I don't feel the need to fill the silence– and they think something is wrong

As an introvert, definitely. I've always preferred single, one on one conversations over hanging out with a larger group of friends. I always feel like I have to put on a hyper, energetic act to 'fit in' with the rest of the group, when in reality I'm usually a lot quieter and sometimes just prefer to listen to what others are talking about and take in the experience of just being around them. For example, when I go on a walk with people I feel very comfortable around, I don't feel the need to fill the silence because I'm simply taking in the moment and enjoying the time I'm spending with them whereas among a larger group of friends, if I don't add anything to the conversation, they think something is wrong or that I don't want to be there with them which is NOT the case but it's hard to get others to understand this so I have to keep switching hats from introvert to 'introvert disguised as extrovert'.

- anonymous 15