“He’s a little backward. ” “He’s just a little shy. ” This is what I heard throughout my childhood. What a message to send to a kid. Because you are quiet, because you like being alone, there must be something wrong with you. Actually, when I think about it, I have been sent this message my entire life.
It was much later in life that I learned about the true difference between introverts and extroverts. Extroverts gain energy being around others and introverts lose energy in similar situations. The experts say that the world is sixty percent extrovert and forty percent introvert. But, when you are an introvert, it seems more like 90/10. That’s because you extroverts are always out there doing your extrovert things in public. While us introverts are quietly observing and keeping a much lower profile.
This introvert doesn’t like the spotlight. I don’t like to have attention focused on me. That is why, in high school, I ran for vice-president of student council instead of president. The presidential candidates had to make a speech in assembly. NO thank you!
This introvert doesn’t like going to parties. When you are quiet, at a party, inevitably an extrovert will point out how quiet you are. Thanks. I already knew that. Sometimes, at parties, you may be expected to dance. I am not speaking for all introverts, but I would rather just listen to the music. Since we are living in an extrovert’s world, parties and/or public announcements are how we celebrate success. He’s retiring after forty years…..let’s throw him a party! We achieved corporate goals….let’s have a party! Perfection for me in those situations…. retirement, give me a pile of books. Corporate goals….a party for those who like to party and a nice gift card for the rest! But, that’s just me, and it doesn’t mean I do not appreciate invitations and recognition. Just that I prefer to be recognized in a way that means something more to me personally.
My being an introvert is such an integral part of who I am and how I move in the world. I could go on about this topic for pages and pages but I try to limit my rants and keep blog posts to about a two minute read. Let me end this blog post with an example of how extroverts gain an unfair advantage in the schools. Class participation as a percentage of one’s grade. That always frustrated me and always will!
So enjoy this beautiful Spring day. Celebrate it by dancing in the streets or by reading a book under a tree. There is room in the world for both.
A Semi-retired Kind of Life 