Life As An Introvert...Craving The Quiet

Craving The Quiet

Happy Monday, dear readers! Are you happy to be home from work? Looking for a little quiet? Getting some down time by yourself with a good book, some TV or alone time on the computer? Or, are you craving a crowd....hoping to get together with friends, looking forward to a party? The way you answer may give a hint to whether you are an introvert or an extrovert. 

I am most definitely an introvert. After teaching all day in a busy classroom interacting with children and adults of various temperaments and personalities, I crave quiet time when I get home. No big parties or crowds for me in the evenings. That just doesn't appeal at all. Most of my "favorite pastimes" are things that can be done in a solitary fashion. Things like reading....

Cooking.....

Decorating....

Sewing.....

Or working on the computer with Gracie by my side. 

As I mentioned.....I'm an introvert. And I renew my energy by spending time alone.....

It's not that introverts don't like people.....we really do....we just crave the quiet. We need it in order to be the best that we can be.

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Introverts and Extroverts are defined in the following way:

"A person who tends to turn inward mentally. Introverts sometimes avoid large groups of people feeling more energized by time alone. The opposite of an introvert is an extrovert, who finds energy in interactions with others."

(Defintion from www.vocabulary.com)

Sometimes, having an introverted personality can cause misunderstanding. In addition to being introverted, I am also somewhat shy, especially in new situations, so that can be a double whammy for people with my personality trait. In college, some friends told me that when they first met me they thought I was being "snobby" because I always went to my room after class rather than hanging out in the hall to talk. After they got to know me, they realized I loved to laugh and be silly and have fun and goof off just like they did. But, I needed that time in my room after class to recharge my energy, so I could be a wild and crazy gal with them! (Saturday Night Live-Steve Martin-Wild N Crazy Guy talk of the 1970s!)

                              

So, why am I writing today about being introverted?  I think because of an experience today that got me thinking.....

I was invited to be part of a panel of teachers at a local university. We were asked to talk about what life in the classroom was like, especially as it pertained to teaching gifted students. I was working with two other colleagues who are extremely talented ladies....very knowledgeable in their field....and also extremely extroverted. It occurred to me that our introverted/extroverted personalities showed through even in the ways we chose to approach our presentations. Mine was presented in a very calm, factual but passionate way. Theirs was also factual but with lots of laughter, louder voices and excitement. And at the end of the presentation, I was exhausted by the questions and the stress of being "on" in front of a group. I mingled for a short while and then headed for the door, while my colleagues were still surrounded by the students talking and visiting. Now.....I love sharing about teaching and I was excited to be a part of this panel. But, this is how an introvert responds to being "on" in front of a group. (Plus, I had already taught all day before doing this.)  I couldn't wait to get home and do this:

 Chop some onions, cook dinner and chill out!

There's nothing wrong with being an introvert or an extrovert. You are what you are.......it just is......

So, whichever you are, I hope you are having a good evening. Whether you are heading out to a party....or curled up with a good book......

                   Just enjoy being you!

And as for me....I'm soaking up the silence.......

Until Next Time,

Introverted Debbie 

Please leave me a comment below. Are you introverted or extroverted?  Or share anything else you would like to share. 

I'm linking this post with Shellie at TheFabJourney for Wonderful Wednesday. Thanks so much for the linkup!