No offense, I just don't want to be around....you know....people.

Image source

I am an introvert.

This means that while I often enjoy social interactions, I need to "recharge" by having time on my own. In a world that seems to laud extroversion and look down on introversion, it can be difficult to be as introverted as I am.

It was more of a challenge for me when I was in school and when I had an office job. Being surrounded by extroverts all day, many of whom (with the best of intentions) tried to get me to "come out of my shell" or "try new things," was exhausting. When I got home all I wanted was to be left alone, thank you very much.

Since then I've done some reading about introversion.* At first, it was in an attempt to overcome it. I wanted to be more extroverted. I wanted to be what I thought was "normal." But I know better now. It's not something to overcome or hide or apologize for. I'm introverted because that's just how my brain works. And there are many strengths to an introverted personality.

Now when I read about introversion, it's to learn how to better embrace it and fit it into my lifestyle. I want to know how to talk to extroverts about introversion so they can better understand why I'd rather stay home and read than go out to dinner and a movie and drinks and a party. I want to know how to use my introversion to my advantage in working with clients.

As I continue to learn how to live as an introvert, I'm incredibly lucky to have people in my life who understand this part of me, and who encourage me in all the best ways.

Growing up my parents never forced me to be more outgoing. They encouraged me to do activities and try new things like dance, scouting, baseball, and music. But when I wasn't involved in something, that was fine, too.

Yvaine is an extrovert, but was an introvert once upon a time, and has a genuine understanding of what it's like to be inside my head. We have great conversations, and it's okay if we just sit and muse for a while.

I'm thankful for people who don't take offense when I just need to be left alone for a bit.

I bought Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. I haven't read it yet; it's on my nightstand for this weekend. I'm hoping this book will better help me embrace my introvertedness so I can continue to live authentically me with no apologies. And maybe understand myself better.

I like who I am, and who I'm becoming, and this is a major part of it.

I am introverted. And I count that in my assets column.






-----
*Lots of moments of "Well, that explains a lot" in my reading.