You're the very definition of an introvert. Most people think introverts have to be closed up and shy 24/7, but in reality, all it takes to be an introvert is to be "drained" by social interaction. Introverts don't want to be alone ALL the time. Everybody needs a little company. But introverts, such as yourself, prefer short meetings with one or two people to partying all night in a loud environment.
Your friends need to understand that though you do value spending time with them, your first priority is your alone time. Tell them that if they come around too much you start to feel crowded and irritable, and it's not what they're doing to you, it's just your nature. Extraverts, some of whom might be your friends, especially tend to blame themselves if they feel shut out by someone. Make sure you make it clear that you value their friendship and don't want to lose them as a friend, but that you would like to initiate when you feel up to seeing them.
Make sure that, when you do see a friend, you open up to them, so that your friend feels satisfied that you're on good terms and that you have an open and sharing relationship, because, of course, your friends have their own social needs too. Introverts and extraverts CAN be friends, they just need to completely understand each other's needs. Sharing is all it takes.
Am I being unreasonable or are friends too needy?
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You're the very definition of an introvert. Most people think introverts have to be closed up and shy 24/7, but in reality, all it takes to be an introvert is to be "drained" by social interaction. Introverts don't want to be alone ALL the time. Everybody needs a little company. But introverts, such as yourself, prefer short meetings with one or two people to partying all night in a loud environment.
Your friends need to understand that though you do value spending time with them, your first priority is your alone time. Tell them that if they come around too much you start to feel crowded and irritable, and it's not what they're doing to you, it's just your nature. Extraverts, some of whom might be your friends, especially tend to blame themselves if they feel shut out by someone. Make sure you make it clear that you value their friendship and don't want to lose them as a friend, but that you would like to initiate when you feel up to seeing them.
Make sure that, when you do see a friend, you open up to them, so that your friend feels satisfied that you're on good terms and that you have an open and sharing relationship, because, of course, your friends have their own social needs too. Introverts and extraverts CAN be friends, they just need to completely understand each other's needs. Sharing is all it takes.