I agree with most/all of this, it just seems like the question is, do they prefer those chill settings because of the increased intimacy OR the safety and relative lack of chaos. Increased positive experiences or decreased aversion? By aversion, I mean, are there sensory issues with crowds? feelings of overwhelm? more social anxiety at the uncertain? etc.
In other words, would introverts who had stronger social skills and newly managed social anxiety symptoms still make the same choices? I think the answer is a pretty solid “I/We don’t know” but at least people are working on finding out!
Unfortunately there has also been research that shows money only influences happiness up to a certain point, and then, after that only affects happiness if it is spent on quality shared experiences with friends and loved ones.
Sorry mang, I can make a pretty good case that the research shows you need to have close people in your life for connection and happiness, we’re hardwired and coded for it. So hey, I think you’re probably a person worth knowing and that there’s somebody you’d really get along with, living not far from you. To a degree, interpersonal avoidance is choosing safety now to pay with loneliness later. Take care.