saidso, I think you are onto something re: this being a learned behavior. I've noticed that the less often I socialize, the more I dislike socializing, which speaks to Blogwriter's point. I can't tell if it is anxiety driven or not - I don't feel anxious about it as much as I just don't want to do it and would rather be doing something else.

Sisabel, I do volunteer work too. I started off doing volunteer work to boost my socializing but found I kept picking the assignments I could do alone, anytime I wanted, lol. There are a lot of hiking groups in my area, but when I hike, it's to enjoy the outdoors, see animals, look at plants, etc. A crowd of people doesn't improve the experience.

Ten (or twelve) years ago I went out every night, met up with people everywhere I went. Now I am back to wanting to be alone and anonymous. I wonder if I'm an ambivert that switches every ten years.