I’m 37 years old and I’m just realizing I may be an introvert.
I came across this on Pinterest, took a quick read and thought, hey, that kinda sounds like me…but I’m not an introvert, am I? Maybe I need to do some Google research…
- Definition of an Introvert: Contrary to what most people think, an introvert is not simply a person who is shy. In fact, being shy has little to do with being an introvert! Shyness has an element of apprehension, nervousness and anxiety, and while an introvert may also be shy, introversion itself is not shyness. Basically, an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people.
Yep, that sounds like me.
I told Mike that I recently realized I’m an introvert and he said, “no way – you’re not shy.” But after I read the above graphic to him, he was like, yep, that sounds like you. No wonder I generally don’t enjoy small talk, I’m not a big fan of parties and hey – I enjoy quiet evenings all by myself. I’m not strange, I’m not weird…it’s just how I am. I don’t dislike people, they just tire me out.
I always thought like everyone else that being an introvert meant you were shy, but I’m definitely not shy. I’m not lonely either. I read something that said just because I like being alone doesn’t mean I’m lonely. And I don’t want to be alone all of the time – so please do call or write dear friends and family – I just sometimes need time to re-energize my batteries. It’s my chemistry and my core.
Carol Anne January 14, 2013 at 12:01 am
Good grief! I’m an introvert as well!
Talyn January 14, 2013 at 9:23 am
There seems to be a lot circulating currently on this topic and as a result, I too just discovered that I am an introvert.
My desire for solitude became overwhelming to me and everyone in my life when I hit 30. That was 13 years ago and since then I have struggled socially. I have been very hard on myself because I didn’t understand why I feel this way.
My ex-husband at the time, my own Mother as well as my Mother in-law can not accept that I am 100% happy and content when I am alone or at home with my children and current husband (who thankfully is an introvert also).
It is an inward struggle to have to go anywhere really.
We love our life together as a family, and prefer that over everything.
There does lie a huge conflict that I can’t resolve however, my 7 year old daughter in an extrovert like her grandmothers and she loves social stimulation. She loves to be out and about and thrives from being around people and friends. Play dates are very hard for me, she suffers at the price of my being introverted. I am not sure how to handle the challenge of being an introverted parent of an extroverted child.
If anyone reading this has any advice, I would truly be grateful! Thank you!
Talyn January 14, 2013 at 9:28 am
I was also thinking that there must be some link to a hereditary factor?
My father was an introvert, and my introverted husbands father is also an introvert.
My 4 son seems to be an introvert, perhaps it gets passed down from fathers?
My daughter on the other hand is very much an extrovert! hmmmm interesting.
Isn’t it liberating when you finally figure this out about yourself? Sets you free from all the emotional turmoil of guilt for what we are.
Jill January 16, 2013 at 9:26 pm
I’m an introvert for sure. Being around groups if chatty, talking, “bubbly” people for any period if time wears me out. I feel like my brain literally shuts down. I’m fine to a point and then I’m done. I relish time alone, and the longer I’m alone the more comfortable (and productive) I get. I hated my introversion for a long time and thought it was “wrong”, but now I really appreciate it for what it is and I embrace it. There’s lots to be said for being comfortable with yourself and by yourself.
carissajaded January 17, 2013 at 4:28 pm
I still don’t think I’m an introvert… but I have a lot more introverted qualities than I could have thought! The more time I spend alone, the more I like to be alone. So maybe I’m changing.
Sara January 25, 2013 at 5:39 pm
Yes, I think I am as well. But, although I enjoy being alone I like it to be on my terms. Otherwise it can be very lonely. Sometimes I think that doesn’t make sense, but I guess it doesn’t really have to, huh?
Bella Michelle @ Southern Somedays February 3, 2013 at 3:55 pm
I have become more and more of a true introvert as I have gotten older and think I probably always have been but I was conditioned by others to be an extrovert because that is what they wanted from me. Fortunately….I am picking my own path now and introvert it is! Love this post!
Sheila February 4, 2013 at 4:18 pm
Love your blog! Have you seen the youtube video Sh%t Southern Women Say? I think you’d find it funny