A wise old owl lived in an oak
The more he saw the less he spoke
The less he spoke the more he heard.
Why can't we all be like that wise old bird?
I have to admit I am really surprised that EVERYONE who responded to my question claimed introversion. Why?
Well, me too. My name is Amy and I'm an introvert. I started thinking about this topic when Sarah blogged about it a few weeks ago. She linked to this very excellent post.
I am reserved. I save my words until I really know you. I am comfortable with silence. I like the company of a few of my best and dearest friends instead of a party. I love the pleasure of sharing over a cup of coffee or a delicious dinner rather than a night at the club. I enjoy my own company as well. I am fine going for a drive by myself or curling up with a good book.
At the same time, I do not have a fear of public speaking, and at times enjoy it. I've even been told I'm quite good at it. I will initiate conversations with strangers in line at the store with ease and I constantly meet new people in my job.
I need time by myself to recharge. While I can enjoy a party, I get tired much more quickly that way.
Now, you all can probably relate to some of that. You know, since you're all introverts too. But why do you think so many of us blog? What attracts us to the online world? Why are so many writers introverts? And most importantly, why in the world do introverts get the short end of the stick in public opinion?
8 comments:
This is fascinating, Amy! I consider myself an introvert (although there are people out there who will tell you otherwise!). My understanding is that introverts energize through alone time; whereas extroverts energize through socializing with others. I get drained socializing with others - but my profession requires me to work with other people all the time and like you, I'm not afraid to speak in public. But, my preference is to be alone or involved in a creative project. I love silence. I love writing (which by the way, I think takes an introspective type of personality). And perhaps that is partly why I love to blog. I like creating the written word on page, taking the time to think about what I'm writing. Bloggers have to spend some time with just them and the computer screen -
I didn't reply before and I guess I should have. I'm an extrovert all the way baby!!!! Of course, I can be shy and self-conscious too, but for the most part I'm an "out there" kind of gal.
My blog is a way for me to be even MORE out there, meet even MORE people.
I guess I'm in the minority there. :)
This is a great topic. I am the quiet one, the one that spends more time listening rather than talking. I don't like to talk in public, but yet I do 2 radio shows potentially reaching thousands, but to me its just me talking to the microphone one on one.
Blogging gives me the chance to say things that I would rarely, if ever, say to someone at a party or in a group setting. I always get a little intimidated in those type of situations. Being ADHD doesn't really help much. I struggle with following long conversations, and writing a blog post I can better manage my thought process. I feel more comfortable being able to edit, re arrange thoughts and so on.
Gertrude Stein, I believe, once wrote, "I write for myself and for strangers."
Selfish though that may be, that's why I write, too. I write to get ideas out of my head so I don't have to mull them over anymore. As an introvert, I process internally, and sometimes it just kills me. If I can sit down and get it out, then I'm in a better mood. ;)
I started writing publicly because people I was close to convinced me that I have things that are worth sharing. I'm not always so sure, but I keep at it anyway.
Wendy, I agree with you. I like to take the time to think about what I'm saying and when I try to express my thoughts in conversation, sometimes it comes out all wrong. :)
I think a huge misconception that Sara pointed out in the original post is that being an introvert means you're shy. I am reserved! But not necessarily always shy. (unless it's one of my favorite authors I'm meeting or something!)
Charley and Sarah, I agree again, writing is a fantastic tool of communication for the introvert. :)
thanks for the input everyone!
Yeah, not shy here... just not real good at sharing unless you ask or I know you real well. In real life anyway!
I don't even post all my thoughts on my blog since my entire extended family reads it.
Keeping it all inside kills me though sometimes. But the hubs verbal processing drives me nuts as well. There's got to be a happy medium!
I'm not sure why I am an introvert. I've always been quiet until you know me, reserved unless we are close. I wouldn't say I am "shy" because I'm really not. I can do the public speaking, etc. But blogging is a wonderful way for me to get everything out. I'm not really talking to anyone so the words just roll freely onto the keyboard and into the computer. I don't have to stop and wonder if I should still keep talking. But the hard thing about blogging is that sooo much of my family reads it. So a lot of the times that I really want to get something off of my chest, I can't.
Sorry for the book :) I found this post to be very interesting and intriguing!
Chelle,
I agree! Though it is hard at times to have everyone reading! Thanks for stopping by.
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