Introvert Pride

If you're an introvert , there is a good chance you've been perusing the posts on this blog for quite a while.  Maybe you're looking to validate whether you are truly an introvert, or you've already checked that off your list and are now seeking tips for breaking the news to the world. I sincerely hope, however, that you're not so much as entertaining the idea of ridding yourself of your introversion .  It's no secret that the world seems to favor extroverts, especially here in the United States. From job listings that stress "teamwork skills" to open workspaces (whether they make a furious return after the pandemic is anyone's guess), people tend to be less suspicious of gregarious, outspoken types.  Yet, you'd be surprised at just how many people want to come out of the introvert closet. Their reasons for not doing so are the subject of this post. Introverts have been stigmatized as lonely, self-absorbed, or disinterested, so it's no won...

Ah, introverts. We just love to marinate ideas in our heads, almost to a fault. But, truth be told, our absolute best ones -- those flashes of keen insight, those moments of stupendous clarity -- occur at certain opportune times. Whether it's a winning advertising concept to pitch to a client or the perfect gift for your husband's birthday, these "Eureka" or "aha" realizations don't come to pass at just anytime, anyplace.  In order for us to generate great ideas, one condition must usually be met. Can you guess what it is? Here's a hint: It's what introverts need in order to recharge our batteries. If you said solitude, alone time, peace and quiet, or something else along those lines, you hit the nail on the head! Solitude affords us the opportunity to reset our minds, which results in a fresh batch of thoughts and ideas.  But it becomes virtually impossible to do this when interrupted by your barking dog, car honking coming from the street, your...