Taming the Introvert
I’m discovering that my son is a lot like me, in many ways. A born introvert. You’re probably shaking your head thinking, introvert? A teacher who speaks in front of large groups all the time?
I used to be the kid who cried at birthday parties when her mom dropped her off because there were people LOOKING at me. Painfully shy, that was me. Thankfully, I learned to cope and adapt. Now, I can turn on the extrovert side when I need to, but being the center of attention isn’t something that I want.
Last Friday my son had his final day of Vacation Bible School. They ended with a special program for parents which involved singing and dancing. My son hid behind a tall third-grade girl. I managed to finally sneak through and get this photo of him. I love the expression on his face. I can practically hear his thoughts: You don’t honestly think you’re going to get a decent picture of me dancing, do you? Future blackmail? Ha. I’ll just hide behind the tall kids again.
My daughter is completely the opposite of my son. She would be front and center, dancing and smiling. I think he’d rather be shot than do choreography. :rotf:
What about you? Would you call yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
Michelle posted in Writing @ 8:34 am | Viewed 2093 times
beth Says:
Um…introvert to the nth degree!
Though, like you, I never really suffered from that when I was teaching. So maybe the caveat is that in social situations I’m an introvert. In a situation where I am or am expected to be the “expert” or “in charge”, I have no trouble leading…though I don’t know that I’d go so far as saying I’m ever extroverted.
Donna Alward Says:
It depends on how you define extrovert and introvert. I didn’t even realize this until - shock - I was reading about personality types as research!
I am not shy, I can public speak, etc. etc. but I’m actually an introvert. Why? It’s where I get my energy from. I would rather be alone. I definitely need space and quiet and crowds get to me.
And I just made your very simple question complicated, didn’t I?
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
Definitely an introvert!
Tori Lennox Says:
I’m a major introvert. Of course, if I’m with people I know, it’s not quite so bad.
But as the Brad Paisley song says, I’m so much cooler online.
Lexi Connor Says:
Definitely an introvert too. ANd when I tell my students that they all look at me weird until I say, “Well, getting up in front of you guys is different!” Oh, I seriously thought of dropping out of graduate school when I found out I’d have to present lesson plans to my classmates on a regular basis.
Melissa Mc Says:
Total introvert. I was actually relieved wheh HQ said they didn’t have any books of mine to send to the literacy signing!
Kelly Says:
No one believes I’m an introvert either because I’m usually fine speaking in front of a group or heading things up or being the comedian. But I’d always prefer to be off on my own somewhere quiet, or with a small group of close friends. Of course it’s these close friends who always say - ‘introvert? You? Never!!’ And of course, with them, I’m not!
Suzanne Says:
I’m shy, though people never seem to believe it…
Holly Says:
Introvert. I used to run and hide from company I didn’t know very well when I was little. Had a slight social anxiety when I started high school and I keep to myself most the time now that I’m a grown woman, but put me with family or friends and no one would believe it.
Not sure I could get up and do public speaking, unless I was in the right company and talking about something I’m passionate about. (An ex’s father did karaoke shows and I would sing in front of the family at the house, but he used to try to drag me up on stage when they did public shows cause he wanted me to sing with him and there was NO way…I dug in like a mule and wouldn’t budge.)
Jamie Says:
I’m definitely an introvert. I prefer the quiet room, instead of a lot of people. Michelle, I hope that you have a wonderful time in Dallas! I agree; you’ll have a lot of people coming up to you and telling you how great your first book really is! Jamie