QUIET

I am an introvert by nature.  Yes, I love my people and spending time with them.  Connecting, playing.  But I also need down time and alone time to rejuvenate.  

Some people think that I'm a snob because I'm not the first to talk to them and make them feel comfortable.  I'm an observer and a watcher.  I like to asses a person and a situation before jumping in with both feet.  Granted if I'm the only person in the mix I'll talk and be friendly.  But if it's a group, I'm not the first one to put myself out there.  

If it's my own family, that's a whole different story.  I'm in the mix and wanting to talk and connect with EVERYONE.  

We open up to those who we're comfortable with.

Put me in a social situation, where there are ALOT of people (more than 10) and I'm stuck.  I don't know what to do or say.  

Give me a group of 6 or less and I'm comfortable and at home.

Sounds like an introvert to me.  But I still need rejuvenation and alone time even with 6 or less people.

Rejuvenation.....what does that look like?  Time in the yard.  Either working or sitting.  Reading.  Playing the piano.  Journaling.  Cooking.  

I first read this book about 7 years ago.  Maybe it's been longer.  I can't tell you the relief I felt as I read about introverts and recognized myself.  But the beauty of this book was in recognizing the power and necessity of introverts.  We live in a world that celebrates the loud, the outgoing, the social and gregarious personality. I have felt 'less than' because I was not those things. This book helped me realize it was okay to be quiet and need alone time.  

You see, the world needs both.  Introverts and extroverts.  What a sad world it would be if we only had one or the other.  I have friends who are extroverts and they keep me laughing and well-fed with their stories.  Extroverts need introverts who will listen to them but also bring a different view to the table, when necessary.  

I am an introvert.  And it's ok.