Anonymous.

I like walking through crowds being anonymous.  Unfortunately, given the community I live in, it's hard to do so.  Even if I don't know Mr. Corner-Squatting-Guy he might know me somehow, as he could be the cousin of Mr. First-Floor-Neighbor. You just never know in a community where everyone is like second cousins or something.  

I'm an introvert, though I hate the connotations of the word, as most people think that means you're some sort of recluse or loner.  I'll admit to inconveniencing myself to avoid seeing people I know sometimes, like turning and going the other way to avoid striking a conversation with someone.  I used to get huge headaches after large group meetings in college from having to be 'social' for a period.  It tires me out. 

Part of me fears going back to the States because I'm sure I can't maintain too much anonymity knowing that people are waiting for me to be back.  Part of me selfishly wants the fanfare--the other part just wants to quietly slip back into life in the States. 

I'll settle for a compromise.