To Wayfarer: I've had the same experience. How do you comfortably "live with it" when every sudden sound, every continual roar of background life, makes you fold in on yourself and (at least) WANT to run to your quiet place? I have a hard time describing my discomfort even to friends who are sympathetic without going into lecture mode. And while my closest friends and family try to remember to keep their voices low, it's not sustainable. Only if I get a pained look on my face and tweak my ear like Carol Burnett did, as a sign to"lower your voice," are they reminded.