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Question for Introverts

Riker'sMailbox

Lieutenant Commander
Red Shirt
Since a lot of you have identified as introverts in various threads, I thought I would ask here. Were you always introverted? Do you feel it held you back?

My daughter is just like me, loud and brash and extroverted, popular, super involved in sports and clubs, etc.

My son is the opposite. He is pretty introverted. He has a neurological condition called Childhood Apraxia of Speech, so he has serious articulation issues, but he is very young and his peers have not noticed it as something that different yet. He is in intensive speech for it and I do not think this plays into his shyness and how introverted he is.

If this is just who he is and he will be very happy as an introvert, wonderful. All I want for my children is their health and happiness.

But, if not, I want to help him be more extroverted.
 
Sorry but I don’t have good news for you. Yes I do feel like it has held me back, everyone loves a loud mouth whether it’s getting dates, going for an interview, getting a promotion or just generally making friends. Sorry to put a downer on it. On the upside I do have a good job and I did Marry. Hopefully will have a better outlook for you.
 
Sorry but I don’t have good news for you. Yes I do feel like it has held me back, everyone loves a loud mouth whether it’s getting dates, going for an interview, getting a promotion or just generally making friends. Sorry to put a downer on it. On the upside I do have a good job and I did Marry. Hopefully will have a better outlook for you.

I appreciate your honesty. Do you think there is anything that could have helped you be more extroverted? I don't think it is a confidence thing, he is pretty self-assured and is pretty fearless physically.
 
I appreciate your honesty. Do you think there is anything that could have helped you be more extroverted? I don't think it is a confidence thing, he is pretty self-assured and is pretty fearless physically.

No worries, I think It's a personality thing, I'm confident as hell professionally but try and get me into a room of people, even (sometimes especially) people I know for socialising and it's like you're pushing me into a burning building (I'm not exaggerating). I second @Sophie74656 comment about not trying to push us into that kind of situation.
 
I don't think it's introversion that holds us back so much as society's insistence that our introversion is a problem that needs to be fixed. With me, other children tended to assume I was a snob for not talking to them when I was just really shy. I was bullied for not fitting in, and the teachers always insisted that I, rather than the bullies, was the one who needed to change. If people had just understood that some of us are naturally introverted, if they'd accepted it and understood it, then maybe they would've made more allowances.

It's entirely possible for introverts to form close and fulfilling friendships with people who are accepting and patient and willing to take the initiative, so there's no reason it should be seen as a defect or an impediment to quality of life. Indeed, I've always felt that though my friendships have been few, they were deeper and more meaningful as a result.

And we all have our own comfort levels. Some people revel in stimulation and crowds and intensity of experience. Me, I get very uncomfortable in large crowds, I can't tolerate really loud noises like at rock concerts, and you'd never get me on a roller coaster. But I can be really happy just having a quiet meal with a friend or hanging out in a park having a conversation or whatever. Some of my most comforting memories of being with my dearest friend in college were of just sitting quietly alone with her while she studied or napped, just being there with her and knowing I was welcome and accepted.

Children need the freedom to become who they need to be, even when it's different from what society expects. They need to be assured that if their peers don't understand who they are, it's not their fault for being different. They should be helped to understand themselves, and their teachers should be talked to in order to try to make them understand and be supportive of a child's differences.
 
No worries, I think It's a personality thing, I'm confident as hell professionally but try and get me into a room of people, even (sometimes especially) people I know for socialising and it's like you're pushing me into a burning building (I'm not exaggerating). I second @Sophie74656 comment about not trying to push us into that kind of situation.
I'm exactly the same way. I'm confident at work but trying to get me on the dance floor at a wedding is like my worst nightmare
 
I probably have a mild case of Asperger's (never been formally diagnosed, but my dad, who spent most of his adult life as a social worker, thinks it's likely). The good news is that at 43 years old I have some very good friends and a career I didn't really intend to have but am doing reasonably well at.

The bad news is I'm 43 years old and I've never had a serious romantic relationship. Part of that may be that I live in VT and I'm gay, so I'm kind of swimming against the tide there. I also feel the gay community around here, and I know I'm painting with a broad brush, is frequented by people who aren't really looking for serious commitment. That's not a criticism of them, but if you consider "married" to be an indicator of success at Life, then...

I think I am somewhat introverted and conflict-avoidant, but it's hard to tell where that ends and AS begins. The good news about AS is that one can adapt; if I don't think I'm as socially adroit as my peers, I at least think I've gotten better and generally managed to avoid doing anything especially grievous in the process. The bad news is that it was harder when I was a kid: I didn't have the adaptations yet, and all I really knew was that I wasn't a popular kid and didn't blend in with others as easily as other kids seemed to. Having my parents tell me I should be less shy wasn't helpful either, because you can't just tell someone "don't be X" without offering any methodology for how they can work on it.

