It took me a long time to accept that I am a social introvert. I like people, just not lots of them all at once in my face. I prefer small dinners with friends to clubbing with strangers. I am a homebody not a galavanter.
Maybe I write because I prefer that to speaking. It's not that I have nothing to verbally say, but what I say is well-considered and shared sparingly. I wish others would do the same, but such is not our culture these days. Today more is better, quantity is quality and there are few social filters so we hear just about every thought expressed 24/7 whether we care or not. Thank you Facebook.
I'm happy there is a 'Quiet Revolution' under way. I hope we can find a balance between the 'cult of personality' and a deeper more reflective state of being that might consider leaving a bit unsaid, a few seconds of silence perhaps to encourage sharing of emotions and ideas, which I believe they call communication. My husband calls it being on receive rather than transmit. We should all try that sometimes. You'd be amazed what you hear when you stop talking and just breathe.
My son had an extroverted teacher in his earlier grades. She was a good teacher, but she thought his lack of sharing in class (for which he was docked marks because it's all about participation and group work these days) meant he was approaching deaf-mutism. After I stopped my inner screaming, I told her that he only speaks when he has something to say and someone he feels comfortable sharing it with. He is with a teacher now who lets him speak and actually listens.
Introverts don't like being bombarded with stimulus. We will share if you give us room and time to speak. That's why I enjoy writing. I can have a conversation with my readers and myself without anyone interrupting. It allows for quiet reflection and communication.
Thanks for listening.
