Those who know me would say that I am a total extrovert, but those who really know me would let you know that is totally false. I love planning parties, getting people together, and being the facilitator of fun, memorable moments. But, when you come to said party you will find me running around making sure everything is just perfect — refilling plates, cups, and, if there’s a craft (and there’s always a craft), making sure it goes just right. You will not find me making small talk; small talk terrifies me. I’m not saying I can’t small talk with the best of them; I just would rather be doing other things than making small talk . . . like maybe ironing, cleaning the toilet, or going to the dentist . . . .
In our society, especially with moms, I feel like we are supposed to be insta-bff’s with everyone around us. But, in reality, for those of us who are true introverts, it takes a little more time to get to that bff status. We want to get to that point, I promise, it just takes a little extra time. 🙂
Here’s a little glimpse behind our well constructed curtain . . . being an introvert means we:
Enjoy quiet and being alone. If we say no to getting together, please try again. Sometimes, a quiet night at home is just as fun as a girls night . . . gasp, I know!
Prefer to get to know fewer people on a deeper level. A small handful of friends around the dining room table pulling apart monkey bread and drinking coffee and really talking is the BEST.
Don’t like to talk about ourselves . . . or it takes a while to get us to open up.
Don’t like to be the center of attention at parties. You’ll usually find us in the kitchen washing dishes with a smile on our face.
Notice things others might miss. If someone else is down and needs a pick me up, introverts are usually very good about spotting those people or making sure a party or event is timed perfectly. If there is someone being left out, an introvert has been there and is usually very good about finding and including that person.
Once you break through the shell, we introverts are just SO GOOD at building friendships. We are fiercely loyal friends who will be by your side in a heartbeat! We love big and love hard.
For the longest time I have tried to make myself an extrovert pushing myself to be who I thought everyone thought I should be. That was exhausting. So, just lately (yes, it’s taken me 35 years), I have decided to be me. To be comfortable in my own introverted skin because I am exactly who I need to be — me.
Be who you are my friend. You are beautifully you!
Joanna,
I feel like we could be soul sisters! I work at Cook Children’s in the marketing department, have a daughter who spent almost 8 months in the NICU and follows up with pulmonary monthly. We do daily neb treatments and CPT…Most of all, I’m also an introvert but forced to be extroverted because of my job and daughter’s health conditions.
Thanks for sharing!
We totally could be Kelly 🙂 I’ve probably run into you at some point at Cooks in Pulmorary. We’re there quarterly. Next time I’m up there I’ll have to snag you for coffee!
Love your blog today! As an extrovert who coaches many introverts into becoming speakers, I appreciate more and more about what I’m learning from this group of individuals! We are all special with our perfect gifts. We just need to learn to recognize and celebrate those gifts! And then USE them.
Oh my gracious Kathy! I wish I had a coach like you 🙂