Introversion: Explained with Incredible Detail

    Thank goodness for the random collections of articles Facebook brings to my attention. Where else would I get all my extraneous reading material completely unrelated to anything I'd think of researching? Today I came across an article I believe I'd skimmed through in the past, however rereading it today seemed to strike a chord with me that had gone unnoticed before. The Huffington Post's "23 Signs You're Secretly an Introvert" by Carolyn Gregoireconcisely outlines 23 characteristics I see within myself- it's almost as if they were deliberately describing me, although clearly there are tons of people out there who are just like me!


Here are some points that really stood out to me:

1. You find small talk incredibly cumbersome
    :: I'm not sure this could be any truer. I most certainly enjoy talking with people about things that truly matter, what's going on in other's lives, and how individuals are dealing with issues in their lives, but I seldom enjoy fleeting chitchat. As the article states, it does truly feel disingenuous.
...
5. You've been called "too intense":
    :: This one made me laugh a little bit. I've had many people say this to me, when I don't mean to come off as intense whatsoever- especially if it's bothering somebody. I'm usually just thinking intently about something, exploring ideas in my mind, and don't necessarily realize how my state of being is bothering others. But clearly, if someone feels the need to remind me that I'm being "too intense," it must be bothering people more than I'd think.
....
7. Downtime doesn't feel unproductive to you:
    :: This is one characteristic I thought came with the territory of the line of work I'm in. After working, whether it be personal training or group fitness instructing, I find I need quiet time to process the ongoings of the day. I tend to hold onto the conversations and situations I have and experience with people, rethinking them, revisiting the feelings and emotions associated with them to the point of feeling emotionally drained. I also find if I give myself time to think about those things and come to conclusions in my mind, I feel much better and more at ease. That is when downtime is essential for me.
...
11. You're in a relationship with an extrovert:
    :: It baffles me why this is the case, however this definitely rings true for me. I'm occasionally put in situations where my other (extroverted) half is very comfortable and I'm left feeling rather uncomfortable and awkward. He and I are both bothered by introverted-related-shyness at times, but my take is this one is best resolved with sheer acceptance.
...
14. You screen all your calls-- even from friends:
    :: I almost feel the need to apologize for this one. Author Sophia Dembling describes it very well, "To me, a ringing phone is like having somebody jump out of a closet and go 'BOO!'... I do like having a long, nice phone call with a friend-- as long as it's not jumping out of the sky at me." I feel the need to be prepared for everything and anything, and that undoubtedly includes conversations, face to face or otherwise.
...
16. You have a constantly running inner monologue:
    :: Constantly. My thoughts and re-thoughts are unending. I think about and rethink about situations, past, present, or future, playing them out in my head while trying to uncover any hidden meaning or important concepts I might be overlooking.
...
21. You've been told to "come out of your shell":
    :: This one irks me a little bit, since I've heard this phrase come from all sorts of people throughout my life. It is refreshing to have someone outline this characteristic of introverts and be able to thoughtfully explain why introverts are that way. It's not as though I'm hiding in a shell of an outwardly nice, but quiet, person. There is not a problem with me because I'm quietly absorbing all that's going on around me. It is simply the way I view and take in my environment. When I have something to say, or feel comfortable enough to say, what's on my mind I will.

Be sure to check out the article link above to read through all of the 23 points. I hope you find it as fascinating as I do.