Proof that I am an introvert.

Source: http://www.psychologytoday.com/print/46944

"Often confused with shyness, introversion does not imply social reticence or discomfort. Rather than being averse to social engagement, introverts become overwhelmed by too much of it, which explains why the introvert is ready to leave a party after an hour and the extravert gains steam as the night goes on."

This is just one example, but holds true to me. Over a period of a few hours I often become overwhelmed by anxiety when participating in group activities. The way to counter this is to steer away from the activity every now and then, although in some situations this might seem impolite. Furthermore, I tend to make up excuses to leave earlier.

"Scientists now know that, while introverts have no special advantage in intelligence, they do seem to process more information than others in any given situation. To digest it, they do best in quiet environments, interacting one on one."

Very true. I prefer one-on-one social situations, dialogue. To me people act more sensibly when deprived of a group's social stimuli (multi-peer pressure).

"Further, their brains are less dependent on external stimuli and rewards to feel good.""

Such as enjoying silent, lonely moments during which I can further refine my wild fantasies and live in them. External "rewards" feel so goddamn lame compared to any solitary moment, or dialogue, during which I invent some new and exciting strain of thought.

"As a result, introverts are not driven to seek big hits of positive emotional arousal—they'd rather find meaning than bliss—making them relatively immune to the search for happiness that permeates contemporary American culture."

Well, the search for crappiness permeates the European AND Finnish culture too. I personally feel like seeking happiness (and/or perfection) is almost something that one MUST obsess with in order to be generally regarded as a person worth noticing.

"In fact, the cultural emphasis on happiness may actually threaten their mental health. As American life becomes increasingly competitive and aggressive, to say nothing of blindingly fast, the pressures to produce on demand, be a team player, and make snap decisions cut introverts off from their inner power source, leaving them stressed and depleted. Introverts today face one overarching challenge—not to feel like misfits in their own culture."

Exactly how I feel.