If I'm not reading the above terminally boring materials I indulge in romance novels from Linda Howard, Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown and others. Why do I read romance novels? (I'm a librarian for pete's sake! I should be reading literature. Or , that seems to be the opinion of non-librarians) Because I don't have to pay attention. I can pick them up and put them down whenever I want. I can come back to them a week or month later and pick right up on the plot. Plus, the really good ones do their research. And, if they do their research I don't have to take the time to write them emails telling them that the gun they chose for their hero to carry wasn't manufactured in the time period that they set the novel or that the "picture hats" their heroine was wearing in chapter 3, paragraph 6 were not worn in that era. Yes, I have actually sent these emails, after doing my research, of course. (egad, I can be a pompous know-it-all)
Anyway, I'm not reading any of those sorts of things right now. Right now, I'm reading; Introvert Power, Why your inner life is your hidden strength by Laurie Helgoe and Quiet, The power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking by Susan Cain. I'm reading these two books because I am an introvert (there I said it) and it effects my job and how people see me.
It's like this:
When I just want to go into my office, close my door and get some work done, it can be thought of by others that I am being antisocial, uncommunicative, standoffish or detached from the group. Yet, really I all want it to get some damn work done. Knock on my door and come in, I don't bite...normally. My quiet and contemplative nature is not rude or uncommunicative, it is just the way I'm wired.
My not "sharing" at large group meetings does not mean that I don't understand what is being talked about, does not mean I don't care and does not mean I haven't got opinions about the topic. Though it may look that way to extroverts it just means that I don't feel comfortable expressing them in a large group or that I would like some time to process the information in order to look at the problem from all angles before stating my case. Trust me, I have a case.
So, I'm reading these books in order to tap into my introvertness (yeah, I know Blogger...not a word) in a way that empowers me and maybe other introverts. I want to (as Camille Maurine says from the cover of Introvert Power), embrace my inner life and claim it as a rich source of power, creativity, and connectedness.
Introverts please watch Susan Cain's TED talk to start to understand why you need that office/room/quiet place. Why we should tap into our power, creativity, and connectedness.
Extroverts please watch Susan Cain's TED talk to understand why we aren't snobs. Why we don't understand "group-work". Why we need to "be in our heads". Why we don't spill our every thought.
"In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.
Okay, that is more than enough sharing for today. I'm all tapped out. As an introvert this constitutes over-sharing.
I'll leave you with a question; Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Love,
M
I am an introvert. That's why I love blogging. It's a way to be social without all the uncomfortable face to face stuff.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree.
DeleteI'm a closet introvert. (figure that one out) Naturally, I'm an extrovert, feeling like I have some responsibility for the group as a whole, but I wish I wasn't like that. I actually like small group situations a lot more.
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ReplyDelete*Snort* Michele, do you REALLY have to ask me that question??? :-P
ReplyDeleteNo, I was pretty sure where you fell in the introvert/extravert scale.
DeleteFirst of all, I have to tell you how much I love you for writing pithy letters correcting the historical accuracy of romance novels. LOVE IT.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I think I agree with Sprite's K. While most people would probably consider me an extrovert, because I'm pretty comfortable with doing/saying pretty much anything in front of anybody, the truth is that I MUCH prefer to just shut myself up alone. A house full of people makes me crazy. And Jimmy is the opposite, for him it's the more the merrier. But I would really, truly love to have a job like yours that would allow me to shut myself up and do research or something, and deal with human beings in a minimal way. I guess that's why I love writing.
Dealing with human beings every once in awhile isn't a bad thing. It is dealing with them all the time that gets to me. shutting my office door doesn't always work but it helps.
DeleteWhen introducing me to people, my husband will actually say the words, "She doesn't like people." He is a true extrovert, and has a hard time with my extreme introversion. Obviously.
ReplyDeleteI'm what I term a forced extrovert. I can play both sides - I do have an introspective me who loves to be left alone to ponder, cogitate, read vampire books (don't have to pay attention), gaze at nature. The extrovert comes out when I feel a need to play or want some interesting conversation. Hubby is a raging introvert and we fit well together. We can tackle any party together; either I will do the talking and work the room while he smiles in the background, or we both may hug the wall. Works for us. I recently tried an experiment - 24 hours of solitude; no talking, no tv watching, etc. It was a religious thing and I got a lot out of it. I found I can be introverted when the situation calls for quiet, and extroverted when a voice is needed. Rather like being ambidextrous. ;)
ReplyDeleteI read the same authors in the romance genre you do - and for the same reasons. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm mostly an introvert, but can be coaxed into extrovert mode if I'm drinking...heh!
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