Why are introverts the way we are? Are we broken extroverts? Nope. We are not. And, there are a crapton of us, so deal with it.
So I picked up this book called Quiet by Susan Cain
I found it absolutely fascinating. Some of the theories of why introverts and extroverts are the way they are, I have heard before but it was interesting to read the research again. Which always fascinated me because it made a lot of sense that we are reactive and overstimulated by our environment that we retreat and prefer quiet, calmness and our alone time to recover. Extroverts are under-stimulated in the brain and constantly seeking out that ‘buzz’.
She mentions the extrovert culture we find ourselves in and how it does a disservice to the introvert working mind. As well as showing all the advantages of the introvert working mind. Certainly made me look at work environments I have been in in a new light especially when it did not work for me or when it did. And also made me look at how I made a work facade differently. She calls this pseudo-extroversion where we use extroversion traits in specific ways to help us in out jobs or life. It only works if a) we have periods of time to ‘recover’ from it during the day and b) we actually enjoy the reason for it, like love our job overall that we trade a fraction of it for having to be extroverted. (a professor that is an excellent lecturer for example). But it didn’t work for me because I didn’t like my job and I never had downtime away from that. And like she mentions, this causes us a lot of friction and stress and even poor health. Bingo!
I am intrigued on what makes introverts introverts but more so I want to know what is awesome about is and that book helps explore that. Because so often we are put down for introversion. ‘She is s shy,’ as a child. ‘Or why don’t you talk more?’ as an adult. I love being my introverted self so I was curious to explore this book and I am glad that I did. Our traits can be valuable in numerous situations if only we were valued, which is precisely what I think. Sometimes the loudest person in the room isn’t always the best person to listen to. Just saying.
See more on related topics
Pretend-extroversion: When introverts fake it
Introverts… just be a wee bit extroverted to be happy
Rock your introverted self
The Wyrd 
All very interesting indeed. I’m sure this will resonate with many.
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Such a fascinating read really. I think it is unfortunate in how many ways introverts are made to feel like they do not fit or something is wrong with them in this culture… which as she mentions is not the same in other cultures. It is difficult growing up feeling like there is something intrinsically wrong with you.
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Oh absolutely! The sheer cruelty and nastiness is endless. But there’s nothing that can be done about it. There seems to be an obsession to being or showing that one is an extrovert. Whereas as you say, elsewhere this just does not occur.
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