In my freshman year of high school I began to figure out I probably at least wasn't straight. That was the early '90s, and while I at least didn't live in an overwhelmingly conservative area, I wasn't inclined to be honest with...anyone...at that point, which introduced new and more complicated layers I really didn't need into my social life. The good thing was that BBSes at least were a thing, so I could connect with people online even if I didn't have anyone local to talk to about what I was going through.

I'm not really sure where I'm going with this, but I hope it's helpful.
 
Since a lot of you have identified as introverts in various threads, I thought I would ask here. Were you always introverted? Do you feel it held you back?

My daughter is just like me, loud and brash and extroverted, popular, super involved in sports and clubs, etc.

My son is the opposite. .......

If this is just who he is and he will be very happy as an introvert, wonderful. All I want for my children is their health and happiness.

But, if not, I want to help him be more extroverted.

You know, there are lots of introverts who are loud and brash. You can be a shy extrovert or a very popular introvert-- the labels are really about how the person recharges their batteries. I'm very introverted but no one's ever accused me of being quiet. I need to be alone to recharge, and an very content alone, but I have never had trouble telling people what's what, and usually ended up in supervisor or management roles at work. I'm married, a college graduate and have a small group of friends that I've kept for over 20 years.

My sister, the beautiful, oh-so-popular social butterfly, was also a drug addict and alcoholic, and still hits up my 84 year old mother for money. None of her relationships have lasted; her one marriage lasted less than two years. She has dozens and dozens of friends but never keeps any of them for very long.

So, I'm quite alright with my "introverted" life.
 
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Nothing wrong with being an introvert. I have a college degree, job, car, i pay my bills and enjoy my life. If your kid is naturally an introvert just let him be. Trying to make an introvert be more extroverted is horrible for us.

Here, here. I like the way this is worded.

For those wondering: An extrovert 'charges their batteries' being around other people whereas an introvert's energy is drained by socializing. An introvert 'charges up' by being alone.
 
Here, here. I like the way this is worded.

For those wondering: An extrovert 'charges their batteries' being around other people whereas an introvert's energy is drained by socializing. An introvert 'charges up' by being alone.
That's exactly it for me. When I'm in a social situation i usually have to go away for a bit to recharge. At the end of the event i always feel drained
 
You know, there are lots of introverts who are loud and brash. You can be a shy extrovert or a very popular introvert-- the labels are really about how the person recharges their batteries. I'm very introverted but no one's ever accused me of being quiet. I need to be alone to recharge, and an very content alone, but I have never had trouble telling people what's what, and usually ended up in supervisor or management roles at work. I'm married, a college graduate and have a small group of friends that I've kept for over 20 years.

My sister, the beautiful, oh-so-popular social butterfly, was also a drug addict and alcoholic, and still hits up my 84 year old mother for money. None of her relationships have lasted; her one marriage lasted less than two years. She has dozens and dozens of friends but never keeps any of them for very long.

So, I'm quite alright with my "introverted" life.

Hmmm, this response is reading a certain way to me. I did not equate introvert as bad and extrovert as good, but it seems that is how you are responding to me. As someone who cannot relate to being introverted, I asked a pretty simple question since being an introvert gets brought up regularly here.
 
https://www.amazon.com/Introvert-Power-Inner-Hidden-Strength/dp/1402280882

I am an introverted person (I dislike that we are called a noun -- "introvert" -- one doesn't refer to hyper kids as "hypers" or people with hearing disorders as "deafs" -- and words matter -- but I digress) who performs. In fact, in my day job, I am known as a funny, energetic teacher. Many performers are introverted in real life. Steve Martin comes immediately to mind. I make sure to teach about introversion in my psych class, have the above book on my chalk tray, and try to reassure introverted kids, especially boys, that they are not broken. Waiting, mulling, considering, listening, are all traits our society could do with more of.

We don't dislike people, just in large doses, especially if it's loud. Research shows we are more sensitive to sensory stimuli and to people's emotional cues; and both loud volumes and a large number of voices at once, bother us more. As noted above, hubub is often energizing to extraverted folks.

The above book changed my life, helping me to see introversion as a strength. Some cultures operate that way without all the constant blabbing we are drowning in; ironic as I type on a discussion board! but introverted people generally like discussing ideas, even at parties. Small talk is horrible, though! Our culture lacks depth and reflection. Everyone blabs their blabbings at the drop of a hat. "I THINK . . . yapyapyap, opinions with no experience or facts to base them on etc. etc.... It's why more introverted people are known for hating the phone but liking email. You can mull it over, then fix it! (I've revised this post incessantly since beginning btw.)

There is some good humor at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-introverts-corner?page=1
Like, where to hide during parties, or things we hate about the phone.

I'm married to an extravert, and reading some classic examples are hilarious. Typical: at a wedding reception, I am waiting for the earliest moment we can leave and not be rude. She is wondering how late it'll go, yahoo! I go take walks or go out to the car and listen to the Tigers.

