I am what is known as an introvert….which doesn’t mean necessarily that I am shy (I can be at times, more on that in a moment). It means that I draw my energy from internal things. I like to be alone. I NEED to be alone. If I don’t get time to myself every day I get the distinct sense that I am not in control, which in turn causes me stress. From an outsider’s perspective, us introverts can come across as snobby or aloof…which is not generally true…we would just prefer to be alone 
. Our extroverted friends would have us believe that there is something seriously wrong with us if we don’t like to socialise and be around people 24/7. LOL
Up until a few years ago I was a painfully shy introvert, and prone to being extremely nervous and jittery even around people I knew well. I lacked confidence in a big way, even though I knew that I am an extremely competent person in a number of areas.
Over time I came to the realisation that although it was fine for me to be an introvert and need to have time to myself, that I needed to be able to interact with people without hyperventilating …I needed this because I couldn’t work effectively without interacting with people, and I couldn’t build meaningful relationships with people if I was too busy worrying about what they thought of me. I was a bona fide people pleaser and that had to be changed. The really bizaare thing is that I feel very comfortable in public speaking or teaching roles…but flounder in one on one situations.
It has taken me a number of years to go from shy mouse to a little more confident in being around people. I still have my panic attack moments, but through the strength of knowing who I truly am, I can get a strangle hold on those butterflies and move forward with purpose. I’ll write a more detailed post about that process soon.
These days I interact with a much wider group of people that I ever dreamed possible…last Saturday night I celebrated a friend’s birthday with a group of girls who were virtual strangers to me…and I felt remarkably comfortable and I had an absolute blast. This morning I’m running the bridge to bridge circuit with a couple of ladies that I met through working at the National Archives…I even accepted their invitation to join them without a second thought! That’s a huge step for me.
For the first time in my life I am truly excited about meeting people and getting to know them…building relationships! Heck! I even set up a blog so that I could get to know strangers from around the world! Life in the 21st century is all about connecting to people. Engaging with people. Face to face, or on the ‘Net. It’s all good, and I’m ready! I think :S
Michelle
Related posts:
Into Introversion #1 // Do you know an introvert?
Into Introversion #2 // Introvert…Extrovert…Shy?
Into Introversion #3 // Can Introverts and Extroverts Coexist?
9 responses so far ↓
Introverts of the world unite! « // December 9, 2008 at 7:18 am |
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Isis // June 8, 2009 at 11:07 pm |
good keep up the confidence.
Although i like to talk to people, meet new people and make friends.
I am unable to do so….something binds me, people make joke out of me.
So lately i have started avoiding them.
Its just not working out.
Michelle George // June 9, 2009 at 9:25 am |
Hi Isis,
Thanks for visiting my blog and for commenting on my introvert series or posts.
I used to feel the same way you do, and even now sometimes I still feel as though people are making fun of me or thinking nasty things about me, when in reality they are not. Two things have helped me in this area. The first one is prayer, and the second one is that I learned that most people like to talk about themselves and about what they are doing in life, so I like to ask questions and get them talking. A friend of mine taught me about a “conversation stack” that has been my lifesaver in these situations. I have been meaning to write a post about it for ages, now I have the motivation to get it done
I look forward to getting to know you!
Michelle
Louise Curtis // July 24, 2009 at 9:24 am |
The really bizaare thing is that I feel very comfortable in public speaking or teaching roles…but flounder in one on one situations.
——-
I am exactly the same. I’m also good with new people for about five minutes. Then I panic and, if possible, flee.
A lot of my friends look at me in disbelief when I say I’m an introvert, but it’s true. I amiled when I read this, because in real life you (Michelle) appear extremely comfortable and social – exactly as I do.
The internet is great for us quiet types to connect in a safe way and to choose our level of interaction.
Follow me on twitter so I look even more popular (it all stays safely online):
join twitter at http://twitter.com/Louise_Curtis_
Michelle George // July 24, 2009 at 5:33 pm |
Hi Louise, it has taken a lot of time and a lot of Spirit-influence to get me to the point where I can appear comfortable in social situations
I love blogs and twitter etc for meeting people and getting to know people anf being able to control it
In fact it has surprised me how much I enjoy interacting with people in this way 