My peer group largely consists of people who are deemed “cold” or “aloof” in social interaction. I too have received this label several times. But what I am beginning to find is that these people, most of whom type INTP or INTJ on the MBTI, are actually the most sensitive, emotional people I’ve ever met. And, almost universally, they have been hurt again and again by society.

Why they confide in me is a bit of a mystery – I’ve been knocked around by society quite a bit myself – but for someone who is called “cold”, I too have an uncanny ability to empathize, so perhaps others are drawn to me for my ability to listen, support, and offer pragmatic advice at the same time.

I’m beginning to wonder whether the “cold” label really indicates distance, or whether it indicates a disinterest in irrelevant social mannerisms in favor of authentic interactions. As a rule, it seems almost universally levied at those least deserving of it.

And that is utterly insufferable.