The Truth About Being an Introvert

Introverts are misunderstood. I’m convinced it is true. Some people have the idea that an introvert hates people and would rather hide in his home alone for days on end than engage another human being in a conversation. It’s just not true.

I know because I am an introvert. Maybe I’m a little sensitive about this subject, but I think it is time someone speaks the truth about those of us who need a little retreat time after spending time surrounded by people.

 

 

I will be forever grateful to a wonderful woman that I have known for 25+ years. This woman and her husband were incredible mentors to my husband and me when we were dating and early in our marriage. They were both helpful in counseling us before getting married in the most hilarious and encouraging way. The best part about knowing these two in such a critical time was knowing that their personalities were very similar to ours.

I will never forget the best advice I received during that time that I still remember to this day. It was simply this. “Paula, do not ever think something is wrong if you do not want to spend as much time with people as Ken does.” Boy, did I ever need to hear that advice!

You see, my incredible husband is about as far on the extrovert scale as I am on the introvert scale. And if I am not careful, I will start to compare my more reserved personality with his gregarious side. There’s no way to win that competition. So instead, we choose to look at our differences as ways that we complement each other.

A Win-Win Situation

Ken loves public speaking. I don’t. But I love seeing the difference he makes in people’s lives when he shares his heart in a public way. I enjoy sharing my thoughts in writing. Ken encourages me often in my attempts to sort out my thoughts and get them on paper.

We both love sharing our home with people. The biggest difference in our styles is that Ken would invite people to our home every other day, if possible. I would be rolled up into the fetal position and unable to get up for work the next day if we entertained that often. So we compromise. Sometimes we don’t have people in our home enough. Sometimes it feels like it is too much. But we figure it out. And it works.

When we do entertain, Ken is in charge of the guest list. He invites the people and plans the events that will take place during the evening. I decide on the food and prepare it. We both truly enjoy the time we share with people in our home. When they leave, he is wired and I am tired. But it’s all good.

When we go out with other people, I need a time frame. I know I will have a blast, but when I’m mentally done, it is difficult to keep going. Ken could stay out until all hours. So we try to navigate a happy medium when possible.

Encouragement for Introverts

So here’s the deal, my introverted friend. There is no shame in preferring to have time to renew. It’s how you were made. Enjoy it. Nurture this side of you.

Did you know that some of the greatest thinkers and success stories in history were introverts? It takes all kinds of people to make this world what it needs to be.

So take care of yourself. Give yourself some grace. Who knows? You might be the next success story in America. Or maybe you will just be a happy, fulfilled, mentally healthy individual who is comfortable in her own skin.

Now, that’s priceless!

 

How do you handle being an introvert? Do you ever compare yourself to others who are extroverted?

 

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, remembering that as members of the same body you are called to live in harmony, and never forget to be thankful for what God has done for you.

Colossians 3:15