Research shows talkative people are perceived more as "leaders" (which everyone is supposed to be now) even if their ideas are dumb or counterproductive. You hear that in sports some time against quiet players who lead by example. They just don't chirp enough. So, the above blog also has tips and exhortations for introverted people (not the same as shy btw) to grow and get out of their comfort zones. There are exercise one can do, like walking up to people and introducing yourself and asking a question. Yuck, but the dangers of retreating are too real.

So, to your son, he's fine the way he is, far from broken, with power extraverts just can't understand; also, unless he moves to Scandinavia or East Asia (two more-introverted areas) he might do well to practice being a bit more outgoing since people do judge us, and it helps to get along well.

Not the most profound advice ever. Hope the links help.
 
Hmmm, this response is reading a certain way to me. I did not equate introvert as bad and extrovert as good, but it seems that is how you are responding to me.

I didn't read auntiehill's response as hostile, merely sharing their experience and taking pride in who they are. It felt positive to me. If there's a hint of defiance, it's probably about society in general, not about you specifically.

After all, you're asking for your son's sake, right? So it's not about you, or about any of us as individuals.


I think sometimes people mistake being introverted as being unhappy, especially at large events. It's taken many years for me to convince my family that I'm not miserable just because I'm sitting at the table.

Indeed. As my father got older, a lot of his friends and caregivers were concerned that he didn't have enough of a social support network and needed to get out more, but he came to the conclusion that he was perfectly content to live alone with his cats and occasionally spend time with me and occasionally go out to events that interested him.

I guess I'm lucky that I come from a family where the men, at least, are mostly introverts. It means my family understands the way I am and doesn't judge. And realizing that it runs in my family has helped me understand myself.
 
I also tend toward introversion. And I absolutely love crowded, noisy environments including big cities, rock concerts, carnivals, busy markets/bazaars, scary rides, ballroom dance nights; all the stuff that has a lot of distracting and overwhelming sensory stimuli coming from all different directions.

... as long as I can enjoy it on my own or with just one or two friends, and not have to have a lot of extended social interaction with a bunch of people!

Kor
 
https://www.amazon.com/Introvert-Power-Inner-Hidden-Strength/dp/1402280882

I am an introverted person (I dislike that we are called a noun -- "introvert" -- one doesn't refer to hyper kids as "hypers" or people with hearing disorders as "deafs" -- and words matter -- but I digress) who performs. In fact, in my day job, I am known as a funny, energetic teacher. Many performers are introverted in real life. Steve Martin comes immediately to mind. I make sure to teach about introversion in my psych class, have the above book on my chalk tray, and try to reassure introverted kids, especially boys, that they are not broken. Waiting, mulling, considering, listening, are all traits our society could do with more of.

We don't dislike people, just in large doses, especially if it's loud. Research shows we are more sensitive to sensory stimuli and to people's emotional cues; and both loud volumes and a large number of voices at once, bother us more. As noted above, hubub is often energizing to extraverted folks.

The above book changed my life, helping me to see introversion as a strength. Some cultures operate that way without all the constant blabbing we are drowning in; ironic as I type on a discussion board! but introverted people generally like discussing ideas, even at parties. Small talk is horrible, though! Our culture lacks depth and reflection. Everyone blabs their blabbings at the drop of a hat. "I THINK . . . yapyapyap, opinions with no experience or facts to base them on etc. etc.... It's why more introverted people are known for hating the phone but liking email. You can mull it over, then fix it! (I've revised this post incessantly since beginning btw.)

There is some good humor at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-introverts-corner?page=1
Like, where to hide during parties, or things we hate about the phone.

I'm married to an extravert, and reading some classic examples are hilarious. Typical: at a wedding reception, I am waiting for the earliest moment we can leave and not be rude. She is wondering how late it'll go, yahoo! I go take walks or go out to the car and listen to the Tigers.

Research shows talkative people are perceived more as "leaders" (which everyone is supposed to be now) even if their ideas are dumb or counterproductive. You hear that in sports some time against quiet players who lead by example. They just don't chirp enough. So, the above blog also has tips and exhortations for introverted people (not the same as shy btw) to grow and get out of their comfort zones. There are exercise one can do, like walking up to people and introducing yourself and asking a question. Yuck, but the dangers of retreating are too real.

So, to your son, he's fine the way he is, far from broken, with power extraverts just can't understand; also, unless he moves to Scandinavia or East Asia (two more-introverted areas) he might do well to practice being a bit more outgoing since people do judge us, and it helps to get along well.

Not the most profound advice ever. Hope the links help.
Interesting about you and your wife
My ex husband is extremely extroverted. At first it wasn't a problem but as the years went on it became a big issue
 
I had part of a class arguing "at" me that I didn't do "fun" things. Luckily some kids understood and took my side! That in itself was kinda fun. Sitting on my porch reading or taking a ride with my wife are fun for me. Though I perform music, often at outdoor venues, never would I go to a big ol' music festival with thousands of people and vendors and camping. In fact I always resisted camping, since its major draw as commonly practiced is to go to a campground, be actually closer packed than in my small city and sit around and socialize with new people pretty much constantly. [shudders]
 
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