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On being an introvert - is there an advantage?

January 7th, 2006 at 10:57 pm

Just finished reading "The Introvert Advantage: How to thrive in an extrovert world" and I can see how some aspects of an introvert's personality are advantageous. If only the extrovert world would start appreciating us more! Smile

Sometimes when I've been overloaded, the slightest touch would set me off and it was difficult for people (especially my mom while I was growing up) to understand that I didn't want to be around anyone - had nothing to do how much I cared about the people. I like to be around people, but I get my batteries charged by being by myself (often reading a book or taking a walk or just sitting and thinking - which is very hard for some people to understand - they think I'm being lazy). Extroverts, of course, get their energy from being around others and having lots of stimulation. Not to say that that can't get tiring as well and extroverts need to have time outs, but in essence, being with people is where the charge up their batteries.

The author has some great tips about social situations that I can learn a thing or two from. Small talk usually drives me crazy. On the other hand, small talk is where relationships start and how careers are advanced. Other tips include how to tell whether your child is an extrovert or introvert and how to encourage both types. Being an introverted mother with an extroverted son has created some friction in our house and now I realize I just need to be more verbal in my apprecitaion of the things he does.

I'm sure there must be some advantages to being introverted... introverts tend to think about things in more depth, they often come up with more creative solutions, or more thorough solutions i.e. they've thought about the whole process and the possible consequences, but I'd have to say that it's still hard to be an introvert and I've had to learn lots of skills for working in an extrovert's environment. Smile, laugh, be cheery (before I run and hide in my office for some peace and quiet). Smile

Marti Olsen Laney also includes tips for introverts and dating that I got a kick out of. Won't need those, but I enjoyed reading them.

Jorge

3 Responses to “On being an introvert - is there an advantage?”

  1. Anonymous Says:
    1136725153

    Sounds like a nice book. I often find people don't understand my introverted family.

  2. Anonymous Says:
    1136739799

    I think I might have to pick up that book myself.

    When I lived in Texas, I thought there was something wrong with me because I just wasn't good at small talk. It wasn't until I moved to Massachusetts where people are more reserved (rather than "rude," as some proclaim!) that I really began to feel at ease.

    Embrace your inner introvert, I say! Smile

  3. Anonymous Says:
    1136759121

    Hmm, maybe I should move to Massachusetts. :P I'm becoming more and more introverted as I get older.

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