I think I mentioned before how singularly life changing Untamed by Glennon Doyle has been for me. The cheetah story…man. That thing’s in the introduction and I was like damn, looks like I’m in for a ride here. Then I stumbled across the above blurb yesterday and remembered how many ways this book pegs me to a tee.
“I love people but not in person. For example, I would die for you but not, like…meet you for coffee.”
Bwahahahahaha!!!!! Also…true.
This introvert concept really threw me for a while. I’ve spent a lifetime being [huge air quotes here] “Extroverted.” I pledged a sorority, went to Pampered Chef parties, and hit up a teacher happy hour or two. I joined committees, volunteered at schools, and made small talk at company parties. I even managed to sit by pools and chit chat with other moms. I Did All The Stuff so I figured that meant I was an extrovert. Turns out that’s a big fat nope.
Because all of those things – parties to pool time and everything in between – sucked every last bit of energy out of me. I thought being an extrovert meant you enjoyed being with other people which I did, mostly, but it turns out extroverts are people who actually charge up from being around people. I had no idea that was a thing! Seriously, I thought everyone sacked out like they’d just run a marathon after being social but turns out it’s just me.
Well, me and every other introvert out there.
Now that I’ve got it straight things make a lot more sense. Human beings are tricky for me. Just know I care deeply for you even if I don’t call you to grab lunch.
I’ve clipped that image for future use in ALL THE PLACES! Like, that should be my “about me” blurb on every thing that requires an “about me” blurb. Glad you recognized your true tribe. Welcome… except, just don’t stand too close and I’ll need to leave soon…
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Okay, I just spit out water laughing at this one. I’m thinking this six foot buffer thing might stick for me.
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That’s a lot of writers, Laura. My publishing partners and I go to conventions and do panels and hand-sell books all weekend, then go to our various homes and crash for three days. I go to family parties and have a great time and then I hit a wall, and I’m like, “Okay. Done. Home now, please?”
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In a strange way that makes me feel very normal. And that’s nice because I don’t often feel “normal.” 😉
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Same here, Laura. Same here.
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That’s so me
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🙂
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Laura, there is a great book called “Quiet – the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking” by Susan Cain. It is a great read. Some introverts can choose to be extroverted when needed for their job. It also talks about how a marriage between an introvert and extrovert needs discussion on how to spend spare time. Keith
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Excellent suggestion. I’ll check it out, Keith. Thanks.
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Always good to find out something new about ourselves.
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So very true.
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I’m going to have to check out that book. As in go look for it, and decide whether to buy it and read it. It sounds like something that would appeal to me. People are fine – in not-too-large-numbers and for short periods of time. Then it’s back to my quiet solitude for recharging. Safe harbors of aloneness are essential.
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That’s absolutely true. It’s one of the reasons pandemic life has been challenging — it takes real work to carve out alone time right now.
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I believe a high percentage of us bloggers are introverts.
Here’s a book I enjoyed about introverts you might also enjoy, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.
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I’ll have to check that one out. Thanks!
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There is a reason for the garden. Secret garden that is…
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True that!
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I get that, Laura. I totally get that.
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It sure was a surprise to me. I’m glad I understand it now.
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this is me! and people never believe me, saying ‘you love people!’ I do, but I also need my alone time to recharge. book that changed my life and made me understand this was ‘quiet.’ paradigm shift and explained a lot
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I’ll have to check that one out!
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it sounds different from the one you described, less dynamic maybe, but a really good read as it helped me understand myself better. i skipped through some of the data from studies parts and read on through.
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I think there are many degrees in between extroverts and introverts. Much like 50 shades of social-likability!
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That’s so very true.
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👍😉
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