Solitude

A Woman Reading by a Window by Danish painter, Vilhelm Hammershoi


As promised I'm writing today regarding the article I recently read about introverts. I've always know that I am an introvert. I've just never given it much thought until now.

You can read the short article by Sophia Dembling here. 

I was surprised to find I identify with every single one of the nine "signs" Dembling highlighted. She put words to feelings I thought were unique to me or made me some sort of whacky eccentric — I'd never thought of them as part of being introverted. 

Dembling points out that while extroverts are energized by time with other people, introverts are drained by it. Introverts gain their energy and power through reflection and solitude. Ahhhh, yes.

Our culture, however, is geared toward extroverts. The pressure to enjoy parties, chatter, and lots of interpersonal interaction can lead people to think that an inward orientation is a problem instead of an opportunity. Introverts can often be lead to feel that they're wrong or lacking in some way. I know there have been plenty of times when I felt like I was an anti-social freak because I didn't want to accept a social invitation or felt like I just didn't have the "energy" to "chitchat" with someone. I've even found myself needing extra sleep after socializing. How weird is that?

Since a lot of writers seem to be introverts, I began wondering about bloggers, as a whole.


Then I started wondering a whole lot of things. Here are some of them: 

~ Are a lot of bloggers introverts?

~ Are my friends and family members introverts or extroverts? How will knowing that info about them help me change the way I interact with them?

~ How does an introvert live harmoniously with an extreme extrovert? (yes, my husband is about as extroverted as they come) How do we, as a couple, make sure our social needs/quiet time needs are both met?

~ Do people tend to get progressively more introverted? (I think I am.) Like, will I eventually end up a hermit?

Hmmm . . . I must find out more.

My friend Steve, who's an introvert too, told me about this book: Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking. I'm going to read. I also saw another book that sounded good called Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength.

Meanwhile, I'd love for any of you with thoughts to leave me a comment here on the blog or email me. Bring on the insight folks!