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The Introvert

By Bruce R.

Many years ago I was having a discussion with some co-workers at lunch. I was describing the differences between introverts and extroverts and that the U.S. culture is predominately extroverted, while India is an example of a mostly introverted culture.

"In the U.S., introverts are a minority, so they are treated like there is something wrong with them. They are loners, shy, anti-social, etc. I'm an introvert. Do you see me as as anti-social?" I asked.

"Well, now that you mention it..." one of them started to joke. But they knew very well that I talked and socialized with them.

I described more. "The main difference between introverts and extroverts is 'where they gain energy'. Extroverts gain energy by being around and interacting with other people. And they lose energy if they don't have people contact. Introverts are the opposite. They lose energy around other people, and the gain energy by being alone."

One of the most extroverted guys in the group said, "I gain energy by being alone. I like to sit and meditate, or go off on my own. Maybe I'm an introvert."

Inside I was laughing. "Well maybe. Few people are completely introverted or extroverted. But I score pretty high on the introverted side. Let me give you an example. Do you remember that warm weekend in February a few weeks ago? I heard it was very nice out, but I wouldn't know. After getting home Friday evening, I watched a little TV. I read a book. The next day I read some more, and I programmed on my computer. I stayed in the apartment all day. On Sunday the same. Monday morning, as I got on my bike, and opened the door, I realized that I had gone the whole weekend without going outside, I had not opened the curtains, or even thought to look outside all weekend. I was refreshed and energized, ready for work."

All of my co-worker's jaws dropped. They had looks of horror or amazement.

"I guess I could go that long," said the extrovert, with a worried look.

"I didn't do it as an exercise in endurance. And it was only two days, I could have gone a whole week. It was very relaxing," I replied.

The extroverted guy quietly said, "OK, I'm definitely not an introvert." He sounded relieved.

We all laughed.

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