Misunderstood

Introverts are often misunderstood. I am an introvert. 

While extraverts draw energy from action and being with and among people, gatherings and activities, introverts get their energy from a calm atmosphere and time to be reflective. Introverts are somewhat inhibited; they rebuild their energy from quiet time, and time alone. They work well independently.

There are some major misconceptions about introverts. One is that we are shy, reclusive and antisocial. Nothing about this is true. The dichotomy is that I am introverted while being an outgoing and social person. My personality can be described as a joiner, a leader, a group player.

And I present this persona. Because it works. Because it is more acceptable. Because I don’t want to appear unfriendly. And because it’s necessary. 

But my first thought in a crowd—at a party, at church, a class reunion, really any large gathering—is how and when can I escape? I feel out of place and exhausted within the first few minutes. True confession time: I often excuse myself to go to the ladies room. Not because I’m in need of it, but because it’s private and quiet. I get a reprieve for a short time, then I’m refreshed, at least temporarily. When I was working, I chose a bench to sit on with my lunch and my book, rather than eat in the cafeteria. 

If you know me, you may be very surprised at this because it’s not what you see. But again, it’s characteristic of an introvert and it’s how I’m wired. 

I read an article recently about introverts in the church. Acting as if they’re conforming, introverts may not even be paying attention when the hymns are sung, the prayers are said or the sermon is preached. (Side note: I love my pastor’s sermons and hang on to every word, mulling it over while other parts of the service are going on.) The article goes on to say that the church needs both types, extraverts and introverts alike, to function and fulfill its mission. 

There are personality tests to determine your type, and they may even surprise you. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator in one such tool and is often given in the workplace to determine how staff interact with one another and to inform how they are productive with very different tasks and in different environments.

The Myers-Briggs inventory is based on the theory that people experience the world using four principal functions: sensation, intuition, feeling and thinking, and that one of these four functions is dominant for a person most of the time. The test measures four categories: introversion/extraversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving. Each person is said to have one preferred quality from each category. (Wikipedia)

My results, although some years back, indicated I am I N T P.  Introverted—Intuitive—Thinking—Perceptive. This explains why I like to work alone, read and undertake projects independently, carefully ponder pros and cons when making a decision or taking action, and look at the big picture (sometimes rushing to offer solutions).

So there you have it. Now you know what makes me tick. But, again, the world is richer for all of us with all types, don’t you think?

Thank you for taking the time to read my random thoughts.