I jog through my neighborhood for about half an hour every morning, and I hike on trails in city parks and natural areas. When jogging, I give the finger to nearly every driver that passes by me (even when I am on the sidewalk rather than the street, and most fervently when a car could have pulled over one lane to avoid zooming right past me but failed to do so). I get a feeling of shock and whisper expletives whenever I notice another person anywhere in my view, whether they are on the street, sidewalk, or trail, or even if they are simply doing something in their front yard like watering or taking out trash. I always avoid eye contact, and if someone attempts to greet me, I ignore them. If someone is walking on the wrong side of a street (the right side rather than the left, so they can't see cars approaching them), I mutter "wrong side" as I pass them, loudly enough for them to hear me.

I am generally asocial (i.e., I don't go to parties or eat meals with people), but I am perfectly fine with—and often enjoy—being around and interacting with other people when I *choose* to do so, such as when I am working at the hospital or attending a worship service.

Does anyone else experience bursts of rage and disturbance when their solitude is "infringed upon" while they are trying to enjoy the outdoors? Also, does anyone have any advice on how to stop having these primal, defensive responses toward other people when jogging and hiking?