If you met me in person, you probably wouldn’t suspect me of being an introvert.
I love meeting new people. I enjoy hearing about their passions. I like going out for cocktails (or coffee) with my girlfriends. I even strike up conversations while in line at the grocery store. After reading Susan Cain’s new book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, I realized that I might be an introvert. Especially after taking her quiz.
That was quite a revelation. I consider myself pretty outgoing. Heck, I even sell sex toys for a living. (It’s our busy season!) Through my Passion Parties business, I’ve learned how to approach strangers, hand out my business cards, and get a phone number in return. I’ve learned how to pick up the phone and ask complete strangers invite their friends over for a dildo viewing party. And they do!
As a freshman in college I dreamed of being an actor. It was fun to become a different character. Then I realized that there’s not very many prospects available for a short, not so skinny Asian-American woman who couldn’t dance.I don’t mind speaking in front of a crowd, whether it’s a monologue or the pro and cons of flavored versus plain lube. Surely that means I’m an extrovert?
Maybe not.
I love my me time. I cherish it since I don’t get it very often with two little ones to take care of. I savor being the only one awake in my apartment, as I sit at my desk, tapping at my keyboard. Sure, I’ll chat with my Twitter or Facebook friends, but it’s not like I have to fix my hair or change out of my pajamas to talk to them.
One of the questions in the quiz asked if I often let phone calls go to voice mail. That’s one of the signs of an introvert. I do it more than I’d like to admit. I try not to as some of them are business calls. Some nights after a long day of war with my toddler, I just don’t want to talk to anyone. Except for my husband.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed by all the craziness of parenting, I get away for a couple of hours on hubby’s day off. Usually I prefer solitude. I’ll sit at Starbucks with my journal or a book. Last week, I spent all afternoon shopping-all by myself. I’d rather spend a few hours walking around a museum, something I resolve to do more of this year.
I’d like to say that I straddle both, an ambivert, Susan Cain calls it. Maybe she would tell me I’m a high-functioning extrovert.
If you’ve met me in person, what do you think? Do I seem like an introvert to you?
Are you an introvert or extrovert? Author Susan Cain explores how introverts can be powerful in a world where being an extrovert is highly valued. Join From Left to Write on January 19 as we discuss Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain. We’ll also be chatting live with Susan Cain at 9PM Eastern on January 26. As a member of From Left to Write, I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Photo by Cia de Foto via Creative Commons.