In the past few days, I've shared a low-key Sunday night of eating out with the roommates and an entire weekend of adult "summer" fun... so I'm sure you'd be surprised if I were to tell you that I am most definitely an introvert. I am.
I like being alone, and often. I prefer to work on my own, clean when nobody's home, exercise solo, and go grocery shopping by myself. I sometimes cancel plans just so that I can go home to spend time in my room. It's just that I also value my friendships, and being that I've formed them under varying circumstances, I must be willing to maintain them all. That's not to say that I don't enjoy making the effort though! I do miss the ridiculously active social schedule of my college days.
I'm a study of contrasts, I suppose--a unique combination of calm self-sufficiency and charismatic wit (which may or may not have everything to do with my astrological sign)--and I believe it's important to recognize that.
Just because I crave more "me time" than most and hardly ever gain energy from others, doesn't mean I can't enjoy friend dates, birthday parties, and mingling with new faces. I only need to recharge enough in between. What about you? Do you consider yourself an extrovert or introvert? How does it effect your social life?
I'm definitely an introvert, and I wonder, are a lot of other bloggers introverts, too? I love going out and seeing my friends, meeting up for coffee and going to a gallery together, but I really prefer to do my own thing 70% of the time. it keeps me sane, happy, and balanced enough so that I get the most out of my socializing. it's a struggle when other people don't understand that, such as roommates who don't get it when you don't just hang out all night every night. it's not that I don't like people, it's just that I do better with plenty of me time!
ReplyDeletelookthroughmyspecs: I'd assume so :) and yes, it's tough that people don't get it. It even took my family a while as my mom, brother, and sister practically need to be around people 24/7 and thus are obviously on the opposite side of the spectrum. Thank God they've caught on at this point!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand what you mean about being both an introvert and a social butterfly! While I love being with people and completely value my friendships, I cannot take being with people all the time. It drives me insane. There are certain times and places that I like doing things with people, but my 'me time' is non-negotiable. So nice to know that there are other people out there like that :)
ReplyDeleteLoved this post! Just goes to show that people can't be neatly categorised.
ReplyDeleteI feel you so hard on this. I am an introvert who shrivels up and dies (actually, more like gets really moody/weird) without regular social contact. I feel like the world introvert is really misunderstood- it doesn't mean you're shy or antisocial, it just means that you really value/need alone time just as much as social time.
ReplyDeleteemilialiveslife: Exactly. Don't worry, you're definitely not alone :).
ReplyDeleteHope Johnson: Thanks, sweetheart! You're so right.
Anna: Ha, I think shrivels up and dies was more accurate ;) we are very misunderstood but at least we have each other!
introverts, unite! :D I'm still learning how to interact socially while keeping a balance... This weekend we are going on a road trip with another couple (so four us total) and I think it should be pretty low key and fun! However I can see me getting tired at times from all of the social stimulation...(in the car, sharing a hotel room, etc.)...and in those instances, I'll probably just text, or nap, read, take a walk, or zone out for a bit. :)
ReplyDeleteLove you!
glidingcalm: Ha! Hope you have a great time this weekend :).
ReplyDelete