Hermit Day This is a perfect day for introverts!  I'm guessing it would make extroverts squirm - ha! This article is a bit long but so worth the read, it is fascinating !  The Strange & Curious Tale of the Last True Hermit 10 Modern Day Hermits The New Urban Hermit Life lessons from modern day hermits Hermit Cookie Recipes  - YES! Cookies! Internet Day The Invention of the Internet Without the internet I wouldn't be able to do this blog, communicate consistently with friends overseas, and so much more. Cat Day When did cats become pets? I'm allergic so cats in our home are a no-go, much to my daughter's dismay. Is a Cat Right for You? 7 Pros and Cons of Having a Cat

Leave an extrovert alone for two minutes and he will reach for his cell phone. In contrast, after an hour or two of being socially “on,” we introverts need to turn off and recharge. My own formula is roughly two hours alone for every hour of socializing. This isn’t antisocial. It isn’t a sign of depression. It does not call for medication. For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating. Our motto: “I’m okay, you’re okay—in small doses."   Jonathan Rauch More thoughts on introverts versus extroverts that I relate to!  Rauch's formula is just about right for me as well.  And prior to socializing I have to be alone and kind of ready myself to be social.  So I have to do a charge and then a recharge!  While I like people I just really like being by myself.  I love my home because it is a sanctuary for me.  I love putzing around in it, holing up in it, being in it.  This can cause problems so I ...

When introverts are in conflict with each other...it may require a map in order to follow all the silences, nonverbal cues and passive-aggressive behaviors! Adam McHugh Oh boy.  As an introvert and as one who observes behaviors of others I can say that this statement is pretty spot on.  Disagree with me all you want but stop for a moment and observe below the surface and you'll end up agreeing with me and therefore with McHugh.   I think the reason a lot of introverts passive-aggressively argue with others is  because  of that introverted nature that keeps them from even engaging in arguments in social ways!  Also, a lot of introverts that I know are peacekeepers (different than peacemakers btw) and peacekeepers are generally people pleasers (also better known as having fear of man) and people pleasers approach conflict in passive- aggressive  and nonverbal ways.  I know, I am one!  And I've had to work really hard, and still have to work...

The only problem with seeing people you know is that they know you.   Brent Runyon, The Burn Journals Boy isn't this the truth.  This is so me - and so typical of an introvert I think, even outgoing ones like me.  I've been places and spotted people I know and I have gone down aisles and backed up and changed my course just so I don't have to interact with them if I'm not feeling up to it.  It almost always has nothing to do with the person but everything to do with me and my preference to be by myself - even in a store full of people.  Maybe you can relate to this - if so you have at least a little introvertness in you.  Maybe you can't relate on any part to this - my guess is you are extroverted.  :)  And both are okay and acceptable. I love having people in my life, I love having my "circles" but I'm pretty inward, more so than most people guess, and so I crave time by myself and I know when I enter into public I risk seeing so...

Extroverts want us to have fun, because they assume we want what they want. And sometimes we do. But “fun” itself is a “bright” word, the kind of word that comes with flashing lights and an exclamation point! One of Merriam-Webster’s definitions of “fun” is “violent or excited activity or argument.” The very word makes me want to sit in a dimly lit room with lots of pillows—by myself.   Laurie Helgoe, Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength HAHAHAHAHA!  This is so true of me.  My idea of fun is browsing a book store for as many hours as I want by myself ( usually ).  Or I think it is fun to be with one other person in a quiet coffee shop.  I have been frustrated when extroverts try to convince me that my "fun" isn't fun at all.  It is for me just like theirs is for them.  I don't begrudge them their ideas of "fun" so I wish they would respect my version of it, and some do.  It's the ones who can't fathom that there are p...

Solitude matters, and for some people, it's the air they breathe. Susan Cain All the introverts in the house 'holla!  Seriously.  I read today's quote and I resonate loudly, "YES!"  I know I desperately need solitude, even from my own family.  I need time by myself and that includes no kids, no husband.  Just me.  It's what I count on to get me through work weeks of interacting and being that outgoing introvert that I am.  When I get my time of solitude I breathe it in deeply, so much that I almost gulp it in and become breathless with how much I am taking in and trying to store up.  In fact, I crave it so much that even 8-10 hours of it isn't enough, I have to  re-acclimate  to people coming back into my space and it takes me a while to feel welcoming toward people inserting themselves back into my space.  Sad but true.  That's how much solitude means to me.  That's how much I need it.  How about you?  Can yo...

Though I may be efficient at the family table, I linger at the table for two.   Laurie Helgoe, Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength There's a problem I have.  And today's quote helps me sum up my problem.  I am what you would call out outgoing introvert.  It means I can do extroverted things or behave in extroverted ways BUT for shorter lengths of time and I am exhausted afterwards.  My job outside my home happens to be a front desk receptionist.  Um.  Hello extrovert behavior anyone?  I have to interact, I can't crawl into my cave that I love and have decorated.  Here's where my problem occurs.  A lot of people only see me in the role of front desk  receptionist   i.e. being an "extrovert".  What they don't see is before and after.  Before work I don't do a lot of talking or engaging - I'm pretty careful with my time before work each day.  After work?  Same thing.  I try t...