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Friday, February 19, 2016

Dear Extroverts,

It’s true. You dominate our culture with your social swagger, your big personalities. Yet at least 4/10 people are introverts. Therefore we introverts would like to share our thoughts. First, some definitions.

Extrovert: typically an assertive, multi-tasker and risk-taker, who enjoys social situations and characteristically thinks out loud.

Introvert: typically enjoys quiet concentration, listening more than talking, thinking before speaking, and taking a cautious approach to risk.

No disrespect but since you can’t interrupt us right now, following are some specifics about us introverts.

1.       We like people but we need to be alone to recharge our batteries.
2.       We like earphones. If there were an earphone for the entire body, we would like that.
3.       Despite this, we are usually good listeners.
4.       When it comes to friendship, less is much more; this is sometimes hard for extroverts to understand.
5.       Introverts are not characteristically shy; it’s just that our default setting is quiet (usually).
6.       When people cancel social plans with us, we glow inside.
7.       Never EVER surprise us with a party.
8.       We can act like extroverts when needed but it can be exhausting.
9.       We are not afraid to lead or take control but we prefer to do so quietly.
10.   We thrive behind the scenes.
11.   Extroverts are more motivated by rewards than we are.
12.   Introverts enjoy being appreciated for what they can bring to the group rather than for who they are in the group.
13.   Widely reported famous introverts include J.K. Rowling, Clint Eastwood, and Steve Martin. So yes, cowboys and comedians can be introverts too.
14.   We do not think we are better than others; in fact, we sometimes feel shame for not being extroverted.
15.   We are dreamers; we think too much.
16.   We don’t want to be cured of this.
17.   It’s not funny when you send a stranger over to talk to us.
18.   Hermit? Don’t go there.
19.   YOLO? No.
20.   A pack of introverts is called a library. 

3 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

"A pack of introverts is called a library" == very true, LOL! An alternate name -- the blogosphere! Many, if not most, bloggers are introverts. You can see why this medium suits us more than it does extroverts.

Anonymous said...

Love that you pointed out how they can't interrupt right now! As introvert, I am a natural listener and wait for people to take their turns. This, in meetings, often leaves me getting talked over because I don't want to interrupt! All of these things, yes. I'm a high functioning introvert but it saps my energy to be highly social.

Nubian said...

I just recently discovered that I am an extrovert/introvert. Google that one. :-)

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