I married someone who is very far on the introvert side of the personality scale, so compared to him, I probably seem like a solid extrovert. I’ve always gotten along pretty well with most people and build rapport rather easily with others, so I used to assume that I was an extrovert. The truth is, though, I actually score slightly toward the introvert side on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator inventory. (I’m an ISFJ, if that means anything to you.)

Realizing that I’m slightly “i” of center helps to explain a few things … like the fact that I work well with people but also enjoy working alone on projects … or the fact that I would rather write a long essay than do a group assignment for class. It also sheds light on why I enjoy socializing but am happy to leave when it’s time. Unlike an extrovert, I don’t get energized by being around people. I need my alone time, too.

With this grasp of my personality in mind, my current work situation presents an interesting — and challenging — scenario. Four months ago, two of the four people in my office were relocated to another part of the building. Six weeks ago, the third person also moved. That left me all alone in a four-office nook on a completely different floor from the most of my department (there is a call center next door with one colleague who often works nights when the student callers are on duty, so I seldom see him).

There are days when the quiet is nice. There are days when the solitude is maddening.