Observations on Introverts (mostly me)
I'm an odd introvert. I'm not like most of the introverts that I know. I know two fellows who are great with people - charming, charismatic, funny. Put them in the right crowd and they become the center of attention. The wife of one of those fellows is quieter, more easily recognized as an introvert, but still great with people. She has commented how she loves to watch the ebb and flow of conversations, joining in when she has something relevant to add. They all seem very at ease with people, but have stated they need their quiet alone time to recharge their emotional batteries.
I am fine in crowds where I know no one is likely to talk to me - grocery stores, concerts. I do okay in a professional setting where I'm talking about work things and not myself. I get stressed at church because there is a chance that one of the ladies, whose name I'm unlikely to remember, will feel bad that I'm sitting by myself and want to make small talk to help me feel "included". I've learned to make pockets of solitude around myself by ignoring those around me - some days it works better than others. I hate being the center of attention. I love being home alone with little to do. And I'm the only introvert I know (not that I know many introverts) that can get an emotional recharge from another person - a single, specific person. Being alone is like using a trickle charger for my emotion reserves, being with my husband is like plugging straight into a wall outlet.
I am fine in crowds where I know no one is likely to talk to me - grocery stores, concerts. I do okay in a professional setting where I'm talking about work things and not myself. I get stressed at church because there is a chance that one of the ladies, whose name I'm unlikely to remember, will feel bad that I'm sitting by myself and want to make small talk to help me feel "included". I've learned to make pockets of solitude around myself by ignoring those around me - some days it works better than others. I hate being the center of attention. I love being home alone with little to do. And I'm the only introvert I know (not that I know many introverts) that can get an emotional recharge from another person - a single, specific person. Being alone is like using a trickle charger for my emotion reserves, being with my husband is like plugging straight into a wall outlet.