These are truly strange times. As of this writing, I have barely seen anyone other than my live-in partner for about seven months. When I had to go in for a physical exam, labs, and a flu shot at my primary care physician’s office (because I was many months overdue and they refused to refill my migraine meds until I came in and proved to them I was still alive), » Read more
The Double Life of a Highly Sensitive Extrovert
I read a book about a decade ago that changed a lot of how I view myself and others. It’s very popular, and I’ve been meaning to write about it for some time. It’s called The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You, and it’s by researcher Elaine Aron. » Read more
I Always Think Introverts Hate Me When They Don’t
While I’ve had a couple of close friends who were extroverted (including my high school best friend), the vast majority of my close friends have been introverts.
That was how I got my social start back in elementary school. Shy kids flocked to me. I was often the group spokesperson, being brave on my friends’ » Read more
Affective Presence, a Personality Trait That Measures How Easy You Are to Be Around
I’ve known some people in my life who could walk into a room and seem to make everyone seem more comfortable simply by being there.
They didn’t even have to say or do a lot, mind you. They just had a way of putting others at ease. A calm energy, if you will. » Read more
The Big Five, OCEAN: The One Personality Test Actually Supported by Science
Personality tests? Bunch of hooey, amirite?
I mean, maybe it’s fun to find your ramen patronus, but nobody takes them seriously, right?
They’re not based on science or anything… are they?
Well, a viral quiz’s assessment of what kind of lover you are based on the food you prefer is suspect, » Read more
Is There a Difference Between Natural and Affected Extroversion?
As I wrote in a recent post, I recently moved cross country and have discovered that in spite of my assumption that I’d rush out and get socially connected ASAP that I am very introverted in my new home.
Happily introverted.
It’s a sharp 180 from my normal way of relating. » Read more
When You’ve Changed, You Have to Decide Whether to Accept It or Try to Force Yourself Back
Two months ago, I moved from Cleveland to Dallas. I laughed the first time I was asked if I might be amenable to moving to Texas five months ago.
But the more I learned about the job opportunity in Dallas, the less insane it sounded.
And a month after that, I was straight out getting rid of most of what I owned, » Read more
The Hardest Part of Loving an Introvert
“Love is essential, gregariousness is optional.”
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“Whacha thinking?” I ask him.
“Nothing much. Just chilling,” he says.
And yet I know there’s more to it. It’s just that thoughts don’t translate into words as well as he’d like. It’s not easy for him to bring them up to the surface, » Read more
Alone
I have a secret. I love to be alone.
For anyone who knows me in everyday life, this may come as a bit of a shock. After all, I’m friendly, chatty, outgoing, in many ways your basic socialite.
This doesn’t mean that social interactions don’t drain me, however. They do. I’m very sensitive to other people’s emotions, » Read more