19th January 2026

The plight of being a people person and a misanthrope.

People are annoying. The paradox is I am actually a people person. I know how to make people feel seen. My energy is one that people are drawn to.

Sometimes I intentionally emit the kind of energy that repels people from me. It tends to go one of two ways: people constantly ask me, “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” or they presume I’m unapproachable and leave me alone. The latter is the desired outcome.

Unfortunately I can’t operate as the misanthrope I am. Society just doesn’t work that way. I don’t have the money to create that reality for myself. It doesn’t help that I’ve found myself in a job that means my people skills are a strength.

I haven’t been diagnosed officially, but I suspect I have some kind of medical personality condition. As natural as being the most energetic person in the room is for me, being amongst people feels like wearing an energy-draining mask.

The mask has some wear and tear to it now. When I was younger the mask was flawless. These days it’s still pretty deceptive, enough so that people truly believe I’m a social butterfly. The cracks are visible when you get the chance to look close enough.

A group of three or more people is much more manageable… if I must be around…