| I spent the first 40 years of my life trying to fit in to a | | | | feared or discouraged. It's how an introvert keeps |
| way of being that didn't belong to me. I would go to | | | | mental balance. |
| parties and want to hide out in the corner and watch | | | | -Introverts find social gatherings exhausting and the |
| people. I'd come home from large social gatherings | | | | smart introvert will find ways to take the edge off of |
| exhausted. I hated having to make small talk and chat | | | | the feeling of being overwhelmed at a large gathering |
| about things that really didn't mean much to me. While | | | | by quietly retreating to a quiet spot for a few |
| those around me would go from group to group and all | | | | moments now and then. This is healthy, balanced |
| talk at once, I looked on in bewilderment. I disliked large | | | | behavior, and an observant person will notice other |
| gatherings and preferred the sanctuary of my own | | | | introverts doing this as well. |
| space. I loved quiet pursuits and preferred to work by | | | | - Introverts are not necessarily shy; in fact, there are |
| myself or in small groups. I felt like a fish out of water, | | | | many well-known performers who are introverts: |
| both socially and professionally, most of the time. | | | | Candice Bergen, Glenn Close, Clint Eastwood, Tom |
| When I was a little girl, my mother marveled that I | | | | Hanks, Steve Martin, Julia Roberts and Noah Wyle to |
| preferred to play with my cats instead of a bunch of | | | | name only a few. |
| other kids, that I was quiet and seemed rather distant, | | | | - Introverts tend to take time to absorb information |
| and when I did say something, it usually was the kind | | | | before commenting or offering thoughts and opinions |
| of thing that seemed very deep and insightful. She | | | | (that's why they don't say much in a crowd or at a |
| always said that I marched to a different drummer, | | | | business meeting). |
| and she meant this is the best of ways, but as a child I | | | | - There is scientific evidence that indicates that an |
| thought that meant that there was something wrong | | | | introvert's brain actually processes information |
| with me. It took a long time to get past that. | | | | differently than an extrovert's. Really, there's a ton of |
| Don't get me wrong - I liked playing with other kids - | | | | research - just do a web search or head for the |
| one or two at a time. I like people - a lot - just not a | | | | library. |
| bunch of people at once. I love conversation, but I can't | | | | - If you get an introvert to speak up about something |
| just talk and talk. I take time to think about what's going | | | | they know a lot about, or feel passionate about, they |
| on and being said and usually spout my thoughts in | | | | may rival an extrovert in ability to talk at length. But |
| very succinct snippets. I revel in the prospect of a quiet | | | | introverts aren't generally comfortable with small talk. |
| evening at home reading or puttering in the garden. | | | | - Introversion, like any other trait we are born with, is |
| To about three quarters of the population, I am a | | | | not a choice. It just is. Or to quote Jonathon Rauch, "It's |
| mystery. A weird person. Not so long ago, I might have | | | | an orientation". |
| been thought to have a mental disability. To about one | | | | - Introverts are not miserable and they don't need to |
| quarter of the population, I am just like them. I'm an | | | | be converted. |
| introvert. | | | | - Most introverts do not enjoy talking a lot on the |
| Contrary to popular belief, introverts are not | | | | phone (thank God for email). |
| necessarily shy. And introverts don't dislike other | | | | - Introverts are generally very good listeners, but |
| people. I have no problem giving speeches to large | | | | sometimes we get tired of listening and prefer peace |
| groups. And I care deeply about others. But because I | | | | and quiet. |
| live my life on the inside, I am sometimes mistaken for | | | | If you are an introvert and have experienced stress |
| being distant and shy. | | | | because you don't fit in - Rejoice! You don't have to! |
| Here are some important things to know about | | | | Be who you are! If you're an extrovert wondering |
| introverts: | | | | what the heck is wrong with introverts, just realize that |
| - Unlike extroverts, introverts get "recharged" by | | | | we're different. One way is not better than the other |
| spending time by themselves. Introverts seek out | | | | way. Just different, and once we all just realize that, |
| solitude to replenish themselves. This shouldn't be | | | | maybe we'll all relax with it. |