I also really struggle connecting with people. I feel like I'm following an instruction manual when participating in small talk or trying to sympathize with others.
You are an introvert.
Being stagnant and alone too long [...] Without stimulation, I just kind of... get really grey and de-energized.
I handle changes well, usually with a clap and "Let's dance!", and that attitude can motivate others.
Nevermind.
Learning new things goes right along this track, I pick up new hobbies like crazy.
Extroverted intuition is always searching for new ideas/concepts in an ADHD fashion. I could quote half of your post to verify that you are an Ne user.
I also really struggle connecting with people. I feel like I'm following an instruction manual when participating in small talk or trying to sympathize with others.
I've heard many INTPs/INTJs make similar statements, but it seems you have Ne as a dominant or secondary function, which would make you a perceiver.
I wonder if I could figure out where that photo was taken based on the storm cell, architecture, and type of plants being grown..?
Someone below compared your use of "thinking out loud" writing to extroverted thinking. That could be, but you disagreed with their point, so I'm not sure. You do sound like you enjoy debates, though.
I'd probably roll my eyes and start gearing up for a debate. I love discussions so my immediate reaction is to start gathering up all my points.
Do you enjoy debates for sport or for gathering information? (Or both?)
You are tough to type, and you know it. Now get ready for a terrible answer.
I think you are an xNxP. You are unique. Congratulations, you special snowflake, you. If it wasn't for you saying that you can't stand small talk and you struggle to connect with people, I would have typed you as an ENxP, being that you express that you don't have strong emotional convictions but you seem to be a bit of a feeler, at least. And I quote:
I like to [...] help my workplace out, because it's fun to do. I handle changes well, usually with a clap and "Let's dance!", and that attitude can motivate others.
Have you spent much time at any specific MBTI type forums/subreddits? That's always a helpful tool to figure out which type you fit best with.