Oh Gosh I loved your post! First of all

all I want to do is talk to mushrooms, chickens and plants, as weird as that sounds.

And I thought I was alone!!! Thank you Jesus lol. I feel the same way and I guess this is typical for introverts.

I am so sorry to hear about bullying and I can relate so much! I also have build seriously thick walls as a way of protecting myself. I am still working at shaking off the consequences of early bullying on my behavior towards new people...

I am so happy when others share their true feelings and say through what they are going through, it is inspiring for real. I think that we all find our own rythm.

Being a super empath is hard. I still work on not allowing bullshit people to run me over. I decide to ignore and retreat. Still, I want to give people a chance to show that they are good. But maximum of 2-3 chances in enough.Let me tell you a quote of Oprah which I strive to live by and it helps:
When people show you who they are, believe them. The first time

Amen amen as we empaths are known for giving a million chances to people or circumstances that should have been ignored.

I am happy that you decided to stand up for yourself and leave a job which is depleting you of energy.
Your crunchy apple is so understanding and loving, just what an introvert with a need for space wants
Hugs🤗