The Introvert Life

Today was a productive day. I slept in, finished a book, went to school but had no classes, made pasta, Skyped my family, watched way too many episodes of Parks and Recreation, and snacked on Mlsouni (essentially the Czech version of Cinnamon Toast Crunch). I had very little homework and I did none of it. Today was a productive day. Why? Because an introverted person needs an afternoon of nonsense to recharge the batteries.

I feel like introverts are trending right now. People enjoy taking "Are You An Introvert Or An Extrovert?" quizzes that pop up on Facebook. I see little memes and comics depicting life as an introvert or guides on how to safely interact with someone who is introverted (careful, we may attack. Or more likely run very, very far away). This one is my personal favorite. I think it's hilarious because I find it so accurate. I literally laugh every time I read it. Here's why:

1) The Hamster Ball. If I could actually walk around in a human-sized hamster ball, I would. I'd hope for it to be a bit rubbery so that unwanted people and things could actually bounce off. But maybe I'm dreaming too big. Point is, while everybody has one, the introvert's hamster ball of personal space is less prone to accepting outsiders than the extrovert's. It takes quite a bit of time for something or someone new to be welcome into the safe zone (see doodle of introvert hissing at outsider). However, once this person/thing is granted access (NOTE: "is granted," meaning permission is given from the introvert), it is welcome at any time. But this outside party does have a duty to respect the fact that the ball is still present. Example: any time my roommates have literally sat on top of me on the couch in our apartment. My roommates understand my need for space and down time, but after living together/being friends for multiple years they also understand that they are welcome to encroach upon my bubble. Because after living together/being friends for multiple years, I also feel no shame in kicking them out of said bubble.

B) Company and the Energy Supply. "Just because someone is introverted doesn't mean they don't like company." How true, how very true. I love people. I love company. I love hanging out with friends. That doesn't mean it's not exhausting. Going out, hanging out, meeting up - they all translate to "using up" when it comes to the energy supply. I will be happy to go to dinner with you Friday night, but that might mean I need to spend the afternoon sitting on my couch reading a book in order to save up enough energy to be enjoyable for the evening. It also probably means that I don't want to go out again on Saturday. It's not you, it's me... The energy tank gets replenished through downtime. It's just like sleep. The human body recharges while the conscious body sleeps. The introvert body recharges when the Hamster Ball Defense Mechanism sleeps. Oh, what's the HBDM? That sweet little barrier that fends off unwanted outsiders. Personal space isn't a permanent force field. It must be maintained. And force field maintenance requires energy. This is why recharging often requires a perimeter establishing an outsider-free zone. A quiet room, cozy cafe (with your own table), or open expanse of outdoor space are some of the greatest havens for an introverted soul.

Three) Silence is golden, and who doesn't like gold? (Midas, perhaps) I am perfectly comfortable with silence. Silent car rides. Silent reading time. Even sitting with a group of friends and just watching and listening to their conversations. As an introvert, spectating is often less exhausting than (and just as rewarding as) participating. I can learn everything I need to learn without having to expend the energy normally required for social interaction. It's beautiful. The main thing of which extroverts need to be aware is that introverted silence is good. When I do not contribute to a group discussion, it is rarely because I feel unwelcome in some way, but rather that I am enjoying spectating. If I do not initiate conversation, it is not necessarily due to the fact that I do not wish to converse with someone (although it may be, so if you do tread, tread carefully). I just enjoy sitting. I never meet people in classes unless they initiate conversation because I'm perfectly content to sit quietly and take notes. I'm always happy to meet new people, I just don't feel the need to start talking to whoever takes the desk next to mine.

So there's some insight from a person who tends to be introverted. A full day alone in studio is beautiful, and it means that by tomorrow I'll be ready to tackle whatever social interactions this weekend (and week!) throws my way. Let's do this. Come at me, February!