I am an "I", not an "E"

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality inventory is almost like a parlour game for some people. The only thing that I can say about one of the test's findings (in a 'duh' moment!) is that I am more introvert than extrovert in my personality.

noun
a person who prefers calm environments, limits social engagement, or embraces a greater than average preference for solitude.

Psychology. a person characterized by concern primarily with his or her own thoughts and feelings.Compare extrovert

versus

noun
an outgoing, gregarious person who thrives in dynamic environments and seeks to maximize social engagement.

Psychology. a person characterized by extroversion; a person concerned primarily with the physical and social environment.Compare introvert
This all comes to mind because I recently came back from an overnight trip to Las Vegas. I went alone and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Those who are not of this personality type seem to have a difficult time grasping it. I never understood what there was not to understand. I do as I please. I make my itineraries. If I opt to change things, I don't have to go through a democratic process of asking someone else (or others) if they are in concurrence. If something doesn't turn out as I would have wanted it to, I have no one to blame but myself (or the person or thing that made it so).
Trying to explain the difference between being alone and being lonely is one of the harder ones. I love my solitude; I play the music I like, don't worry about the volume of the television, or eat when I want to. I can have coffee or tea at 10pm. But being lonely is another matter. There are times when I do want physical contact, or to play a game other than solitaire... or to reminisce or to get another opinion on how a food tastes. I cherish my friends and friendships. I have quality over quantity.