José and are quite choosy about the time we spend socialising because we both realize that we need quite a bit of recovery time from this. We also tend to analyse conversations and reflect on them. That’s because we’re both introverts.
Yesterday, José and I met up with a young family and spent about two hours in their company. Good company, easy conversation, and delightful side conversations with the two little boys. Despite this being such a pleasant experience, both of us were quite drained.
Only in my late forties did I realize and own that I'm an introvert. Being born into a large extended family and being an Army kid, I’d learned to adapt and function as an extrovert. But it wasn’t the real me.
The pandemic only underlined just how much of an introvert I truly am. The two plus years of quiet were so healing!
A couple of years ago, I read Introvert Power and claimed my introversion and proclaimed it loudly.
In the book, psychologist and introvert Laurie Helgoe explores the power of introversion. Introverts gain energy from reflection and alone time, but our society often values extroverted traits more. This can make introverts feel like their natural tendencies are a problem rather than a strength.
Helgoe believes the opposite is true: introverts can use their inner strength to their advantage. "Introvert Power" is a guide to help introverts make the most of their unique qualities in daily life.
The book offers tips for introverts to:
Find and enjoy private space
Slow down their daily pace
Handle parties, interruptions, and crowds better
Helgoe’s advice helps introverts appreciate their inner power and turn what others might see as a weakness into a strong advantage.
As an introvert, you can be your own best friend or your worst enemy. The good news is we generally like our own company, a quality that extroverts often envy. We find comfort in solitude and know how to soothe ourselves. Even our willingness to look at ourselves critically is often helpful.
During the Pandemic, I wrote this 100 word tongue in cheek story about introvert power - enjoy!
Marnie listened as her sister, Blix, ranted and raved on the phone about the pandemic and how she felt so locked in at home. “There’s only so much television I can watch,” her sister had said. “Try reading or take up some other indoor hobby?” Marnie asked quietly. “You’ve got to be joking! What? Take up those old maid habits of yours? Knitting! Reading! Who even does that in 2020?”
“I do and it keeps me from grumbling,” reflected Marnie, ignoring the barb.
“Who’s having the last laugh now? Introversion is power!” Marnie thought, smiling to herself.
It’s important to understand how we function and so make allowances for ourselves and others.
(You might like to read my post on Everyday Gyaan : 5 Ways to Have a Good Social Life as an Introvert)
Are you an extrovert or an introvert? What about your significant other?
Until next Tuesday!
Corinne
Corinne, I loved reading this because I found so much of myself here ❤️ Trying to make people understand what introversion really is (not shyness, not misanthropy) is one of my "nerdy" traits. In fact, I wasn't comfortable with the label until I did some good old-fashioned digging and wrote about it - https://www.elephantjournal.com/2016/04/finding-your-light-calling-all-introverts/ , https://shreya21094.substack.com/p/the-introvert-burnoutsocial-hangover and https://shreya21094.substack.com/p/introverted-teachers-and-impostor
Only and only writing has helped me to come to terms with it! Hugs.
I’m among the rare breed of people who thrived in the pandemic. I loved it slow, quiet moments. I guess I’m an introvert though I’ve thought in the past that I had ambivert traits.
Lovely piece.