Friends keep us balanced, keep us sane most of the time, and let us run wild (with supervision) when the need arises. Growing up in a large family, the oldest of 4 daughters – (yes, before you ask, an Irish Catholic family) there was never much peace in my house, and I sought comfort and quiet in books.

Books didn’t talk at you constantly, or demand things. Books left you alone.

I always saw myself as an introvert. A school-hater (again, too people-y), I only ever had a handful of close friends for most of my life.

It was only after having my kids, that my life did a weird flip as I slowly started to realize I actually do like people. I generally get on with them…enjoy them, for the most part.

The desire to be around others became clear to me (and no doubt to many other people) during the COVID lockdowns.

Forced to be removed from society, even introverts enjoy the peace and quiet for a while, before they start realizing that people need people. Need some form of human interaction. The clerk at the shop, the person in the car park who politely waves you out….etc etc. And of course, for some, more people-time is crucial, depending on each personality.