I'm an introvert. Social activity is not that important to me, not as important as it is to my friends, none of whom are as introverted as I am. I'm not shy, but some of my extroverted friends are. Life is hell for a shy extrovert. I get invited to social outings because I'll be the one to break the ice, keep conversations going and create a comfort zone. It usually turns out okay. But it would be just as okay to be home reading a book.

Social activity enlivens my more extroverted pals and it exhausts me. One outing a week, max, is about my limit. The fact is, I could go without any outings and be just fine within myself, but I really do believe social connections are important for both mental and physical well-being so I sometimes go out with pals when I'm not feeling keen on the activity if the pal really wants to go and not go alone. There's usually some sort of reciprocity over time. For me, that's an important component in friendship - reciprocity, give and take, making the friendship a two way street.