Thursday Thoughts...

“Introverts, in contrast, may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pajamas. They prefer to devote their social energies to close friends, colleagues, and family. They listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation. They tend to dislike conflict. Many have a horror of small talk, but enjoy deep discussions.” 

 Susan Cain

I read this book years ago... Quiet by Susan Cain and I nodded along as I went, finding myself described, understood, even heard.

As introverts, we know we can do things like socialise, attend gatherings, events, and the like; but we also know it will cost us and we will need down time to re-group and re-gather our strength.

Earlier this year after a rather torrid and busy social and community time, we went away for a few days. I sat and did a 1000 piece jigsaw by myself for almost a full day. Barely lifting my head; barely talking. I just needed to stop engaging with the world and with people (even people I love) and get myself and my strength back. Jigsaws are the perfect wind down and build up again for me.

If I do have to attend and socialise at events I find myself best if I can be doing something - washing up, clearing plates, filling drinks, packing up, setting up, whatever. A chore or a job make sit easier - it's the small talk that kills me.

It's good to be reminded of the skills and strengths of introverts; we oftentimes get a bad rap in a world which often responds to the loudest or the boldest.

Shining quietly...