I am another one who doesn't know my preference (I vs. E)
For quite a long time, I lived alone. It was very lonely. I felt tired and depressed. But I didn't even know that I felt depressed. When I was alone that much, I would talk out loud because I got so bored at hearing no one. Hearing myself wasn't especially stimulating, though.
Excessive solitude was very draining on me. It sapped all of my energy.
But being with people constantly is draining, but in a different way. I get overstimulated and confused by multiple conversations. I can't tune out background noise, thanks to my auditory processing disorder. The noise and chaos makes me want to take a break from people, to go to a quiet space and try to chase the noise out of my head.
But, in a more pleasant, less noisy environment, I find that I prefer to have people around me than to be alone. Sure, I like some alone time to read, to draw, to play the piano. It relaxes me, makes me feel recharged, and then, I can enjoy the company of other people.
But I also feel very energized by being with a small group of people, chatting, sharing stories, etc.
Or sometimes, even a larger group stimulates me. I was in a community chorus concert a few days ago, and we had a reception, and I got to visit with friends, and it was fun, and I got energy from being with them.
Since I really don't know if I prefer I or E, do I actually consciously make a choice?
Or does one of the two choose me???