I have been excellent in academics and my career. I have recently taken a career break after careful planning. I love to read and travel .I have decent finances and a good partner.

My problem is that increasingly I can't stand being with people. Like AT ALL!! While I have always liked my own company (and dogs'), now I absolutely drain out after an hour with people.

This break is lovely: I spend my day reading, writing, playing with my dogs, taking small walks. But it has made me want to stretch it for life!!

I know it is not people but me. I know some very smart, intelligent, nice, charming folks with diverse interests: colleagues, relatives, friends, acquaintances. While I am usually interested in the topics we discuss (personal, social, books, movies etc.) and on an abstract level really love them: face to face or phone to phone just washes me out. No matter how good a conversation is, I feel pressurised to act. Being with people just arouses anxiety in me which I find baffling.

I daydream about being a recluse. But being in early thirties I am not sure if I will eventually feel bad about missing out. Because my profession as well as my interests ( other than reading/ dogs etc.) require socialising / networking : I feel as if I am turning my back on good things. Out of sight, out of mind.

My partner thinks I should socialise a bit and not get this feeling of boredom become a habit. And I suspect he is right.

But in my heart I feel I will be most content as I am right now. Little human contact and my own world without any person to bother about.

I was wondering is there some disorder in me? Should I seek help? Read books?>

Believe me, this need to shut out people completely has become so strong that I am ready to try out anything which makes sense to me.

Any advice?