Introversion (I'm Just Not All That Sociable)

Some people are surprised when I say that I'm an introvert. I don't fit the stereotype. I'm fairly outgoing and friendly when I meet new people, I have a part-time job that requires me to speak coherently and confidently in front of dozens or even hundreds of people, I used to have a job where I had to interact with numerous people all day, and I enjoy being out in crowds, such as at concerts. But I'm most comfortable when I can just sit in my recliner and read the New York Times, when I'm at concerts I'm concentrating on the music (or taking pictures) not socializing; officiating at weddings I'm reading a script; I get uncomfortable after too much time one-on-one or in small groups. Even at family gatherings I can sit back and observe and let conversations flow around me. I like people, I really do, just in small doses!

Some years back I was in a religious group that required, or at least strongly encouraged, talking to strangers to recruit them into our group. Anyone who was with me during those times where I actually spoke to someone might have assumed that I was good at it, but it was something that I had to force myself to do. I was always relieved when no one answered their doors or we encountered no one in the park. Years later as a manger in a grocery store, going to neighboring businesses with baked goods or Deli trays to convince them to patronize our store was the most difficult part of my job. Spontaneous conversations with people at work? No problem! Chance encounters at the bar are cool (I have met more interesting people at O'Rourke's Tavern over the years!), mainly because they are not forced. Going to any kind of "meet & greet" is anxiety inducing for me.

This is introversion, my version.