Since this is my first post on my new blog, I thought a bit of an introduction might be in order—not to my writing, but to me. We never see ourselves the way others see us, so my perception of “me” might come as a surprise to those whose vision is otherwise. I believe I’m an introvert trying hard to be an extrovert, which by the way, can be exhausting. Most of my pastimes are solitary: writing, photography, gardening, reading, perusing Facebook…. But, I also love to cook for people and entertain, so friends who have called me “the hostess with the mostess” are shaking their heads in disbelief at the word introvert. Well, here’s the thing about being an introvert; it’s easier to be the hostess of your own party than a guest at someone else’s. Seriously, think about it. You’ve chosen the guest list so you know everyone; you don’t have to make “so what do you do?” small talk; you can stay busy smiling, refreshing drinks, and making introductions. Even the shyest among us can manage that. The flip side, which just occurred to me, is that being more comfortable running the show might mean I’m a bit of a control freak. Hmmm. This might require a bit more thought. I’m also introspective to a fault, if you haven’t picked up on that already. This, I believe, is the underlying cause of my insomnia. I analyze past conversations and interactions ad infinitum, often beating myself up for something I either said, or should have said, or should have done. I’m self-conscious and insecure, which often conflicts with the image I project. Sometimes I over-compensate. The truth is something as simple as an initial coffee date with a new acquaintance completely intimidates me, and I’m never happy with how I come across. A lifetime of being who you are expected to be can leave you unsure of who you are. I’m more comfortable sending an email than picking up the phone. I can backspace, correct, and rethink an email. Chatting on the fly is another story. My mind goes either blank or I’ll blurt something out and bury you in too much information. With most people, an eye-to-eye chat is more within my comfort zone. Facial expressions and body language help keep me in check. I have passionate convictions, but try to stay open-minded. I take pride in being a loyal, staunch friend. Friendships are everything to me, so I will forgive the inevitable slights and hurts. But, I do have a line in the sand no matter how far out it might be, and when it’s crossed, we’re done.
I think I have a generous spirit and rarely hesitate to open my wallet or give of my time when asked. I want life to be good for everyone. And because of this I get taken advantage of on occasion. That’s okay. It’s better than being a stingy bum. I am unapologetically crazy about my pets and everyone else’s. Yes, I’m the person at the party sitting on the floor, talking to the dog. So, there you have it. Feel free to leave comments so I can get to know you as well.
5 Comments
10/6/2018 06:09:01 pm
You know yourself so well! I suspect many authors share your attributes but may not be willing to admit to them in a blog post.
Reply
Margie
10/9/2018 11:59:06 am
Your sentence about “being who you are expected to be” completely resonates with me, Lynn.
Reply
Lynn
10/10/2018 05:05:53 pm
It's our generation, Margie. The way we were brought up. I envy the freedom young women have today to be themselves, and to have the chance to figure out what that means.
Reply
Bonnie Munnell
5/28/2019 03:27:10 pm
omg, this is so me too! Ha, and you thought you were unique! I used to wonder "am I an introvert or an extrovert"? Because when I used to be in party-mode and lots of socializing I was known to be the former, but really I blame self-consciousness, nerves, alcohol, and a need to try to keep things lively! Finally I decided, yes, that is all exhausting, and also tricky as pressured speech, etc. sometimes made my words or behavior troublesome...Now that I am old (ok, not quite as old as you in years, but still, feeling old-ish), I veer away from most social situations. I also much prefer to communicate in writing (for the reasons you stated), and really, especially, am phone shy...I also have realized that I am much better at one-on-one convos than trying to talk to even several people at a time. Accepting all this has helped me a lot, and I have also become very picky about who I engage with. Not to be judgmental, they might even be a conversation with some odd street person...but all that social editing has made my personal world way too small. I crave a few good new friends, and hope that we can be that eventually...So cool of you to open up on this subject. TY.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Categories
All
Archives
April 2023
|