One of Two Minds

Watch out! The following is a favourite subject of mine. I hope I won't bore you to tears...

Do you find yourself dreading large parties because they can be exhausting? Do you find it confusing that you don't seem to enjoy socializing like everyone else? Do you find yourself being overwhelmed by a task that others seem to think is simple? Do you often need time to organize your thoughts before you answer a question? If you answered yes to more than a couple of these, chances are you are not abnormal like you think; you're probably just an introvert. (Further down, I've posted a link that will help you decide)

Introversion and extroversion could be considered personalities, but really they describe the way our brains our wired. Introverts are happiest when by themselves, with well known friends, or in any restful setting. They recharge themselves mentally when they have time to rest and reflect. Extroverts, on the other hand, love socializing and adrenaline. They recharge when there is lots of excitement. While some people are extreme introverts and others are extreme extroverts, most people are somewhere in between, usually defaulting to one side or the other. Others, however, are very balanced, and can operate on both sides. As you grow older, you will slowly drift towards the middle of the scale.

Neither side is right or wrong. However, because introverts make up only 25% of the population, they often think something is wrong with them; the world they are in is geared towards extroverts.

If you know that you're an introvert, there is a way that you can function in this majority of opposites. The key is to understand how to recharge yourself. Maybe before you go out for the evening you can read a book, take a nap, do some easy tasks, or just simply sit and do nothing. This will give you extra energy, which you'll need, because being in a big group can be very draining!

Most importantly, you are not abnormal because you don't like to socialize like extroverts. Most likely, you can remember a time when you socialized with just a few friends and you had a complete blast. See if you can do that in large groups. Pick out another person that looks like a fish out of water, and try start a slow, relaxing discussion by tuning out all the people milling around. I think you'll be surprised.

Here's a website that will help you determine whether you are an introvert or not: Being an Introvert If you think you are an introvert or if you have a close friend who is an introvert, I suggest you read the book, The Introvert Advantage, available at Chapters. It'll really open your eyes!

The diversity in mankind is truly amazing!