A blog for 40-something women navigating married life and working from home. All while rediscovering who they are in a new decade of life. 

Life as an Introvert

I am an introvert. And that is okay! Even if I do perpetuate some of the worst introvert stereotypes. For example, I am shy and I dislike people. Well, large groups of people. I’m also a little rude, because unlike most introverts, I don’t always think before I speak.

Introverts “…need time alone like they need food and water. Give them their space. There’s nothing wrong with them. They’re not depressed and they’re not sad. They just need time alone to recharge their batteries.” – Brian Kim

The above quote is from one of the great articles I’ve been reading on introverts, which inspired me to write my own article. It was so nice to read these authors that actually understand what it is like being an introvert in today’s world. Most people don’t understand people like me.

Here are some things that I and other introverts have in common:

1. Introverts need “me” time!
Dealing with social activities requires a lot on energy from an introvert, so they need time to recharge. I work in retail, so I deal with people all day, every day. Having time to recharge is very important for me to be able to function. In the morning, I don’t want to talk to anyone until I get to work. My brain is already in overdrive making plans for the day, I can’t deal with anything else. When I come home from work, I just want to read, blog, watch TV or play games. I am pretty much all talked out!

2. Introverts prefer books to parties.
Not just books, but lots of other kinds of solitary activities. I know that I do! I do enjoy shopping, going to the movies, and eating out with my friends. I even like the occasional party, but for the most part give me my books, and my computer and I am content. When the last Harry Potter came out, I told my friends I wouldn’t be going out that weekend. I locked myself in my room and read for hours. For me, that was a good time!

3. Introverts have fun, just in a different way.
I hate being asked, “Why are you being so quiet?” or “Aren’t you having fun?” just because I am quietly enjoying a party or social event. Just because I am not being loud or talking a lot, doesn’t mean I’m not having a good time. I am, just in a more reserved way than an extroverted person would. 🙂

You can read more about introverts here and here.

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One response to “Life as an Introvert

  1. Adam Winters

    Remember ‘My Stepmother is an Alien’? Kim Basinger explained to Dan Ackroyd that her people were a studious race and when he asked her what they did for fun, she replied ‘Math’.

    The majority of people lose interest in self-development once they’re satisified they’re the same as everyone around them. That’s a pretty low standard.

    Introverts are more independent and may well derive fun from maths. If they do, it’ll be their choice – not the popular concensus.

    Me, I enjoy looking at landscapes and visualising their past and their future. It’s a peaceful, contemplative exercise that is best done in solitude. I fell refreshed and energised after a time. I think that’s the same result the party animals go for.

    Actually, the excitement they seem hooked on is overwhelming and upsetting for me. I think introverts do feel more deeply than extroverts and that’s why over-stimulation is a greater threat to us. The poor extroverts are very ‘blah’ and have to keep upping the ante to get their buzz.