Watching me at work, you might not know that most personal interactions, especially with groups, make me extremely anxious. I tend to hide my discomfort well, a combination of great public speaking classes and forced personality changes when on the clock.
Those who do know me both in and outside of the office understand-- I'd much rather spend a day with one or two close friends, chatting and enjoying a quiet place than experiencing the sensory overload of a crowded, loud space. I'm an introvert at my core-- a trait I think comes partially from my shy father and homebody mother.
This being said, I was too excited to see this article posted in my friend Ellen's google reader the other day. Finally, a primer for helping people understand me! It's so odd to be around extroverts all the time (my field tends to be chock full of 'em) who don't understand why I may sometimes come across as cold or boring.
In the case of Jeremy, the conversation is generally more "OMG WHY WOULDN'T I WANT TO GO TO A DAY LONG CONCERT AND THEN GO TO A PARTY AFTERWARDS?!" It's hard being in a relationship with an extrovert-- J craves social interaction, has a lot of friends and always has something on the agenda. I, however, am simply exhausted when even thinking about some of the things we have on deck sometimes. It takes a lot of out of me to be talkative around people I don't know and to force interactions-- I hate that this makes me come across as a bitch sometimes, but it's who I am. If you don't believe me, pay special attention to Myth #10 in the article I posted above.
So, dear reader, are you an introvert or extrovert? What do you find the hardest to deal with when interacting with "the other type"?
You have one huge introvert here! Hopefully I can learn to manage it as well as you have.
ReplyDeleteAlso! I read that book a few years ago. It was comforting.
ReplyDeleteI need to read this book- we are soooo alike- I think we knew that! I get tired of I have more than a few things on my plate during the day! Hope you are doing well :)
ReplyDeleteSSoooo true. I need to take this one in to work. I definately don't like to interact for the sake of it and I absolutely shut down when there is too much going on. My B can't understand why I don't want the music up in my room, when I can hear a drill going, an u`sonic cleaner going, and converstaions in 2 other rooms, along with a phone ringing. The music doesn't drown out it makes it worse! I can barely function or get the proper thoughts together at that point. I am definatley bringing that post in for my next agenda day1 Thanks!
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