Those who know me know that I’m an introvert. I mentioned it a little bit way back in one of my first blog posts, but haven’t really talked about it since. While voraciously surfing through Pinterest the other day, I came across this:
Source: i.imgur.com via KirstenL4W on Pinterest
These rules for caring for introverts really hit home. There was an article published in The Atlantic years ago called Caring for Your Introvert that’s been very popular, but these rules listed above break it down into simple bullet points.
As an introvert, there are times when I don’t really feel like being social. Those are the times you won’t hear much from me online. I do tend to be an observer, so I’m almost always keeping up with everyone else’s blogs, twitter, facebook, etc., but I don’t always feel the need to comment. It’s probably the single biggest thing that keeps my blog from being as big as I’d like it to be (for the record, I’d be happy with about 2-300 regular readers). But a lot of people don’t understand this need for silence. I’m not depressed, angry, or anything else. I just need to spend time with me more than anyone else. It’s the time alone that rejuvenates me.
I do wish there was a way to schedule around it, since my need for introversion doesn’t always come at the most opportune time. I suppose that’s something I’ll need to work on.
Are you an introvert? How do you deal with it and make it work for you?
Other Posts Like Me:
- Encyclopedia of Me – N is for Name
- Encyclopedia of Me – U is for Undecided
- Childhood Fears
- I Haz Internet
- Back to Basics
I was always confused about whether or not I was an Introvert or an Extrovert (as a teenager). In some situations I was quiet, withdrawn, an observer and in others, the centre of attention. Until one day it was explained to me in a completely different way – an Introvert is someone who loses energy when they are amongst people and an Extrovert gains energy being around people. So I am definitely an Introvert. I still enjoy social settings but have to limit myself as it gets quite exhausting. When I’m sick, tired or low on emotional energy, I can’t cope with being around people at all.
I feel the same way regarding being around people. When I first read the article in The Atlantic, everything made perfect sense to me, and it’s helped me take care of my needs a bit better.
I agree 110% with this. As a fellow introvert, I get so tired of extroverts thinking there’s something wrong with me when I’d rather stay in and read a book than go out to a bar with them. What part of “alone time” don’t they understand?
The odd thing is, I tend to feel guilty taking “me time”, especially when a friend invites me somewhere and I decline. Because I know they don’t understand, I think that makes it worse somehow. Like I should just pretend to want to be social because they miss me. That wouldn’t really be fair to anyone involved though, I realize.
Sigh…
I think extroverts have a hard time understanding why someone wouldn’t want to socialize and take it as a personal rejection. I get this all the time, and sometimes I think it’s easier to say, “I’ve already got other plans” than to tell the truth, as we tend to want to do.
As for me, I think people think I’m really pathetic because a lot of my “me” time is spent in front of the computer, or even the tv if I get tired of being on the internet (rare, but it happens).
Thank you for the Mother’s Day card, my beautiful, introverted daughter!
I Love You!!!! (Who doesn’t even come close to “pathetic”. I will always love you being you!)
Love you too Mommy!