Introverts: among the most misunderstood and aggrieved groups in the world?

[eyer]

I'm okay, you're okay—in small doses.

Caring for Your Introvert

The habits and needs of a little-understood group

Do you know someone who needs hours alone every day? Who loves quiet conversations about feelings or ideas, and can give a dynamite presentation to a big audience, but seems awkward in groups and maladroit at small talk? Who has to be dragged to parties and then needs the rest of the day to recuperate? Who growls or scowls or grunts or winces when accosted with pleasantries by people who are just trying to be nice?

If so, do you tell this person he is "too serious," or ask if he is okay? Regard him as aloof, arrogant, rude? Redouble your efforts to draw him out?

If you answered yes to these questions, chances are that you have an introvert on your hands—and that you aren't caring for him properly. Science has learned a good deal in recent years about the habits and requirements of introverts. It has even learned, by means of brain scans, that introverts process information differently from other people (I am not making this up). If you are behind the curve on this important matter, be reassured that you are not alone. Introverts may be common, but they are also among the most misunderstood and aggrieved groups in America, possibly the world.

How can I let the introvert in my life know that I support him and respect his choice?

First, recognize that it's not a choice. It's not a lifestyle. It's an orientation.

Second, when you see an introvert lost in thought, don't say "What's the matter?" or "Are you all right?"

Third, don't say anything else, either.

Many more "care" tips @

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2003/03/caring-for-your-introvert/302696/

 

[Colonel Hogan]

 

[ivantheterrible]

i get that a lot myself. i don't mind parties, or get togethers, but people tend to expect you to react to the scenario the same as they do. and if you don't, well, something is wrong with you.
it takes awhile for people to get used to you and realize there is nothing wrong with you. just different.

 

[LadyVer]

I'm an introvert but I don't consider myself aggrieved. I do have to recuperate after being out in public though.

 

[eyer]

Thanks for sharing...

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

I have no idea what an introvert is, and I'm a psychologist. I think it means youre not a lemming.

Most people arent interesting enough to hangout with, its why God invented beer and sports.

 

[Comshaw]

Thanks for sharing...

Ok, who the fuck are you and what have you done with eyer?


Comshaw

 

[BotanyBoy]

Most people arent interesting enough to hangout with, its why God invented beer and sports.

Pretty much except I prefer weed and the internet.

 

[GinaeEvans]

I have no idea what an introvert is, and I'm a psychologist. I think it means youre not a lemming.

Most people arent interesting enough to hangout with, its why God invented beer and sports.

^^^^ This. Sans the beer and sports. Nothing personal. I just can't hold my liquor and I prefer video games to sports.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

^^^^ This. Sans the beer and sports. Nothing personal. I just can't hold my liquor and I prefer video games to sports.

Same principle only different

Many years ago I had a shortwave radio and happened to catch two mining engineers talking on the ham band, their conversation was fascinating. So I worked really hard to get a ham license, and after I did I discovered that most hams are about as interesting as getting your car tag renewed.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Pretty much except I prefer weed and the internet.

I use the internet as punctuation in my daily life. Drugs and alcohol put me to sleep, so scratch them, and the rest of my day is filled with activities I enjoy, mostly by myself.

 

[MacLe0d]

I would be classed as an introvert, and somewhat shy. And I would tend to agree that Introverts appear to misunderstood.

 

[eyer]

I would be classed as an introvert, and somewhat shy. And I would tend to agree that Introverts appear to misunderstood.

That's swell...

...perhaps you'd like to invite LadyVer to join you in finding a wanker queen thread where it's always all about "I".

 

[LadyVer]

That's swell...

...perhaps you'd like to invite LadyVer to join you in finding a wanker queen thread where it's always all about "I".

Who cares what you think? I thought your post was interesting. Obviously it's all about you so I'm assuming this is your personal wanker thread where you're calling all other wankers to join you. Have fun wanking. The end.

 

[Loring2]

Same principle only different

Many years ago I had a shortwave radio and happened to catch two mining engineers talking on the ham band, their conversation was fascinating. So I worked really hard to get a ham license, and after I did I discovered that most hams are about as interesting as getting your car tag renewed.

Not so different from the internet ... huh Jim?

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Not so different from the internet ... huh Jim?

Just about the same!

 

[eyer]

Who cares what you think? I thought your post was interesting. Obviously it's all about you so I'm assuming this is your personal wanker thread where you're calling all other wankers to join you. Have fun wanking. The end.

Do you have a 10-year old nearby who can translate that for me?

 

[LadyVer]

Do you have a 10-year old nearby who can translate that for me?

If I did, they would say you can dish it out but can't take it, Einstein.

 

[eyer]

If I did, they would say you can dish it out but can't take it, Einstein.

Have you experienced menopause yet?

(That is: assuming you're actually female...)

 

[shoulderblade]

I would be classed as an introvert, and somewhat shy. And I would tend to agree that Introverts appear to misunderstood.

I think it is the culture that values extroversion and aggression that puts introversion on the spot.

If the gereral cultural tone were a little more laid back there would not be the sense of being a problem.

I also think introverts are attracted by more outgoing people which eventuslly rubs off on them a little so they become a bit more socially adept.

 

[LadyVer]

Have you experienced menopause yet?

(That is: assuming you're actually female...)

 

[BotanyBoy]

I use the internet as punctuation in my daily life. Drugs and alcohol put me to sleep, so scratch them, and the rest of my day is filled with activities I enjoy, mostly by myself.

Oh me too...I still garden, go to school, do some glass work/welding, go bust some caps out of the super scary assault rifles b/c its fun as hell and/or the PD is paying me to.

I just use the interwebs for breaks....a distraction/escape.

 

[doctor_insanus]

I got a big dose of introversion. It's not a trait that seems to be en vogue, either socially or professionally.

Personally, I think more people should learn the joys of going more than 5 minutes without running their goddamn mouths.