Hi, My Name is....Introvert
Some of you will read this title and think, 'Not Martha!' I know. I play a good game of it.Last week I attended an event with my pal Lynne. I didn't think I'd know anyone there. I ended up seeing a couple of former co-workers (people who were actually nice), and I was introduced to a few of Lynne's colleagues. Smiles and handshakes all around. Nodding at conversation.And yesterday I attended my 40th high school reunion. It was a very successful day, and, as I'd had a hand in the planning of the event, I received plenty of compliments and positive feedback about the day.After a few hours, I couldn't wait to leave.Now hold on - it wasn't that I didn't want to see old friends. I did! And they're really great people. Yes, we've all grown up (way up), and after forty years, much of my teenage angst is pushed back. Maybe not forgotten but certainly diluted by life's joys and accomplishments. I had a chance to speak with just about everyone, and even led a goofy trivia contest.Well, that doesn't sound like an introvert, does it?But here's the thing, and I thank Lynne for the conversation last week as we were driving back home from the beach event: an extrovert derives energy from being around people - an introvert's energy is sucked out by being around others. An introvert may work hard at being sociable, but it's draining.
Introverts don't like small talk - not because they dislike people, but because it serves as a kind of barrier. Introverts sometimes feel alone, even in the midst of familiar faces. Introverts can be excellent public speakers (yes!), but find it more difficult and stressful to mingle with others afterwards. Introverts start to shut down after they've been active for too long. And I did, at both events. So, my apologies to my high school friends for leaving the party without saying my goodbyes. I was so grateful to be in your company! And for the ones from my high school class who couldn't attend the reunion, meeting one-on-one or in a small group would be absolutely perfect. But you knew that.