Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? How does this compare to how others see you?
I’ve been pretty candid on the blog before about my introversion. Being around too many people for an extended period of time leaves me completely drained. I absolutely need that alone time to recharge and build myself back up. Given the choice between going to a fun party with a dozen people and great food and music or staying home curled up with a book and some tea, 9 times out of 10 I stay home.
That’s not to say I don’t like spending time with people. I do enjoy being with the people I care about, but in small doses, and usually on my terms. I have even been known to go out and enjoy myself spontaneously. My biggest problem is really poor planning, and accidentally scheduling too much “people” time in a short span without leaving myself time to recover. I know I shouldn’t do this, I know how I’m going to feel later when I do, but it doesn’t stop me.
I love my “me time.” I don’t know anyone who doesn’t, but I also don’t think people understand how necessary it is for introverts to have so much of it. I’m reminded of that meme that circulates every now and then:
Them: What are you doing today?
Me: Nothing.
Them: Oh, cool, so you’re free to hang out?
Me: No you don’t understand. I have plans to do nothing. I have specifically set aside this day to not do a single thing.
My friend says I’m like a cat. I like attention, and I’m super friendly and affectionate, but only when I want to be. I say this is a fair assessment. I am also fairly hard to get rid of once you give me food, and if I could sleep 18 hours a day I absolutely would.
I was also the shy, quiet kid with my nose in a book in the back of class in high school. I always found it odd when my classmates knew my name, because I thought I had done a pretty good job of making myself invisible. Less so with the other nerdy kids, because we travel in packs of course, but I was always surprised when the “popular” kids knew who I was. If they still remember me know, I’m sure they would agree that I was an introvert back then, too.
I can be outgoing and personable when I want to be, or when the situation dictates (read: I am the mom friend of a cluster of other introverts; see also: professional life). Usually, though, these situations require recovery time. And that usually means a good book and a nice hot cup of tea.
What about you? Are you an introvert like me? Or do you prefer the company of other people to your own solitude? How do your characters align with this topic? Don’t forget to write down your thoughts and ideas! I’ll see you tomorrow with another prompt!
Closet Full of Notebooks 