This is what I've struggled with recently.

To force yourself to reach out, to me, implies that there's something wrong with being an introvert (or wallflower).

I don't like the idea of admitting that such a natural state of being is in any way abnormal or wrong.

It always seems like introverts don't mind being in a world of extroverts, they just find methods to cope. Extroverts, though, seem to view introverts as "weird" or "shy", somehow incomplete shells of a person. At least, that's my experience.

I never see someone trying to make an extrovert more introverted; but I consistently see the opposite.

To answer your question: I do like to reach out, but for different reasons. It seems extroverts want to reach out for the sake of making contact. -- They're OK with just having drinks, games, making small talk, etc.

As an introvert, I'd rather go to get some mental engagement. I'd go because there's something I can learn from the meetup or it's a meetup surrounding an interesting activity.

It's not about being with people. -- It's about what those people represent [cultures, ideas, insight, knowledge].

There's nothing wrong with being introverted. That doesn't mean that it doesn't have costs.

Trying very hard to be something you're not also has costs.

True, but no-one is expecting it to be 24/7. I think you just have to exert a different set of skills for a limited time period.

When you're alone and coding, you exert your powers of concentration and focus.

When you're in a social situation, be social.

I'd call myself an introvert, but I can certainly charm and interact with the best of them. I just need some quiet time afterwards to recover :-)

I don't know. I sometimes see people trying to make extroverts more introverted. EG sighing, eye-rolling etc when they try to dominate meetings. :-)

To see what people are up to.