Thursday Thoughts...

“Introversion- along with its cousins sensitivity, seriousness, and shyness- is now a second-class personality trait, somewhere between a disappointment and a pathology. Introverts living in the Extrovert Ideal are like women in a man’s world, discounted because of a trait that goes to the core of who they are. Extroversion is an enormously appealing personality style, but we’ve turned it into an oppressive standard to which most of us feel we must conform.” 

Susan Cain

I am happy that I can still roam through my quotes pages and find ones that for whatever reason, jump out at me and recommend themselves for pondering.

I read Susan Cain's book Quiet many years go and felt such an infinity for her world and descriptors. I have actually done two previous Thursday Thoughts on quotes by her I realise - here and here. But still, it seems I have more thoughts! Or maybe, she has different thoughts on introversion worthy of pondering...

I really do agree with this quote as it suggests the world of extraversion is the one which is valued, celebrated and held up as an exemplar of a successful life. Introverts rarely get praised as role models or set up as exemplars.

She appears really pointed when she describes the personality trait of introversion as being considered as somewhere between a disappointment and a pathology. Ouch! 

I have come to accept that folk will oftentimes underestimate me. In part because I am a woman, in part because I don't need to shine in public settings or push forward my position or prove my expertise. I am a watcher and a listener. I am an observer who also carries with her a strong sense of intuition. I can read a room, I can read body language and I can read the temperature of a conversation.

When required to be forceful or project my position; when the job or task at hand requires it, I can do it. Happily and successfully. But I am much happier in my introvert world - small groups of people, time by myself, time to recharge my battery.