Writing is something you do alone. It’s a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don’t want to make eye contact while doing it.
– John Green
An Introvert’s Brief Introspection
Amen. I’ll say it again: Amen.
I am a self-professed introvert. People are surprised when I confess this particular personality trait. They say I seem bubbly, talkative…like an extrovert.
I tell them I fake it well.
Don’t get me wrong. With people I know well, I am an extrovert. I can talk their ears off (and I have…). But going into a situation where I have to meet new people and actually carry on a conversation with them…I get nervous. Really nervous. I get fidgety, tongue-tied…and sweaty. Like, praying my deodorant holds up sweaty. It ain’t pretty, folks.
The irony is…inevitably I have a great time. Every time. I meet wonderful people and have great conversations. But that initial fear going into that situation…never changes. (Deodorant companies make a lot of money off me.)
It took me a long time to learn that there wasn’t something wrong with me. It’s okay to be an introvert. It’s okay to be more comfortable at home, cuddled on the couch under a blanket with your cat on your lap and a good book (or journal and pen) in hand…
My Happy Place
Writing was made for introverts. I think God creating the writing profession specifically for introverts (not that extroverts aren’t good writers – they are!). I work better alone than in a group – I always have. I hated group projects in school. Every time the teacher announced a new one, I shot daggers at him (or her) with my eyes and planned fifty different ways I could make them disappear without a trace…
But I digress.
Working alone. That is my happy place. Creating a story, making known what is in my mind and heart without making eye contact…without sweating profusely…without tripping over my own tongue…I’ll take it.
Introverts have an important role. There is a time for verbal communication and a time for the written word. The world needs both introverts and extroverts. And I am proud to do my part as an introvert. How about you?
This site says a lot about you!