Things Introverts Love

I saw this meme awhile ago, and it caught my attention…because, well, I’m an introvert. I think I’ve always been pretty reserved, and I’ve always liked to ease myself into a new situation or even when meeting new people. I’d also say that I’m pretty guarded with my feelings and my emotions. But, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized I would actually describe myself as an introvert. What I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older (maybe once I became a parent to two very different kids with very different personality types who even go about the same daily activities in very different ways) that it’s important to know and respect the attributes of those around you and those you love. For example, there are times I come home from school and the last thing I want to do is talk on the phone. I used to feel bad if all I could manage to squeak out was a text message, but now that I have allowed myself to acknowledge that boundaries are ok, I realize that the text message has to be enough—for myself and for the recipient. Just a small example from the mind of an introvert.

I’ve mentioned this before, but I have a former principal who once said about himself, “I’m an introvert who thrives on a routine and dislikes conflict.” That. Is. Me….Also, I could not have chosen a profession that pushes these limits….daily (hourly!) if I tried. So, no wonder I’m exhausted at the end of every day.

Rainy Days

Truth. I love watching the news in the morning…and when they show the extended weather forecast, I always look to see if we have any upcoming rainy days. I love a cloudy day with a book, a blanket, and not much to do. I joke that rainy days are “permission to be lazy” because what can you actually accomplish on a rainy day? haha

Cancelled Plans

For being an introvert, I do get FOMO rather easily. I do like to hang out and go out with my friends, but I’m also not mad about some cancelled plans. Cancelled plans mean I get to hang out at home which is my favorite place to be!

Solo Activities

I do need some time to unwind. Thankfully, I’m usually home around 4:00, so I get some time to decompress, read, check my phone, etc before starting dinner and evening activities. I also do enjoy having some time to myself to go to the grocery store, run to Target, or get a coffee at Starbucks. I don’t mind doing some activities alone, but I also know that’s only because I know that once I go home there’s the hustle and bustle of it all. Some day my house will be too quiet and I won’t need the time for solo activities which will make me sad, I’m sure!

Daydreaming

So… I’m not much for a daydreamer…but I am a planner. I feel so much better if my week is laid out in front of me, activities are written on the calendar, and dinners are planned. I feel less stressed when everything is in order.

Deep Conversations

Ok, I will say…I’m not one that craves deep conversations. So, this part of the graphic doesn’t necessarily apply to me. I think that because I’m “on” all day at school and get very little peace and quiet, the last thing I want to do is have a lengthy conversation. That being said, of course, I love catching up with an old friend, chatting with my mom friends about what’s going on, or getting the details of my kids’ day at school. I like to chat…but just maybe not super deep conversations. I think I often feel like my brain and voice need a break 😂

Text Messages

Thank goodness for text messages. As I stated above, they are a great way to keep up with friends and family near and far. Plus, texts have come a long way! Now you can insert emojis and GIFs. haha. That being said, of course, it’s nice to hear a loved one’s voice or receive a nice voicemail.

Recharging

Yes. Yes. Yes. What pretty much gets me through my early alarm clock is knowing what time I will be home and back in my pjs in the evening. Honestly, like I said, I like to plan out the week, so we know what all is going on, but I also like planning out the week to look forward to the evenings where we don’t have much on our plate, dinner isn’t rushed, and maybe we can play a game or watch a show as a family. I do feel like recharging is so important for all people, so we don’t get run down, tired, and/or sick.

Home

I love my home. I think I’ve always been this way, but I guess just in adulthood, I’ve realized how much I truly do love being at home. If I’m home, I want it to be a place I enjoy and feel comfortable and cozy in. So, of course that means my favorite places to shop are Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, and Target. 😂 I will say if I bring home another pillow, Travis may throw a fit! I am the definition of a home body!

Introspection

I wouldn’t necessarily have described myself as introspective but once I saw it listed on the graphic, I do feel like it applies to me as an introvert. Like I said, I can be quiet. It takes time for me to process information. I’m the type that occasionally keeps a journal, has notes on my phone of meaningful quotes, turns the radio down on my solo car ride home from school to think about my day, and needs some “me” time to decompress from the day. I’m reflective enough to know that I have good and bad days, great qualities but that I’m also a work in progress, and that no relationship is perfect…and they take work.

Like I said, this graphic definitely resonated with me when I saw it on social media. I think sometimes introverts may get a bad rap of being snooty or closed off. Just because someone is quiet or guarded doesn’t mean they don’t have anything to offer or don’t want to get to know you….it may just take them awhile to warm up or feel comfortable in a situation or setting.

Hayden tends to be more like me. When Travis asks where we want to go for dinner on a Friday night, 9 times out of 10, Hayden says he wants carry out! haha. I will at least leave the house for a good dinner 😉 We aren’t sure where Hadley got her more extroverted personality from. While Travis is more extroverted in comparison to me, I’d see he’d probably label himself as closer to an introvert than an extrovert. I’m constantly in awe of Hadley’s self-confidence, assertiveness, and her ability to make friends effortlessly. I feel like it’s easier to be an extrovert than an introvert, so I’m so thankful she has the qualities and is dragging her brother with her along the way!

Just my two cents on what it means to be an introvert. I know extroverts probably feel misunderstood too sometimes! 😉 Thank goodness we all aren’t the same!

I hope you have a great weekend!

Take care,

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea