My roommate is an EXTREME extrovert and she’s driving me MAD. Of course I understand her perfectly and do my best to respect her, but it’s too much for her to extend the same courtesy. Literally. She tries, but it is draining to put up with her IN-YOUR-FACE attitude all the time.
Being an introvert has nothing to do with being self-absorbed. Being an introvert is not about being antisocial or shy. (Shyness is more like: “I wish I could go up to those people and talk to them, but I don’t know how or I’m scared to.”) An introvert just needs time to warm up to someone before suddenly being their best friend. In a very short summary, it means that you need time alone (occasional or a lot) to unwind. Extraverts get a more of a recharge out of being around people; we introverts recharge when we’re alone. Some people are in the middle, with a mix of qualities. I happen to be very introverted, comfortable being alone for much of the time. My friends—I love them all and have a great time hanging out with them, but sometimes I must be alone. They have learned to respect that. (But never move in with an extreme extravert if you are an extreme introvert. Great learning experience (for her) but the sparks will fly as she tramples all over your privacy rights with a big clueless smile on her face.)
Some people are terrified of being alone, even for a little while. It shocked me to learn that. How can someone not like their own company? Scary. I like to read books, write or talk one-on-one with close friends. I can socialize in large groups, I just don’t prefer it. I’d rather have the intimacy of one or two people and have a deep (or shallow) conversation than have to shout over a crowd about… anything.
Introversion is one of the most misunderstood traits on earth. Even we introverts grow up thinking something is wrong with us, because well meaning (or not so well-meaning) family and friends tell us so. A lot of us become shy because we’re made to feel abnormal. And a lot of us just don’t give a sh*t. If anyone has read this quasi-rant, thank you for your patience. Now it’s time to give my roommate her tranquilizers. :P
