Saturday, August 13, 2005

Caring for your introvert

I was contemplating taking this article, printing it out and sending it to everyone I know...but then I remembered how introverted I really am because theres no one to send it too. There's family..but surely they've figured it out by now...haha.

Anyway, I know it's a long article, and all you extroverts out there won't be able to focus your attention long enough to finish the whole thing...but for the introverts that may just happen to run across this, I promise you will find it truly entertaining, I know I did. In fact I think I will at the very least, print this out and frame it and put it near my front door. Call it a slight hint. ;)

"Caring for Your Introvert

By Jonathan Rauch, The Atlantic Online, reprinted with permission
The subtitle of this article as it appeared in the March, 2003 issue of the Atlantic Monthly is "the habits and needs of a little-understood group." It is a humorous and informative piece by the self-confessed introverted author
.

Do you know someone who needs hours alone every day? Who loves quiet conversations about feelings or ideas, and can give a dynamite presentation to a big audience, but seems awkward in groups and maladroit at small talk? Who has to be dragged to parties and then needs the rest of the day to recuperate? Who growls or scowls or grunts or winces when accosted with pleasantries by people who are just trying to be nice?

If so, do you tell this person he is "too serious," or ask if he is okay? Regard him as aloof, arrogant, rude? Redouble your efforts to draw him out?

If you answered yes to these questions, chances are that you have an introvert on your hands-and that you aren't caring for him properly. Science has learned a good deal in recent years about the habits and requirements of introverts. It has even learned, by means of brain scans, that introverts process information differently from other people (I am not making this up). If you are behind the curve on this important matter, be reassured that you are not alone. Introverts may be common, but they are also among the most misunderstood and aggrieved groups in America, possibly the world......click here to continue reading


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