Why the world needs introverts:

[franceslievens]

Very interesting read in The Guardian on introverts and extroverts. Read till the end to understand why being shy isn't the same as being introvert. It made me realise that indeed I'm not as shy as I used to be, but still introvert.

Comments

[frenchani.livejournal.com]

My definition of introvert/extrovert (partly borrowed from things I read years ago) is that it has nothing to do with shyness and everything to do with the source of energy we use in our social dealings. The extroverts feed from the people around them, using the energy that proceeds from the audience, like a sort of social vampire, so they need to be surrounded by as many people as possible, to be the centre of the crowd's attention, while the introverts feed themselves to the audience, so crowds left them exhausted and they need quiet time to recharge their batteries.

I'm completely drained after a day of lectures, even though I'm okay while teaching (the adrenaline helps), so obviously I am an introvert. But I know teachers who feel better after their lectures, energized, as if they had been dosed up by the students. I think it's the same for many actors, singers, or performers in general. Some are worn out after a performance, others feel empowered and can go on and party all night long.

[frances-lievens.livejournal.com]

I've got the same. I love teaching, but am very tired afterwards. I love attention, but hate crowds. The same with P. Unfortunately we've got some friends who don't quite understand being introvert and then coerce us into engaging in group activities. It's getting better though. They have understood we don't like going on a trip with three other families.