has developed into what may be considered a mental illness.

Don't freak out though. There are varying degrees of mental illness(es). Some people suffer deeper than others; some do not have the same level of interruption in their lives because of their behaviours. It really depends on alot of factors, not just shyness or even extreme shyness. You could indeed just have higher introversion tendencies than even the high introverts.

I always thought myself an extrovert until I stopped drinking! It was only then I realized I too, had strong tendencies toward introversion. I also don't "do" people well. They tend to get on my nerves rather quickly (like, as soon as I see them comin'!!)

Anyway, if you indeed are "happy in your solitude," then maybe everyone thinking you're a snob is not such a bad thing, since they would not be so inclined to "bother" you with their BS (and I would say that the people who DO take the time to get to know you are probably the people you would want in your life anyway).

I kinda look at it like the reaction I get from people when I wear my biker jacket and boots (and I am so not a biker chick). I tend not to be bothered so much. Images and perceptions can work both ways - depends on what result you would like.

Just ranting....

AS