Tuesday, April 09, 2024

Being An Introvert

Being An Introvert - 

I would say that the majority of people who meet me automatically assume I'm an extrovert.

And I think they assume that because I'm approachable and easy to talk to. Most times when I am in the presence of someone new, I am the one who will initially say hello, shake hands, and introduce myself.

Also, I can talk to anyone. Even total strangers. 

Which, at times, can be trying because strangers here who walk our city streets, ride public transportation, or frequent places like coffee shops will often walk over to me and ask such things as, "Sir, can you give me money?" Or, "Bro, can you go into that liquor store and buy me some whiskey?" Or, "Hey, my wife recently dumped me and I lost my wallet. Can you give me the train fare to New York? Oh, and also buy me shoes and some dinner before I get on the train?"

Not only must I look like an extrovert to these strangers, but also an ATM machine.

But trust me, as approachable and easy as I am to talk to, ask anyone who has known me for a long time that I can be very direct when I have to. I don't have a problem telling these money moochers, "No, and get the hell away from me!" 

But I also think people assume I'm an extrovert after they find out that I used to be a stage actor. They believe that because I could stand in front of an audience of 400 people, I must be an extrovert. Yet, what they don't realize is that MOST actors (stage or screen) are introverts. Actors are usually very quiet and private in their offstage/screen lives. Back when I was performing in a stage play after the curtain came down each night, I would immediately go home, take a shower, eat something light while watching a movie, sip a glass of wine, and then go to bed. Like Greta Garbo once said, "I want to be alone."

Currently, I work with the public all day (which I thoroughly enjoy) and am constantly talking and interacting with many different clients, who ask me a lot of questions. So, when I come home at night, talking is the last thing I want to do. 

I want peace, quiet, and alone time. 

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A few weeks ago while online, I came across these two introvert lists that described me perfectly. 

Things Introverts DON'T Like 😒

- Loud and crowded spaces

- Unexpected visitors

- People invading their personal and private space

- Inauthentic conversations & meaningless small talk

- People who don't understand their sensitivities and needs

- Personal drama

- Overbearing relationships/friendships

- Too much stimulation in their external environment

- Being told what to do by other people

Things Introverts LOVE 💚

- Deep meaningful conversations

- Working without interruptions

- Time to recharge their energy

- Being in nature

- Calming and uncluttered spaces

- Intimate soulful gatherings

- Substance-filled friendships

- People who aren't loud or aggressive

- Being in the comfort of their own home

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 I also found this online:

The Difference Between Introverts And Extroverts -

🔋 Introverts recharge through alone time.

🪫 Extroverts are drained by being alone.

🧠 Introverts need time to process their thoughts.

🗣 Extroverts process by speaking.

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So, are you more of an introvert or extrovert? 

Have a fantabulous week, everyone! ☮