Life as an introvert

Do you need a little more alone time then most? Find out what fuels your introspective personality--and why you may have an advantage over everyone else. 

These were the opening sentences in an article I recently read about introverts in Body & Soul magazine. It definitely piqued my interest. I am an introvert. I have always been an introvert. But I have not always embraced it and I have not always been proud of it.

Being an introvert is often looked down upon. Introverts are not always seen in a favorable light. They are often labeled as shy, withdrawn, antisocial, etc. Introverts tend to not stand out as much as the extroverts.


Are you and undercover introvert?
The article says that if you say "That's me!" or have strong tendencies towards these characteristics, then you are probably an introvert.
You...

• feel perfectly comfortable with periods of silence in a conversation; idle chatter irritates you.
• feel more lonely in a crowd then at home by yourself. 
• become overwhelmed by too much information at once.
• prefer to think first and talk later rather then blurt out ideas just to keep a dialogue flowing.
•  rarely feel bored when you have a few hours alone.
• often feel drained or exhausted after a big party or social event. 
• get grouchy without "me" time. 
• have a rich and active inner life-so much so that external stimulation can overwhelm you. 
• often feel secretly thrilled when plans get canceled and you have the evening to yourself.    
  

I have answered yes to just about all of these. Being an introvert is not easy. Our culture loves extroverts. Our country is built on extroverts who are out there and in always in front of us. Our culture thrives on extroverts. Being an introvert often gets you labeled as "weird" and everyone immediately becomes concerned because there are times you just like to withdraw.

But God didn't make me an extrovert. He made me an introvert. And because He made me, I know that being an introvert is not a negative thing. God creates beautiful things.

Being an introvert has its positives. The article states "When they heed their need for solitude, introverts tap into their greatest strength. Naturally reflective and sensitive, they have qualities that manifest in vast contributions to the world....being avid readers and attuned to the realm of conceptual thought, it's no wonder that many of the best writers are introverts....the ability to replenish their own energy means that introverts develop valuable resources for coping with stress early on....they know how to pace themselves and manage major life changes more easily."

There are many times that I would much rather stay home, curled up in front of the fireplace with a good book and a cup of coffee then head out and be with other people. And those that are extroverts just do not *get* that and how it refreshes an introvert; or that it is okay. I feel refreshed, not bored, when I get to have time to just "be."

Jon is very much an extrovert. He is shy, but he is an extrovert. He is a people person and he loves to just sit and make small talk with people. He thrives on it. That is not me. When we first got married, it was quite a struggle to find a balance for both of us. We had to find a compromise and create an environment in our marriage where we could each thrive. It is a give and take. Sometimes I have to go out and do things that I don't want to or I am not comfortable with because Jon needs to have his soul fed. Sometimes Jon has to bite the bullet and just snuggle up with me on the sofa and do nothing.

While neither of us really *gets* why the other one functions this way or gets refreshed this way, we have learned to respect it, to understand it, to embrace it and to love the other one for their different way of looking at life.

God creates us all differently. Different does not mean wrong. Different does not mean bad. Different is just different. Embrace differences. Love others who are different then us. Accept those that are different from the "normal." They are what keeps life interesting.